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ESRU

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro)

Neuropeptides and nootropics (local classification). Russian development.

ATC code: N06BX-SEMAX(Semax (synthetic ACTH4-10 fragment) – local code)

Updated · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

D

Chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency

Not recommended

Semax is a synthetic peptide (an ACTH fragment) given as nasal drops and marketed as a nootropic for chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency, memory, and attention. Convincing benefit for this use has not been shown: there is no solid evidence that it changes the course of chronic cerebrovascular disease. What actually helps in this condition is controlling risk factors – blood pressure, blood sugar, lipids, stopping smoking – together with antiplatelet therapy when a doctor prescribes it. Semax appears safe in this role, but it should not replace treatment with proven benefit, since that can mean missing the care you need.

Sources

  1. AEMPS: Ficha técnica de Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) (2024)
  2. Cochrane: Vinpocetine for acute ischaemic stroke (2008)

ICD-10: I67.8 · ICD-11: 8B22

D

Memory and concentration enhancement

Not recommended

Semax is a synthetic peptide (an ACTH fragment without hormonal activity), sold in Russia as nasal drops and promoted to improve memory and concentration. Clear benefit for this use has not been shown: the data come from small, low-quality studies, and international guidelines do not list the drug. When memory or focus slips, it helps more to find the cause (poor sleep, stress, iron or B12 deficiency, thyroid problems, depression) and to keep up steady sleep and physical activity – worth discussing with your doctor

Sources

  1. AEMPS: Ficha técnica de Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) (2024)
  2. Cochrane: Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia (2009)
F

ADHD

Not recommended

Semax in Russia is indicated for cognitive disorders in children, including ADHD. , , and CADDRA ADHD guidelines do not list the drug. First-line ADHD treatment in international guidelines is psychostimulants (methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine) and behavioural therapy; no peptide drugs based on ACTH fragments are included.

Sources

  1. AEMPS: Ficha técnica de Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) (2024)
  2. NICE: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management (NG87) (2019)

ICD-10: F90.0 · ICD-11: 6A05

How to read tiers A–F
  • AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
  • BRecommended in selected cases
  • CStudy data contradict each other
  • DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
  • FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the ACTH4-10 fragment without hormonal activity. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The manufacturer claims increased BDNF and NGF levels in the rodent brain along with nootropic and neuroprotective effects. In humans, large independent RCTs with validated scale endpoints do not exist. International neurology guidelines do not list it.

Safety

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Acute psychotic states
  • Anxiety disorders
  • History of seizures
  • Endocrine disease, thyroid dysfunction
  • Hypersensitivity

Serious adverse effects

  • Independent data on serious adverse events are unavailable

Common adverse effects

  • Nasal mucosa irritation
  • Sneezing
  • Allergic reactions (rare per label)

Pregnancy: can you take Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro)?

Contraindicated in pregnancy per label.

Breastfeeding: can you take Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro)?

Contraindicated during breastfeeding per label.

Calculate RID

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Practical notes

Russian practice note

Semax is supplied as 0.1% and 1% nasal drops. Developed in Russia and marketed in the post-Soviet space. Not registered internationally. The manufacturer label does not describe serious adverse events, but independent post-marketing data collection is not performed. Foreign biohackers source semax through grey channels as a «Russian nootropic», which carries regulatory and quality risks.

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Frequently asked

What is Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) used for?

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Memory and concentration enhancement (evidence tier D), Chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency (evidence tier D), ADHD (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro)?

Common side effects of Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) (≥ 1 in 100): Nasal mucosa irritation, Sneezing, Allergic reactions (rare per label). See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) safe during pregnancy?

Contraindicated in pregnancy per label.

Is Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) compatible with breastfeeding?

Contraindicated during breastfeeding per label.

Who should not take Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro)?

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is contraindicated in: Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Acute psychotic states; Anxiety disorders; History of seizures; Endocrine disease, thyroid dysfunction. Full list in the Safety section.

Other drugs in this group

Sertraline, Tranylcypromine, Trazodone, Venlafaxine, Agomelatine, Donepezil, Hopantenic acid (calcium hopantenate), Paroxetine