Semax in an Alzheimer's transgenic-mouse model
Ilchibaeva TV, et al. · Acta Naturae · 2025 · Preclinical
In an Alzheimer's transgenic-mouse model, Semax and a derivative improved cognition and reduced cortical/hippocampal amyloid inclusions.
Nootropic/neuroprotective heptapeptide (ACTH 4-10 analogue)
A Russian-developed ACTH-fragment peptide studied for neuroprotection and cognition.
At a glance
Overview
Derived from ACTH(4-10) but without steroidogenic activity.
Approved in Russia for stroke and cognitive disorders; Western evidence is largely preclinical but notably active in 2025.
Mechanism
Upregulates BDNF and NGF, modulates dopaminergic/serotonergic signalling and reduces oxidative stress.
Research
Ilchibaeva TV, et al. · Acta Naturae · 2025 · Preclinical
In an Alzheimer's transgenic-mouse model, Semax and a derivative improved cognition and reduced cortical/hippocampal amyloid inclusions.
Liu R, et al. · British Journal of Pharmacology · 2025 · Preclinical
Identified a novel mechanism — Semax targets the µ-opioid receptor gene Oprm1 to aid recovery after spinal-cord injury in mice.
Tomasello, et al. · Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications · 2025 · Preclinical
Semax cut reactive oxygen species from the amyloid-β/Cu(II) complex and protected neuroblastoma cells from copper-catalysed oxidative stress.
UTRGV · Review · 2025 · Review
In Parkinson's models Semax reliably reduced anxiety but showed inconsistent motor/dopamine effects; no human PD trials exist.
Levitskaya NG, et al. · Neurosci Behav Physiol · — · Foundational
Showed neuroprotective effects in MPTP-induced dopaminergic lesions.
Evidence summary
One of the most actively researched nootropic peptides today, with a surge of 2025 preclinical work in cognition and neuroprotection, built on decades of approved clinical use abroad. A compelling and fast-moving area of neuroscience research.