N-Acetyl Semax Amidate
Also known as: NA-Semax-Amidate · Ac-Semax-NH₂
A chemically protected analogue of Semax with N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation, conferring substantially extended half-life and improved potency in research.
- Category
- Cognitive Enhancement
- Half-life
- Substantially extended relative to parent Semax
- Formula
- C₃₉H₅₄N₁₀O₁₀S
Section 1
Overview
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate is a chemically modified analogue of Semax in which the N-terminal methionine is acetylated and the C-terminal proline is amidated. These two terminal modifications protect the peptide from the aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase enzymes that rapidly degrade the unmodified parent molecule, producing an analogue with substantially extended pharmacodynamic action.
Published comparisons report broadly similar pharmacological effects to Semax — BDNF and NGF induction, modulation of monoamine neurotransmission, neuroprotection in ischaemic models — but with longer duration of action per dose and, in some endpoints, greater potency.
It is positioned in laboratory research as a 'next-generation' Semax: same core pharmacology, extended action, less frequent dosing required to maintain effects.
Section 2
Discovery & History
- Developed by the same Russian Academy of Sciences group responsible for the parent Semax compound, as a stability-optimised analogue.
- Studied alongside Semax in published research from the mid-2000s onwards.
- Not authorised as a medicine in any jurisdiction; remains a research chemical.
Section 3
Mechanism of Action
- 1Identical mechanistic profile to parent Semax: BDNF/NGF induction, enkephalinase inhibition, monoaminergic modulation, neuroprotection.
- 2Extended half-life through N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation, which block the two principal proteolytic clearance pathways.
- 3Greater bioavailability per administered dose and longer pharmacodynamic action.
Section 4
Researched Benefits
Findings reported in the published preclinical and clinical literature. Effects in research contexts do not constitute claims of therapeutic benefit in humans.
- 1Extended duration of action versus parent Semax — fewer doses required to maintain effects.
- 2Improved per-dose potency in some research endpoints.
- 3Same pro-cognitive and neuroprotective profile as Semax.
- 4Suitable for less frequent intranasal dosing in research protocols.
Section 5
Theoretical Dosing & Protocols
| Route | Dosage | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intranasal (research) | Microgram-range; specific protocols vary by study | Often once or twice daily versus 2–3× for Semax | 10 days to 8+ weeks in research |
Note: Doses are not directly comparable to parent Semax due to potency differences.
Section 6
Administration Routes
- Intranasal — primary research route.
- Subcutaneous in some animal protocols.
Section 7
Safety Profile
Commonly reported
- · Mild nasal irritation
- · Occasional headache
Rare / theoretical
- · Long-term safety data is limited; analogue-specific data is sparser than parent compound data
Contraindications
- · Not authorised for human use
- · Pregnancy/lactation — no data
Section 8
UK & EU Regulatory Context
United Kingdom
Not a licensed medicine in the UK. Research chemical only.
European Union
Not approved by the EMA.
Section 9
Clinical Studies Summary
Comparative pharmacokinetics of Semax and N-acetyl analogue
Direct comparison demonstrating significantly extended half-life and bioavailability for the acetylated/amidated analogue.
N-acetyl Semax effects on BDNF expression
Equivalent or greater BDNF/NGF induction at lower or equivalent doses versus parent Semax in rodent models.
Section 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Section 11
Sourcing for Laboratory Research
Sourcing N-Acetyl Semax Amidate for laboratory research
Researchers in the United Kingdom and elsewhere typically obtain N-Acetyl Semax Amidate from specialist research-chemical suppliers. Purity, third-party testing, and supplier transparency are the principal differentiators worth evaluating before placing an order. The two suppliers below are commonly referenced in UK research contexts.
Reminder: research peptides are sold strictly for in vitro and preclinical laboratory purposes. Importation or supply for human consumption is not permitted under UK medicines legislation.