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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.

Guides & tools

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.