What is SEMAX NASAL SPRAY?
Semax is a synthetic, non-glycosylated heptapeptide belonging to the class of ACTH-fragment analogs. Its primary sequence is Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, corresponding to the 4-7 fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (Met-Glu-His-Phe) extended with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide. This appended proline-rich terminus is a defining structural feature of the molecule and is associated in the literature with the enzymatic stability profile studied for this peptide class. Semax carries the molecular formula C37H51N9O10S, a molecular weight of 813.93, and the CAS registry number 80714-61-0.
The peptide comprises seven amino acid residues and contains a single sulfur atom contributed by the N-terminal methionine, consistent with its molecular formula. As a linear, unmodified peptide it presents free N- and C-termini and no disulfide bridges. In this catalog format the material is presented as a nasal spray preparation intended purely as a laboratory reference article, characterized by defined identity and purity specifications rather than any formulated end use.
Semax is a reference compound studied within neuropeptide and peptide-chemistry research contexts, where ACTH-derived fragments are examined in vitro and in non-clinical models as tools for investigating peptide structure-activity relationships and metabolic stability. This listing is provided for research and analytical characterization purposes only. It is not a drug, supplement, or therapeutic product, and no physiological, clinical, or performance outcomes are described, implied, or supported by this reference material.
Reconstitution & handling
As a peptide, Semax is generally handled in aqueous systems for laboratory work. Lyophilized or concentrated peptide material of this type is typically brought into solution using sterile or bacteriostatic water, with the peptide added slowly to the solvent and allowed to dissolve by gentle swirling rather than vigorous agitation or vortexing, which can introduce shear stress and foaming. The heptapeptide's short length and hydrophilic residues (glutamate, histidine) generally support good aqueous solubility, while the N-terminal methionine and phenylalanine contribute some hydrophobic character; if full dissolution is not immediately achieved, brief resting at room temperature typically completes the process.
Prepared solutions should be kept cold and protected from light and repeated temperature cycling. The methionine residue is susceptible to oxidation, so minimizing exposure to air, oxidizers, and prolonged warm conditions helps preserve solution integrity. Only volumetric and gravimetric handling appropriate to analytical work is described here; no administration, dosing, or in-use preparation guidance is provided, as the material is for laboratory research use only.
Storage & stability
In lyophilized or dry form, Semax is generally stored frozen, commonly at -20°C or colder, in a sealed, desiccated container protected from light and moisture, conditions under which peptides of this class exhibit good long-term stability. Once reconstituted into aqueous solution, the peptide is less stable and is typically kept refrigerated at 2-8°C for short-term working use or frozen in single-use aliquots for longer intervals to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Because the molecule contains an oxidation-sensitive methionine residue, limiting exposure to air, light, and elevated temperature is important for maintaining analytical integrity over the storage period.
How it's tested
Identity and purity of Semax are established through orthogonal analytical methods. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is used to quantify chromatographic purity against the ≥99% specification and to resolve related peptide impurities, while mass spectrometry (typically ESI-MS or MALDI-TOF) confirms molecular identity against the expected average mass of 813.93 for the C37H51N9O10S composition. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting lot-specific purity, mass confirmation, and physical characterization is available for the material, supporting its use as a defined laboratory reference standard.