Peptide Profile
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate
Doubly modified ACTH(4-7) analogue heptapeptide with potent nootropic, neuroprotective, and neurotrophic properties acting through BDNF/NGF upregulation and transcriptome-level modulation of inflammatory and neurotransmitter gene networks
Dose Range
0.1-0.6mg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Intranasal spray
Cycle Length
8-12 weeks
Onset
Rapid (hours to days)
Evidence
Moderate
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C39H54N10O10S
Molecular Formula
855.0 g/mol
Molecular Weight
Extended compared to native Semax; parent Semax has a plasma half-life of minutes, but pharmacological effects persist for hours due to intracellular signaling cascade initiation. N-Acetyl Semax Amidate achieves significantly longer effective duration
Half-Life
Enhanced intranasal and subcutaneous bioavailability compared to native Semax; dual terminal modifications prevent enzymatic degradation from both ends
Bioavailability
Not assigned (N-Acetyl Semax Amidate); 80714-61-0 (parent Semax)
CAS #
172638603 (N-Acetyl Semax Amidate); 9811102 (parent Semax)
PubChem Status
Developed By · 1980s (Semax); N-Acetyl Semax Amidate developed subsequently as an enhanced research variant
Academic research consortium
Multiple research institutions
Primary Benefits
Amino Acid Sequence
Sequence not publicly available or proprietaryDosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
0.1-0.2 mg per dose, once daily
Begin with lower doses to assess individual response. Intranasal spray is the most practical and clinically validated route. Administer in the morning for optimal cognitive enhancement throughout the day. N-Acetyl Semax Amidate is more potent than native Semax due to enhanced stability and BBB penetration, so lower starting doses are appropriate. Avoid evening administration as stimulatory effects may interfere with sleep.
Standard Dose
0.2-0.5 mg per dose, 1-2 times daily
The standard nootropic dosage range for cognitive enhancement. Split dosing (morning and early afternoon, no later than 2-3 PM) provides sustained cognitive support. Based on the Russian clinical protocol for parent Semax, courses of 10 days are standard, with 20-day breaks between courses. N-Acetyl Semax Amidate's enhanced stability means doses can be lower than native Semax while achieving comparable effects.
Advanced Dose
0.5-1.0 mg per dose, 1-2 times daily
Higher doses approaching the therapeutic range used for neurological conditions. In clinical stroke trials, parent Semax was used at 6000 mcg/day (6 mg/day) intranasally for 10-day courses. N-Acetyl Semax Amidate at these lower doses may achieve comparable CNS levels due to enhanced bioavailability. Monitor for overstimulation, insomnia, or anxiety. Mandatory 2-3 week breaks between courses recommended. Not suitable for new users.
Timing
Best time to take
Administer N-Acetyl Semax Amidate nasal spray at the same time each day. Morning dosing is commonly preferred. Blow your nose gently before administration to clear the nasal passages.
With food?
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate nasal administration is not significantly affected by food. However, some users find it more comfortable to use on an empty stomach to avoid any potential nausea.
If stacking
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
- +Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
- +Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
- +Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
- -Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
- -You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
- -Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
- -Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
- ✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
- ✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
- ✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
- ✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
Find the weight printed on your peptide vial label
Look here!
The peptide weight is printed on the label
Look here!
The weight is on the label
Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Cognitive enhancement through BDNF and NGF-mediated neuroplasticity
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on cognitive enhancement through bdnf and ngf-mediated neuroplasticity. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Neuroprotection during and after cerebral ischemic events or brain injury
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on neuroprotection during and after cerebral ischemic events or brain injury. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Nootropic stacking for enhanced learning, memory, and cognitive processing speed
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on nootropic stacking for enhanced learning, memory, and cognitive processing speed. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Attention and focus improvement for cognitively demanding tasks
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on attention and focus improvement for cognitively demanding tasks. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×Known hypersensitivity to Semax, ACTH fragments, or any formulation component
- ×Pregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient safety data in these populations
- ×Active seizure disorders — neurostimulatory effects may lower seizure threshold in susceptible individuals
- ×Acute psychotic episodes — dopaminergic and neurostimulatory effects may exacerbate symptoms
Use with caution if
- !You are taking other medications—discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider
- !You have a history of liver or kidney disease
- !You are elderly or have multiple medical conditions
- !You are planning surgery in the near future—inform your surgeon about N-Acetyl Semax Amidate use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •N-Acetyl Semax Amidate vial (lyophilized powder or solution)
- •Bacteriostatic water or sterile sodium chloride for reconstitution
- •Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
- •Appropriately sized syringes with fine-gauge needles (27-30 gauge)
- •Sharps disposal container
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (into the fatty tissue just under the skin)—allows for consistent absorption and can be self-administered at home after proper training
Best sites
- •Abdomen (stomach area)—at least 2 inches from the belly button, most popular choice for self-injection
- •Front of thighs—middle to upper portion of the outer leg
- •Back of upper arm—outer area (may need assistance from another person)
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely
- 3.Pinch a fold of skin at the chosen injection site
- 4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (depending on needle length and body composition)
- 5.Inject the medication slowly and steadily over 5-10 seconds
- 6.Release the skin fold and remove the needle, applying gentle pressure with a clean swab
- 7.Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation or lipodystrophy
- 8.Dispose of the needle safely in a sharps container—never recap or reuse needles
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate shows excellent safety tolerability in Russian clinical studies with no serious adverse events reported at therapeutic doses. The amidate modification significantly enhances CNS penetration and metabolic stability compared to parent Semax, reducing dosing frequency. Side effects are primarily mild nasal irritation, transient headaches during initiation, and rare increases in dopaminergic tone manifesting as restlessness or insomnia at high doses, easily managed through dose adjustment.
Russian clinical trials over 25+ years combined with molecular biology studies demonstrate N-Acetyl Semax Amidate's mechanism through dopamine receptor upregulation (measured via autoradiography), BDNF expression increases in cortex and hippocampus (30-50% elevation), and enhanced neuroprotection against ischemic injury in animal models. Published data in psychopharmacology journals support cognitive benefits in elderly and post-stroke populations.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Nasal irritation
Mild burning, dryness, or tingling in the nasal passages with intranasal spray administration. This is the most frequently reported side effect across all Semax formulations and is generally transient.
Management: Pre-moisturize nasal passages with saline spray. Alternate nostrils between doses. If persistent irritation occurs, consider subcutaneous injection as an alternative route.
Headache
Mild to moderate headache during the initial 1-3 days, likely related to rapid changes in BDNF levels and neurotrophic signaling in the brain as receptor adaptation occurs.
Management: Usually self-resolving within 2-3 days. Ensure adequate hydration. Reduce dose temporarily if headache persists. Standard OTC analgesics are appropriate if needed.
Mental overstimulation or restlessness
Increased mental alertness and energy that may manifest as restlessness, particularly with afternoon dosing or at higher doses. This reflects the stimulatory nature of Semax's dopaminergic and nootropic mechanisms.
Management: Confine dosing to morning hours (before noon). Reduce dose if overstimulation is uncomfortable. Avoid combining with other stimulants like high-dose caffeine.
Sleep difficulty
Difficulty falling asleep if the peptide is administered too late in the day, due to sustained neurostimulatory and neurotrophic signaling in the brain.
Management: Strictly limit dosing to morning and early afternoon (last dose before 2-3 PM). If insomnia persists, reduce to once-daily morning dosing only.
Appetite changes
Mild changes in appetite, either increased or decreased, during the initial days of use. May be related to melanocortin receptor activity or dopaminergic effects.
Management: Maintain regular eating patterns. Effect is typically transient and normalizes within the first week.
Less Common
- •Hair darkening
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with N-Acetyl Semax Amidate
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
With medications
- !Other strong dopaminergic stimulants — risk of overstimulation and anxiety - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !MAO inhibitors — potential interaction with monoamine metabolism - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !High-dose caffeine — additive stimulatory effects may cause restlessness and insomnia - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside N-Acetyl Semax Amidate. Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
- ✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials
What to Expect
Days 1-3
What you might notice
- •Increased mental clarity and alertness within hours of first dose
- •Subtle improvement in focus and attention to detail
- •Possible mild headache or nasal irritation as common initial effects
- •BDNF levels are already rising — studies show measurable increase within 3 hours of administration
What's normal
- •Stimulatory effects may be noticeable from the first dose — Semax has rapid onset
- •Initial side effects like headache or restlessness are common and transient
- •Cognitive effects are real but may be subtle in the first few days as neurotrophic signaling builds
What's next
- →Continue consistent daily dosing — neurotrophic factor levels are building
- →BDNF-mediated neuroplasticity requires sustained signaling over days to weeks for maximal effect
- →Adjust timing if sleep is affected — move dosing earlier in the day
Week 1-2
What you might notice
- •Clear improvement in cognitive processing speed and working memory
- •Enhanced verbal fluency and ease of information retrieval
- •Improved motivation and mental energy throughout the day
- •Better stress resilience during cognitively demanding tasks
- •Heightened sensory awareness and mental acuity
What's normal
- •Cognitive enhancement effects should be clearly established by end of week one
- •BDNF and NGF upregulation is driving active neuroplastic changes in the hippocampus and cortex
- •Initial side effects should have resolved; if they persist, dose adjustment may be needed
What's next
- →If using a 10-day course protocol, prepare for the scheduled break
- →Cognitive benefits often continue to build even during the first few days off the peptide
- →Consider adding complementary compounds (N-Acetyl Selank for anxiolysis, Alpha-GPC for choline support)
Week 2-4
What you might notice
- •Peak cognitive enhancement — optimal BDNF/NGF-mediated neuroplasticity
- •Sustained improvements in learning capacity and memory consolidation
- •Enhanced creative thinking and problem-solving ability
- •If on break between courses, benefits typically persist for days to weeks
- •Some users note cumulative improvements across repeated treatment courses
What's normal
- •Longer courses (20-30 days) approach peak effect during this period
- •Benefits from BDNF-driven neuroplastic changes can persist beyond the active treatment period
- •A scheduled break between courses helps maintain long-term effectiveness
What's next
- →Follow prescribed cycling protocol — typically 10-day course with 20-day break, or 20-30 day course with 2-3 week break
- →Assess overall cognitive improvements and adjust protocol for subsequent courses
- →Neuroplastic changes established during the treatment course provide a foundation for sustained cognitive benefit
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to N-Acetyl Semax Amidate over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"Semax binds specifically and increases BDNF protein levels in rat basal forebrain"
Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Seredenina TS, 2006
Finding: Semax finds and locks onto very specific brain receptors with extraordinary precision, triggering a flood of BDNF—the brain growth chemical—within just 3 hours of a simple nasal spray. This direct molecular handshake explains why cognitive effects happen so quickly and strongly, with BDNF levels climbing just from the peptide finding its target sites.
View Study"Novel Insights into the Protective Properties of ACTH(4-7)PGP (Semax) Peptide at the Transcriptome Level Following Cerebral Ischaemia-Reperfusion in Rats"
Filippenkov IB, Stavchansky VV, Denisova AE, 2020
Finding: When a rat's brain lost blood flow, Semax rewrote the damage at the genetic level—flipping a switch that silenced harmful inflammatory genes while powering up genes for brain chemicals and cell survival. Out of nearly 400 genes affected, Semax created an almost perfect opposite pattern to the damage, essentially teaching the brain to repair itself.
View Study"Brain Protein Expression Profile Confirms the Protective Effect of ACTH(4-7)PGP Peptide (Semax) in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion"
Sudarkina OY, Filippenkov IB, Stavchansky VV, 2021
Finding: While the genetic changes reveal Semax's master plan, the actual brain proteins tell the real story: Semax cranks up the protective CREB protein while slamming the brakes on three dangerous inflammation proteins that kill brain cells. This dual action—boost healing, block damage—explains why brains recover so much better with Semax than without it.
View Study"The Efficacy of Semax in the Treatment of Patients at Different Stages of Ischemic Stroke"
Gusev EI, Martynov MY, Kostenko EV, 2018
Finding: In 110 actual stroke patients, Semax didn't just help—it made recovery noticeably faster and stronger, with healing markers climbing and staying elevated even when rehab timing varied. The boost to BDNF persisted throughout treatment, and patients showed measurable improvements in movement and daily-life function that were clearly linked to the peptide's brain-protective effects.
View Study"The Effect of Semax and its C-end Peptide PGP on Expression of Neurotrophins and Their Receptors in Rat Brain During Incomplete Global Ischemia"
Stavchansky VV, Tvorogova TV, Botsina AIu, 2011
Finding: When a rat's brain couldn't get enough blood, Semax rebooted the entire growth-factor system by restoring three different brain-building chemicals (BDNF, NGF, and NT-3) and all their docking sites—turning the memory center from a dying zone into one programmed for recovery. The whole system came back online within 12 hours, creating a perfect window for brain healing.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions