Semax vs Cerebrolysin: Research Comparison
A Side-By-Side Research Comparison Of Semax And Cerebrolysin - a synthetic ACTH-fragment nootropic versus a neurotrophic peptide preparation in cognitive research. This Reference Compares Mechanism, Evidence Tier, Molecular Identity, And Pharmacokinetics For Qualified Researchers. For In Vitro Laboratory Research Use Only. Not Medical Advice Or Dosing Guidance.
Side-By-Side Comparison
| Semax | Cerebrolysin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Immunity & Wellness | Immunity & Wellness |
| Compound Class | Synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH 4-7 with Pro-Gly-Pro extension; neuroprotective and nootropic | Porcine brain-derived standardized peptide hydrolysate (<10 kDa peptides); neurotrophic factor mimetic |
| Evidence Tier | Research Compound | Approved Drug |
| Molecular Target | Melanocortin receptors (MC2R/MC4R); BDNF/NGF upregulation; serotonin/dopamine axis; enkephalinase inhibition | BDNF/TrkB pathway; NGF/TrkA pathway; anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2 upregulation); antioxidant; glutamate excitotoxicity protection |
| Molecular Weight | 813.9 Da | mixture |
| Amino Acid Sequence | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro | standardized peptide mixture (<10 kDa) |
| CAS Number | 80714-61-0 | not applicable |
| Half-Life | ~5 minutes | ~20-30 minutes |
| Studied For | Ischemic stroke recovery, Cognition / memory enhancement, Optic nerve disorders, CNS disorders research | Acute ischemic stroke recovery, Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Vascular dementia, Alzheimer's-type dementia |
About Semax
A nootropic/neuroprotective peptide used in Russia for stroke and cognition.
Read The Full Semax MonographAbout Cerebrolysin
A brain-derived peptide preparation used abroad for stroke and dementia; trial evidence is mixed.
Read The Full Cerebrolysin MonographKey Differences
- Evidence tier differs: Semax is classified as Research Compound; Cerebrolysin is classified as Approved Drug.
- Reported half-life differs: Semax at ~5 minutes versus Cerebrolysin at ~20-30 minutes.
- Primary molecular target differs: Semax acts on Melanocortin receptors (MC2R/MC4R); BDNF/NGF upregulation; serotonin/dopamine axis; enkephalinase inhibition; Cerebrolysin acts on BDNF/TrkB pathway; NGF/TrkA pathway; anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2 upregulation); antioxidant; glutamate excitotoxicity protection.
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This Comparison Is Provided For In Vitro Laboratory Research Use Only. Not For Human Consumption, Diagnosis, Or Treatment. See The Full Research Disclaimer.