NA-Semax

Overview

NA-Semax (N-Acetyl Semax) is a modified version of Semax featuring an N-terminal acetyl group. This modification enhances the peptide's stability, lipophilicity, and potentially its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, resulting in increased potency compared to standard Semax.

The acetylation represents a common pharmaceutical strategy to improve peptide pharmacokinetics while maintaining the parent compound's mechanism of action.

Sequence: Ac-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (N-acetylated)

Mechanism of Action

NA-Semax shares mechanisms with Semax, potentially with enhanced effects:

Enhanced BDNF Upregulation

• More potent BDNF elevation than standard Semax
• Prolonged neurotrophic effects
• Enhanced neuroplasticity promotion
• Greater NGF modulation

Melanocortin System

• Increased binding affinity to MC3/MC4 receptors
• Enhanced CNS effects due to improved penetration
• No adrenal stimulation (no cortisol effects)

Improved Pharmacokinetics

• N-acetyl group increases lipophilicity
• Better blood-brain barrier penetration
• Improved metabolic stability
• Longer effective duration

Neuroprotection

• Enhanced antioxidant effects
• Superior anti-inflammatory activity
• Better protection against excitotoxicity
• Improved mitochondrial support

Comparison: NA-Semax vs Semax

Research Summary

Enhanced Efficacy Data

Comparative Studies (Animal)

• Greater cognitive enhancement at lower doses
• More pronounced neuroprotective effects
• Extended duration of action
• Improved biomarker profiles

Cognitive Enhancement

• Enhanced memory consolidation
• Improved attention and focus
• Better learning acquisition
• Effects at lower doses than Semax

Neuroprotection

• Superior protection in oxidative stress models
• Enhanced anti-inflammatory effects
• Better outcomes in ischemia models
• Stronger BDNF elevation

Key Limitations

• Less studied than parent Semax
• Most data extrapolated from Semax research
• Human clinical data limited
• Long-term safety not established

Pharmacokinetics

Note: Specific human PK data limited

Common Protocols

Note: NA-Semax is a research compound. The following represents community protocols.

Research Community Protocols

Typical Dosing Ranges:

• 100-300 mcg intranasally, 1-2x daily
• Lower than Semax due to enhanced potency
• Duration: 10-20 day cycles

Concentration:

• Typically more concentrated solutions
• Common: 200 mcg per drop

Administration

Intranasal (Primary)

• Most effective route
• 1 drop per nostril typical
• Once or twice daily
• Morning dosing preferred

Subcutaneous

• 100-200 mcg doses
• Alternative to intranasal
• Less common

Timing

• Morning administration (stimulating)
• Avoid evening use
• Consistent daily timing recommended

Side Effects

Commonly Reported

• Nasal irritation (mild)
• Increased alertness
• Appetite changes
• Headache (rare)

Comparison to Semax

• Similar side effect profile
• Potentially more pronounced effects (higher potency)
• May require dose adjustment

Safety Considerations

• More potent = lower margin for error
• Start with lower doses than Semax
• Titrate carefully
• Monitor for overstimulation

Interactions

Potential Interactions

• Similar to Semax
• Stimulants (additive effects)
• MAOIs (theoretical)
• Other nootropics

Contraindications

• Same as Semax
• Acute psychosis
• Severe hypertension
• Pregnancy/nursing

Community Insights

Aggregated from research community reports.

Commonly Reported Experiences

• Stronger effects than standard Semax
• More pronounced focus enhancement
• Better memory effects
• "Cleaner" feel than some report with Semax
• Effective at lower doses
• Slightly higher cost per dose but less needed

Practical Tips

• Start lower than Semax doses
• Effects may feel more intense
• Quality sourcing important
• Can alternate with standard Semax

Common Stacks

• NA-Semax + Selank (popular combination)
• NA-Semax in comprehensive nootropic protocols
• Sometimes used instead of standard Semax in stacks

Versus Standard Semax

• More potent option
• Higher cost per unit but lower dosing
• Preferred by some for stronger effects
• Others prefer standard Semax for gentler action

References

1. Ashmarin IP, et al. Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analog with nootropic properties. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1995;51(2-3):449-53.

2. Dolotov OV, et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression. Brain Res. 2006;1117(1):54-60.

3. Eremin KO, et al. Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue with nootropic properties, activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems in rodents. Neurochem Res. 2005;30(12):1493-500.

4. Potaman VN, et al. Degradation of ACTH/MSH(4-10) and its synthetic analog semax by enzymes of human blood. Biochemistry (Moscow). 1991;56(8):987-994.

5. Myasoedov NF, et al. Mechanisms of neuroprotective effects of semax in acute hypoxia. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2008;146(1):42-5.

Note: Most research on NA-Semax is extrapolated from Semax studies, with the acetylated form expected to show enhanced effects due to improved pharmacokinetics.