P Palthera
Signalling Peptides

Semax

MEHFPGP / ACTH(4-7)PGP

Semax is a synthetic derived from (4–7), most extensively characterised in rodent models of cerebral ischaemia and neurobiology . Approved in the Russian Federation as a research and clinical compound; not approved for human therapeutic use in the United States, United Kingdom, or European Union.

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Signalling Peptides
Classification
Synthetic ACTH(4–7)-derived heptapeptide analogue
Research stage
Rodent neurobiology and in vitro literature
Sequence
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Molecular weight
813.9 Da

Snapshot

Key takeaways

A three-bullet snapshot before reading the full dossier.

  1. 01

    Seven- (4–7)-derived synthetic peptide.

  2. 02

    Primary peer-reviewed data come from rat ischaemia models and neurochemistry studies.

  3. 03

    Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction — research-use context only on this platform.

Dossier overview

4

research areas

3

references

3

handling notes

01

Mechanism of action

Rodent studies have associated Semax with modulation of immune and vascular in ischaemic brain tissue, downregulation of MMP-9 / c-Fos / JNK, and upregulation of CREB. work also describes copper-chelation behaviour relevant to amyloid aggregation .

02

Research applications

  • Rodent cerebral ischaemia models
  • Neurochemical gene-expression studies
  • Copper / amyloid
  • Peptide comparisons

03

Study references

Each profile cites a minimum of two peer-reviewed sources, with model type and reported sample size where the source provides it. Findings are model-specific and must not be extrapolated to therapeutic use.

The peptide semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia

2014

Medvedeva EV et al. · BMC Genomics

Model
In vivo — adult male Wistar rats (270–320 g) with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO)
Sample
≥5 rats per group per timepoint × 2 groups (ischaemia, ischaemia + Semax) × 2 timepoints (3 h, 24 h) — total ≥20 rats

Semax administration was associated with altered immune-related (chemokine, immunoglobulin) and vascular-system following focal cerebral ischaemia in rats.

PMID 24661604 DOI 10.1186/1471-2164-15-228

Brain Protein Expression Profile Confirms the Protective Effect of the ACTH(4–7)PGP Peptide (Semax) in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion

2021

Sudarkina OY et al. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Model
In vivo — 2-month-old male Wistar rats (200–250 g) with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO); 3 groups (sham, IR, IR+Semax)
Sample
Western blot n=5–7 per group; PCR n≥6 per group; histology n=4 per group at 24 h

Semax was associated with downregulation of MMP-9, c-Fos, and JNK and upregulation of CREB in ischaemic brain tissue at 24 hours post-stroke.

PMID 34201112 DOI 10.3390/ijms22126179

Semax, a Synthetic Regulatory Peptide, Affects Copper-Induced Aβ Aggregation and Amyloid Formation in Artificial Membrane Models

2022

Sciacca MFM et al. · ACS Chemical Neuroscience

Model
In vitro — artificial membrane models
Sample
Not reported in abstract

Reported that Semax can prevent formation of Aβ:Cu²⁺ complexes and inhibit fibre formation in artificial membrane systems.

PMID 35080861 DOI 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00707

Evidence caveats

  • The majority of in vivo data come from rodent models from a small number of Russian research groups; independent replication outside this network is limited.
  • Regulatory status differs by jurisdiction — not approved for human use in the US, UK, or EU.

04

Storage and handling

Store in a labelled research inventory according to supplier and protocol requirements.

  • Use clearly separated documentation for neurobiology model work.
  • Maintain batch traceability across runs.
  • Follow supplier-specific handling instructions.

05

Related reading

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