Cat 2 — reviewCognitive

Semax

ACTH(4-7)PGP

Russian-developed neuropeptide approved in Russia for stroke and TBI. Increases BDNF and NGF. Intranasal administration crosses blood-brain barrier effectively. Under FDA review for US Category 1 status.

Evidence

Human data exists

Routes

nasal, injectable

Available since

Developed in Russia in 1982. Approved in Russia for neurological use. Western research access from approximately 2010s onward.

Mechanism of action

Stimulates BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and NGF (nerve growth factor) production. Upregulates serotonin and dopamine receptors. Increases cerebral blood flow. Inhibits enkephalin degradation. Penetrates blood-brain barrier via intranasal route within minutes.

Effects in the body

Russia uses Semax clinically after strokes and traumatic brain injuries. It amplifies the brain's own repair factors — BDNF and NGF govern neuron survival and plasticity. Intranasal administration is uniquely effective because it bypasses the blood-brain barrier entirely.

Pros & cons (from the literature)

Pros

Clinically approved in Russia with published safety data
Nasal administration — no injection required
BDNF elevation without significant systemic side effects
Studied for stroke, TBI, ADHD, anxiety, and cognitive enhancement
Rapid onset via intranasal route within minutes

Cautions

Currently Category 2 — cannot be legally compounded in USA as of 2026
No completed Western randomized controlled trials
May cause anxiety or overstimulation at higher doses
Regulatory uncertainty limits access in USA
Long-term Western safety data not established

Protocol summary (from published research)

Nasal spray: 300–600 mcg per nostril 1–3 times daily in research protocols. Injectable: 200–300 mcg subcutaneous. Typical research cycles 2–4 weeks for acute cognitive applications, longer for neuroprotection protocols.

Dosing ranges reproduced from published research literature. Not a prescription, not medical advice.

FDA & regulatory status

Category 2 status — scheduled for PCAC review at July 23-24 2026 hearing. Cannot currently be compounded by US pharmacies. Approved in Russia as a prescription nasal spray for neurological conditions including stroke recovery.

Evidence base

Multiple Russian clinical trials published. Limited Western peer-reviewed independent data. Mechanism of BDNF elevation is well-established scientifically. Considered one of the most evidence-backed cognitive peptides by international researchers.

Primary research sources

Peer-reviewed literature referenced throughout this profile is drawn from PubMed, Cell Metabolism, and clinical trial registries cited in the evidence base above.

Expert perspective — Dr. Alex Tatem, Urologist

Dr. Alex Tatem is a board-certified Urologist and Men's Health Specialist who has studied peptides for 12 years. Videos featured for educational purposes. ThePeptide.expert is an independent platform.

Dr. Tatem covers Semax as a cognitive peptide — explaining its intranasal administration and neuroprotective research applications.

Important. ThePeptide.expert summarizes published research. We are not a pharmacy, do not prescribe, and make no therapeutic claims. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction.