What is NA-Semax-Amidate?
NA-Semax-Amidate is the chemically stabilized form of semax, a nootropic peptide from Russian research. Acetyl and amidation extend the duration compared with plain semax. It is used for focus, mental clarity and a neuroprotective effect.
Comparison
Semax and its relatives in the lexicon
Semax in different forms and the related Selank, as described in the TPD lexicon. Tap a card to open its entry.
How it works
Semax raises the level of BDNF, a growth factor for nerve cells. Via the TrkB system it acts on learning, memory and stress resistance. It additionally influences dopamine and serotonin balance, which explains the focusing effect.
Where it acts
Where Semax acted in studies
Tap a point or a card. All from studies with Semax, not with the NA form.
Known targets1
Compound PubChem CID 9811102 (Semax): one described target, More produced and activated, indirectly via BDNF. Direct binding of Semax is not shown.
- Gene
- NTRK2
- UniProt
- Q16620
- ChEMBL
- CHEMBL4898
- Action
- More produced and activated, indirectly via BDNF. Direct binding of Semax is not shown
Use (nasal or subcutaneous)
Dosing
Dosing
Dosing, titration and syringe
Loading the dosing information …
- Getting started and stepping up, drawn as a staircase
- Units on the U-100 syringe for every step
- How long one vial lasts
What the research shows
The mechanism via BDNF and TrkB is described preclinically (Dolotov, 2006). In Russia semax is even used clinically in acute stroke (Gusev, 1997). The data for everyday nootropic use in healthy people is thinner.
Study results
What the trials measured
Interactive: switch tabs, tap points, show or hide arms. Arms are named relative to each other, no dosing advice.
BDNF and its receptor in the hippocampus1
Peak after a single dose of Semax, as a multiple of animals without Semax
Values according to the abstract (1.4, 1.6, 3 and 2-fold). The rats also showed more learned avoidance responses. Measured with Semax, not with the NA form, not tested like this in humans.
How large the human studies were26
Number of participants per group, studies with Semax (not with the NA form)
The abstracts give no measured values on the effect. According to Gusev 1997 neurological deficits, especially of movement, regressed faster with Semax. According to Lebedeva 2018 part of the resting network in the frontal brain was larger 5 and 20 minutes after Semax than on placebo.
Research status
Where the research stands
Neither Semax nor the NA form is listed on ClinicalTrials.gov. The human studies on Semax come from Russia and are only published as journal articles. As of 26 Oct 2026. 9
- Preclinical Animal studies with Semax, one cell study on acetylated Semax
- Phase 1 no registered trial
- Phase 2 no registered trial
- Phase 3 no registered trial
- Approval not yet
So far there is no registered trial in humans. 9
Side effects
- Generally well tolerated, occasionally mild irritation of the nasal mucosa.
- Rarely headache, inner restlessness if taken too late.
Storage
Before mixing the powder is robust, normal room temperature (around 20 to 25 degrees) is fine, ideally kept in the dark. After mixing, keep in the fridge (2 to 8 degrees), do not freeze. It stays good there for at least 4 to 6 months with barely any loss of potency, in practice considerably longer. Swirl or shake to mix, both are fine.
Shelf life
How long it keeps
Robust, no fridge needed.
At least 4 to 6 months with barely any loss of potency.
- Keep it dark
- Dissolved: 2 to 8 degrees
- Note the mixing date on the vial
