Semax | CAS 80714-61-0 | ACTH(4-7) Analogue Heptapeptide (Research Use Only) | Knowlux

Product Description

Semax, CAS 80714-61-0, is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue corresponding to the ACTH(4-7) fragment with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension, supplied by Knowlux for laboratory research use. The sequence is Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (H-MEHFPGP-OH), and the peptide is unmodified at both termini. The molecular formula is C37H51N9O10S and the molecular weight is 813.92 g/mol. Each lot is released with a lot-specific COA, MSDS and analytical traceability.

CAS Clarification: CAS 80714-61-0 is the correct registry for Semax free peptide. The acetate salt form is listed under CAS 2828433-33-4. Some supplier listings show CAS 4037-01-8 alongside Semax; this appears to be an alternate registry associated with ACTH(4-10) sequences and should not be used as the primary identifier. Confirm the declared salt basis on the COA before procurement.

Product Parameters

Product Details

1. Overview

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the N-terminal fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), specifically ACTH(4-7), extended with a Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide at the C-terminus. It was originally developed in Russia for neurological research and has been studied extensively in preclinical models of cognition, neuroprotection and neurotrophin regulation. Unlike terminally blocked Semax analogues, native Semax retains a free N-terminal amine and free C-terminal carboxylate, which affects its stability and membrane interaction profile. Knowlux supplies Semax as a research-grade peptide; it is not approved as a medicinal product in any jurisdiction, and supply is restricted to laboratory research channels.

2. Structural Profile

The peptide backbone comprises seven amino acids with a free thioether side chain on methionine and an imidazole ring on histidine. The absence of terminal blocking groups distinguishes Semax from acetylated or amidated analogues and may influence its susceptibility to exopeptidase degradation in biological matrices. The C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension is a structural feature associated with enhanced stability relative to shorter ACTH fragments in published stability studies. The free carboxylate contributes a negative charge at physiological pH, which may affect blood-brain barrier interaction characteristics.

3. Research Applications

Published preclinical characterizations describe the following research activities:

• Modulation of BDNF and NGF expression in neuronal cell models

• Neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia and oxidative stress paradigms

• Cognitive function and learning/memory studies in animal models

• Neurotransmitter release modulation (dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine)

• Reference standard development for HPLC and LC-MS analytical methods

These findings are derived from in vitro and preclinical investigations and do not establish clinical efficacy or safety.

4. Quality Considerations

Semax contains a methionine residue, which is susceptible to oxidation to methionine sulfoxide during storage and handling. Buyers should request lot-specific data on methionine sulfoxide content where available, as this impurity can affect receptor binding assay performance. The GuideChem compliance white paper notes that quality qualification for Semax should extend beyond a single HPLC purity figure to include mass spectrometric identity confirmation near m/z 814, peptide content quantified separately from salt and water, and reporting of deletion sequences and residual solvents. Research-use-only material is not manufactured under pharmaceutical GMP unless explicitly stated in writing.

Quality Control

Supplier-reported purities for commercial lots range from 97% to 99%. A publicly available COA from one supplier reports HPLC purity of 98.71%, peptide content of 94.78%, acetate content of 3.10%, and water content of 1.36%. Researchers should verify that reported purity reflects peptide content rather than total peak area including counter-ions and water. Full COA, MSDS, and lot-specific chromatograms are issued with each shipment.

Solubility and Handling

Solubility: Semax is soluble in water at approximately 10 mg/mL according to one supplier COA. DMSO is suitable for stock solution preparation at higher concentrations. Prepare solutions fresh and aliquot to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Handling Precautions: Use powder-handling containment (glove box or fume hood with particulate control). Avoid inhalation of fine powder. Wear nitrile gloves, lab coat, and eye protection. Follow institutional chemical hygiene plans for research peptides.

Storage and Stability

Storage recommendations align with supplier technical sheets. The lyophilized powder is hygroscopic; equilibrate vials to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation. Protect from light and oxygen, as the methionine thioether is susceptible to oxidation.

Packaging and Shipping

Lyophilized powder: amber glass vial under nitrogen or argon headspace, sealed with butyl stopper and aluminium crimp. Secondary packing: tamper-evident, light-protected carton with desiccant. Cold-chain shipping with validated gel packs and temperature logger. Dry ice shipments comply with UN1845 Class 9 requirements where applicable. COA, MSDS, packing list and certificate of origin issued with each shipment.

Documentation Support

Per lot: COA, MSDS, certificate of origin, HPLC chromatogram, and mass spectrometry data. Regulatory packages (specification summaries, audit support) and third-party inspection available on a project basis. Buyers requiring documentation for customs or institutional review should request a research-use-only declaration and intended-use statement at the time of order.

About Knowlux

Knowlux Biotechnology is a GMP-oriented manufacturer and supplier of peptides, APIs and fine-chemical research compounds, operating from Hubei, China. We serve research groups, CDMOs and distributors in more than 40 countries, and support contract synthesis, custom packaging and technical documentation requests.

Compliance Statement

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR HUMAN USE. NOT FOR DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC USE.

This product is supplied for laboratory research use only. It is not for human or animal administration, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use, not for retail sale, and not for personal use. Semax is not approved as a medicinal product in any jurisdiction. Regulatory guidance notes that Semax has no EU marketing authorization and is not accepted as a food or supplement ingredient; legitimate supply is limited to research and analytical channels. The purchaser is responsible for verifying product specifications against their specific research requirements and for compliance with all applicable institutional, local, and national regulations governing research chemical acquisition, storage, and use. Research context statements are for scientific reference only and do not constitute medical advice, promotional claims, or dosing guidance.