Research Only Cognitive & Nootropic

Adamax

also known as: Ac-MEHFPGP-AG-NH2, N-acetyl Semax with adamantyl P21 modification, Adamax peptide

An enhanced Semax derivative with an adamantane modification borrowed from P21, studied in limited Russian research for BDNF upregulation and cognitive enhancement.

A second-generation nootropic peptide built by fusing Semax's ACTH(4-10) backbone to the adamantyl motif of P21, intended to combine Semax's neurotrophic mechanism with markedly improved CNS bioavailability.

Mechanism of action

Inherits Semax's primary mechanism — upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its TrkB receptor in the hippocampus and cortex, with modulation of dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling. The adamantyl-glycine C-terminal modification (derived from the P21 peptide) dramatically increases lipophilicity and blood-brain barrier penetration, and is reported to enhance peptide stability against enzymatic degradation. The net effect is proposed to be a more potent and longer-lasting version of the Semax effect profile.

Primary uses

  • Experimental cognitive enhancement (biohacker protocols)
  • Research into enhanced Semax analogs with improved pharmacokinetics
  • Off-label post-stroke recovery (extrapolated from Semax's approved Russian indication)

Typical dosing

250–1000 mcg 1x daily (intranasal or subcutaneous)

Community dosing extrapolated from Semax protocols. No human clinical data to establish a dose. Typical research reports plateau of effect above 10 mg per dose with increased peripheral side effects.

Regulatory status

Not approved by any regulatory agency. A research-grade compound derived from the Russian nootropic peptide program at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Available only through research-chemical channels; no clinical trial registrations as of 2026.

References

  1. [review] Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Inozemtseva LS, et al. "Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus." Brain Res, 2006;1117(1):54-60. PMID: 16996037.
  2. [pubmed] Abraham MH, Acree WE, Liu X. "Descriptors for adamantane and some of its derivatives." J Mol Liq, 2021;325:114894.
  3. [review] Myasoedov NF, et al. "Structure-activity relationships of regulatory heptapeptides: Semax and its derivatives." Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 2018.

Related peptides

Semax

A synthetic ACTH-derived heptapeptide approved in Russia for stroke rehabilitation and optic nerve disorders, with documented BDNF upregulation and broad nootropic activity.

P21

A CNTF-derived research peptide (Institute for Basic Research, New York) that crosses the blood-brain barrier and stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis in rodent models of Alzheimer disease, Down syndrome, and aging. Not FDA-approved; not commercially marketed; research-only with no human trials to date.

Selank

A Russian-developed tuftsin analog approved for anxiety — produces benzodiazepine-like anxiolysis via GABAergic modulation without sedation, dependence, or withdrawal.

Cerebrolysin

A porcine-derived neurotrophic peptide preparation approved in 40+ countries (not US) for stroke, dementia, and traumatic brain injury — with the largest clinical evidence base of any nootropic peptide preparation.
Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.