Semax

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide built from the ACTH fragment 4-10, carrying the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. It was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences and has been registered as a pharmaceutical agent in Russia and Ukraine for neurological use. The research centre of gravity sits on its capacity to modulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression, giving it neuroprotective properties of particular relevance to ischaemic brain injury models. Beyond a simple ACTH-fragment reading, studies have logged effects on dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, pointing to broader neuromodulatory activity. Semax also features in stroke-rehabilitation literature, where its neuroprotective and neurorestorative behaviour has been examined in post-ischaemic recovery. Because it crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently, central nervous system activity follows peripheral administration, and for neuroscience and cognitive-pharmacology groups it remains a valuable tool for probing neuroplasticity, neurotrophic-factor regulation, and cognitive mechanisms across preclinical and clinical settings.