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    Semax P-21

    Nootropic PeptidePreclinical

    Also known as: Semax-P21, SemaxP21, Semax + P21 Hybrid

    Semax P-21 is a hybrid synthetic peptide combining structural motifs from Semax and P-21 into a single molecule. Marketed as a one-shot drop-in for users running both compounds, the rationale is convenience (one peptide instead of two) and additive cognitive + anxiolytic effects. The peer-reviewed literature on this specific hybrid is essentially absent — most pharmacological characterization is by analogy to the constituent peptides.

    Half-Life: No combined-product pharmacokinetics exist. Semax (intranasal): the intact peptide is rapidly metabolized (on the order of minutes), though downstream BDNF/neurotrophic effects outlast the peptide itself. P-21 / P021: a small molecule with pharmacokinetics suitable for oral dosing in animal studies; no human PK data.MW: Not a single molecule - "Semax P-21" is two separate peptides, so no combined molecular weight applies. Per constituent: Semax (heptapeptide, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is approximately 813.9 g/mol; P-21 / P021 (Ac-DGGL(A)G-NH2, a CNTF-derived peptide mimetic) is a low-molecular-weight, blood-brain-barrier-permeable small molecule.1 PubMed Studies
    Last reviewed:

    Overview

    At A Glance

    Mechanism

    Important framing: "Semax P-21" is not a single characterized compound. It is a speculative user stack combining two separate, unrelated peptides - Semax and P-21 (P021). No pharmacological study of the combination exists, so the profile below is inferred from each constituent

    Half-Life
    No combined-product pharmacokinetics exist. Semax (intranasal): the intact peptide is rapidly metabolized (on the order of minutes), though downstream BDNF/neurotrophic effects outlast the peptide itself. P-21 / P021: a small molecule with pharmacokinetics suitable for oral dosing in animal studies; no human PK data.
    Safety Notes
    Common
    Mild nasal irritationBrief alertness spike

    Mechanism of Action

    Important framing: "Semax P-21" is not a single characterized compound. It is a speculative user stack combining two separate, unrelated peptides - Semax and P-21 (P021). No pharmacological study of the combination exists, so the profile below is inferred from each constituent individually.

    Semax (primary effects): A synthetic ACTH(4-7) analog that increases BDNF and NGF expression, modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling, and supports attention and neuroprotection. Semax has documented clinical use in Russia.

    P-21 / P021 (primary effects - animal data only): P021 is a ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF)-derived small-molecule peptide mimetic (Ac-DGGL(A)G-NH2). It enhances hippocampal (dentate gyrus) neurogenesis and increases BDNF expression by inhibiting the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) signaling pathway, and it reduces tau hyperphosphorylation through a BDNF-mediated decrease in GSK-3-beta (a major tau kinase) activity. These effects have been demonstrated only in cell and rodent models (PMID: 27400746).

    Correction: Earlier claims that P-21 acts via GABA-A modulation or NGF upregulation were inaccurate - that anxiolytic/GABAergic profile belongs to the Selank/Semax family, not to P021. BDNF upregulation and neurogenesis are the intended primary effects of these peptides, not "side effects."

    Overview

    Semax P-21 is a hybrid synthetic peptide combining structural motifs from Semax and P-21 into a single molecule. Marketed as a one-shot drop-in for users running both compounds, the rationale is convenience (one peptide instead of two) and additive cognitive + anxiolytic effects.

    The peer-reviewed literature on this specific hybrid is essentially absent — most pharmacological characterization is by analogy to the constituent peptides. Treat it as Semax-equivalent on cognition and P-21-equivalent on anxiolysis until stronger primary data emerges.

    Chemical Information

    IUPAC Name

    Not yet available

    CAS Number

    Not yet available

    Molecular Formula

    C40H58N14O11

    Molecular Mass

    Not a single molecule - "Semax P-21" is two separate peptides, so no combined molecular weight applies. Per constituent: Semax (heptapeptide, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is approximately 813.9 g/mol; P-21 / P021 (Ac-DGGL(A)G-NH2, a CNTF-derived peptide mimetic) is a low-molecular-weight, blood-brain-barrier-permeable small molecule.

    Amino Acid Sequence

    Semax: Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP) - ACTH(4-7) extended with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro. P-21 / P021: Ac-DGGL(A)G-NH2, an N-acetylated, C-amidated peptide mimetic derived from the active region (Peptide-6) of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). These are two distinct peptides, not one sequence.

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    Research

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    Interactions

    Interaction and contraindication data is being compiled for Semax P-21. Check back soon.

    General Safety Note

    Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before combining research compounds. Interactions may exist that are not yet documented.

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    Related Compounds

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    Adalank

    Nootropic PeptidePreclinical / Research compound

    Adalank is a hybrid research peptide combining structural elements of Adamax (the adamantyl-modified Semax analog) and Selank (the anxiolytic Pro-Gly-Pro tuftsin analog).

    t½ The commonly cited ~72-hour "functional duration" is an unverified community/vendor claim, not a measured value - no pharmacokinetic study of Adalank has ever been run. The figure is extrapolated from parent Adamax marketing claims. Actual serum half-life is unknown; there is no published PK data. 200-1200 mcg per dose (intranasal or subcutaneous), 1-2x daily
    PreclinicalView Profile

    Adamax

    Nootropic PeptidePreclinical / Research compound

    Adamax is a synthetic nonapeptide (Ac-MEHFPGPAG-NH2) classified as a designer analog of Semax.

    t½ No pharmacokinetic data. Community reports describe a subjectively long duration of effect (~2-3 days), supporting every-other-day or 3x/week dosing; serum half-life not characterized. 500-2000 mcg subcutaneous (community research dosing)
    PreclinicalView Profile

    Cerebrolysin

    Nootropic PeptideClinical

    Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived peptide complex developed by EVER Neuro Pharma (Austria) — a low-molecular-weight neurotrophic preparation containing a mixture of free amino acids and bioactive peptides extracted from purified pig brain proteins.

    t½ ~2-4 hours (multi-component peptide mix)
    85 studiesView Profile

    Cortexin

    Nootropic PeptideMarketed in Russia/CIS (Geropharm); human clinical use with limited-quality evidence (small, mostly Russian-language studies; no Western RCT; not FDA/EMA approved)

    Cortexin is a purified peptide preparation extracted from cattle and pig cerebral cortex tissue — a low-molecular-weight neuropeptide complex used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for cognitive impairment, post-stroke recovery, encephalopathy, attention disorders, and pediatric developmental conditions. Like Cerebrolysin, Cortexin is positioned as a broad-spectrum neurotrophic preparation supplying bioactive peptides that mimic endogenous neurotrophic factors.

    t½ ~2-3 hours (estimated from analog peptide preparations)
    18 studiesView Profile

    NA-Semax

    Nootropic PeptidePreclinical

    NA-Semax is the N-acetyl-l-aspartyl variant of Semax — the original ACTH(4-7) Pro-Gly-Pro analog developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1990s.

    t½ ~20-30 minutes (intranasal, estimated from analog data)
    3 studiesView Profile

    NA-Semax Amidate

    Nootropic PeptidePreclinical

    NA-Semax Amidate is the C-terminally amidated NA-Semax — the carboxylic acid at the peptide's C-terminus is replaced with an amide group (-NH2), which is reported to further extend metabolic half-life by resisting carboxypeptidase cleavage in addition to the aminopeptidase resistance the N-acetyl group already provides. The practical effect is a peptide with dosing-frequency use: where standard Semax often requires 3-4 daily doses to maintain effect, NA-Semax Amidate is reported (in vendor monographs and community usage) to maintain subjective effects on a 1-2x daily schedule.

    t½ ~30-45 minutes (estimated, longer than standard Semax)
    2 studiesView Profile

    View Full Dosage Guide →

    Protocols, calculator & safety for Semax P-21

    Research Score

    60

    1 PubMed studies

    Quality Indicators

    Data Completeness

    75%
    Description
    Mechanism of Action
    Chemical Data
    Dosing Protocols
    Safety Profile
    PubMed Studies
    Interactions
    Vendor Listings

    Research Credibility

    1PubMed studies

    Limited research available

    Quick Facts

    Half-Life

    No combined-product pharmacokinetics exist. Semax (intranasal): the intact peptide is rapidly metabolized (on the order of minutes), though downstream BDNF/neurotrophic effects outlast the peptide itself. P-21 / P021: a small molecule with pharmacokinetics suitable for oral dosing in animal studies; no human PK data.

    Molecular Weight

    Not a single molecule - "Semax P-21" is two separate peptides, so no combined molecular weight applies. Per constituent: Semax (heptapeptide, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is approximately 813.9 g/mol; P-21 / P021 (Ac-DGGL(A)G-NH2, a CNTF-derived peptide mimetic) is a low-molecular-weight, blood-brain-barrier-permeable small molecule.

    Trial Phase

    Preclinical

    Safety Profile

    Low Risk

    Common Side Effects

    • Mild nasal irritation
    • Brief alertness spike

    Stop Use If

    • Pregnancy/lactation
    • Active mania
    • Peptide allergy

    Research Disclaimer

    This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Semax P-21 used for in research?

    Semax P-21 is a hybrid synthetic peptide combining structural motifs from Semax and P-21 into a single molecule. Marketed as a one-shot drop-in for users running both compounds, the rationale is convenience (one peptide instead of two) and additive cognitive + anxiolytic effects.

    The peer-reviewed literature on this specific hybrid is essentially absent — most pharmacological characterization is by analogy to the constituent peptides. Treat it as Semax-equivalent on cognition and P-21-equivalent on anxiolysis until stronger primary data emerges.

    What forms does Semax P-21 come in?

    Semax P-21 is available in vials, capsules, and sprays forms.

    How much does Semax P-21 cost?

    Pricing varies by vendor and form.

    How do I compare Semax P-21 vendors?

    Compare prices, payment methods, shipping, and COA scores across 0 vendors.

    Research Tools

    Related Compounds

    View All

    Adalank

    Nootropic PeptidePreclinical / Research compound

    Adalank is a hybrid research peptide combining structural elements of Adamax (the adamantyl-modified Semax analog) and Selank (the anxiolytic Pro-Gly-Pro tuftsin analog).

    t½ The commonly cited ~72-hour "functional duration" is an unverified community/vendor claim, not a measured value - no pharmacokinetic study of Adalank has ever been run. The figure is extrapolated from parent Adamax marketing claims. Actual serum half-life is unknown; there is no published PK data. 200-1200 mcg per dose (intranasal or subcutaneous), 1-2x daily
    PreclinicalView Profile

    Adamax

    Nootropic PeptidePreclinical / Research compound

    Adamax is a synthetic nonapeptide (Ac-MEHFPGPAG-NH2) classified as a designer analog of Semax.

    t½ No pharmacokinetic data. Community reports describe a subjectively long duration of effect (~2-3 days), supporting every-other-day or 3x/week dosing; serum half-life not characterized. 500-2000 mcg subcutaneous (community research dosing)
    PreclinicalView Profile

    Cerebrolysin

    Nootropic PeptideClinical

    Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived peptide complex developed by EVER Neuro Pharma (Austria) — a low-molecular-weight neurotrophic preparation containing a mixture of free amino acids and bioactive peptides extracted from purified pig brain proteins.

    t½ ~2-4 hours (multi-component peptide mix)
    85 studiesView Profile

    Cortexin

    Nootropic PeptideMarketed in Russia/CIS (Geropharm); human clinical use with limited-quality evidence (small, mostly Russian-language studies; no Western RCT; not FDA/EMA approved)

    Cortexin is a purified peptide preparation extracted from cattle and pig cerebral cortex tissue — a low-molecular-weight neuropeptide complex used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for cognitive impairment, post-stroke recovery, encephalopathy, attention disorders, and pediatric developmental conditions. Like Cerebrolysin, Cortexin is positioned as a broad-spectrum neurotrophic preparation supplying bioactive peptides that mimic endogenous neurotrophic factors.

    t½ ~2-3 hours (estimated from analog peptide preparations)
    18 studiesView Profile

    NA-Semax

    Nootropic PeptidePreclinical

    NA-Semax is the N-acetyl-l-aspartyl variant of Semax — the original ACTH(4-7) Pro-Gly-Pro analog developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1990s.

    t½ ~20-30 minutes (intranasal, estimated from analog data)
    3 studiesView Profile

    NA-Semax Amidate

    Nootropic PeptidePreclinical

    NA-Semax Amidate is the C-terminally amidated NA-Semax — the carboxylic acid at the peptide's C-terminus is replaced with an amide group (-NH2), which is reported to further extend metabolic half-life by resisting carboxypeptidase cleavage in addition to the aminopeptidase resistance the N-acetyl group already provides. The practical effect is a peptide with dosing-frequency use: where standard Semax often requires 3-4 daily doses to maintain effect, NA-Semax Amidate is reported (in vendor monographs and community usage) to maintain subjective effects on a 1-2x daily schedule.

    t½ ~30-45 minutes (estimated, longer than standard Semax)
    2 studiesView Profile

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