Semax
Brain-injury research
What it is
In rat studies, Semax changes the activity of genes involved in nerve-cell growth and responses to brain injury.
What it is studied for
Researchers investigate responses to reduced blood flow in the brain. One rat study measured neurotrophin-related gene activity after an induced stroke-like injury; this is a biological signal, not a human recovery outcome.
What the evidence says
Animal research; limited clinical evidence
FDA’s 2026 assessment found insufficient evidence to support effectiveness for cerebral ischemia, migraine or trigeminal neuralgia. Animal gene-expression findings do not establish better memory or clinical recovery in people.
Regulatory status
Neither Semax nor Semax acetate is a component of an FDA-approved drug in the cited FDA assessment.
Sources
- 1FDA (2026): Evaluation of Semax-related bulk drug substances FDA scientific assessment
- 2
Source-checked · 26 Oct 2026