Semax / NA-Semax / NA-Semax-Amidate Testing

MW: 813.94 g/molHalf-life: Minutes systemically.

Heptapeptide based on the ACTH(4-10) fragment; cognitive research compound.

Mechanism of action

Synthetic heptapeptide based on N-terminal ACTH(4-10), with added Pro-Gly-Pro stabilization. Nootropic and neuroprotective effects via BDNF and NGF expression. Used in Russian neurology since the 1990s for stroke and cognitive disorders.

Sequence & structure

Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (7 residues) — plus N-acetyl and amidate variants

Three variants like Selank — plain, N-acetyl, and N-acetyl-amidate. Methionine oxidation is the primary stability concern.

Research areas

  • Stroke recovery (approved in Russia)
  • ADHD research
  • Optic nerve and retinal disorders
  • Cognitive enhancement

What we test on Semax / NA-Semax / NA-Semax-Amidate

RP-HPLC, intact-mass LC-MS, MS/MS sequence, Met oxidation quantitation.

Standard Cognitive / Nootropic Panel
  • RP-HPLC purity
  • LC-MS/MS identity (modification confirmation)
  • Residual solvents

Common impurities & failure modes

  • Met1 oxidation

    +16 Da; activity loss. Single most common impurity in aged Semax.

  • Wrong N-terminal modification

    Variant mis-labeling, same as Selank.

  • Wrong C-terminus

    Free acid vs. amide.

Related Cognitive / Nootropic peptides