Dihexa vs Semax
Both are researched for cognition but through different pathways: dihexa through HGF/c-Met-driven synapse formation, semax through melanocortin-related and BDNF signalling.
Dihexa
A small, blood–brain-barrier-permeable angiotensin IV analogue reported to act through the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met system.
BEST STUDIED FOR
Nootropic & neuro
Read the cited profile →
Semax
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide based on a fragment of ACTH(4-10) with an added Pro-Gly-Pro tail for stability.
BEST STUDIED FOR
Neuroprotection and BDNF-signalling models
R429View product →
Side by side · to buy
Price, purity and dispatch
| Compare | Dihexa | Semax10mg |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | R429 |
| Cost per mg | — | R42.9 / mg |
| Purity (Janoshik) | — | 99.010%HPLC, published |
| Stock | — | Restocking |
| Dispatch | — | When restocked |
| Certificate | — | View CoA → |
| Literature | — | 4 papers → |
| Research focus | Nootropic & neuro | Neuroprotection and BDNF-signalling models |
| Read the cited profile | Notify me |
Prices are read live from the catalogue. Cost per mg is the vial price over its stated mg. Purity is shown only where the certificate is published. Every compound is supplied for laboratory research only.
SIDE BY SIDE
| Dihexa | Semax | |
|---|---|---|
| The key difference | HGF/c-Met synaptogenesis | ACTH(4-10) analogue; BDNF |
| Class | Nootropic & neuro | Nootropic & neuro |
| Mechanism | Dihexa was developed from angiotensin IV-related peptides with pro-cognitive effects. | Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide based on a fragment of ACTH(4-10) with an added Pro-Gly-Pro tail for stability. |
| Status | Preclinical only (rodent cognitive and neurodegeneration models, hair-cell protection, nerve repair). No human trials published. | Registered in Russia (nasal) for stroke and cognitive indications; not approved elsewhere. |
| Reported safety signals | No human safety data. Because HGF/c-Met is also an oncogenic pathway, long-term activation is a theoretical concern raised in the field. | Human data come mainly from Russian clinical studies; no large Western trials. |
| A key study | Reported that the pro-cognitive and synaptogenic effects of AngIV-derived peptides including dihexa depend on HGF/c-Met activation. (J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2014, PMID 25187433) | In rats, Semax regulated expression of BDNF and its TrkB receptor in the hippocampus, supporting a neurotrophic mechanism. (Brain Res 2006, PMID 16996037) |
WHEN TO RESEARCH WHICH
Semax has Russian clinical use; dihexa is rodent-only. Both are discussed here strictly as research compounds; nothing on this page is medical advice or a dosing guide.
REFERENCES (PUBMED)
- [Dihexa] The procognitive and synaptogenic effects of angiotensin IV-derived peptides are dependent on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor/c-met system — J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2014. PMID 25187433
- [Dihexa] AngIV-Analog Dihexa Rescues Cognitive Impairment and Recovers Memory in the APP/PS1 Mouse via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway — Brain Sci 2021. PMID 34827486
- [Dihexa] The development of small molecule angiotensin IV analogs to treat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases — Prog Neurobiol 2015. PMID 25455861
- [Semax] Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus — Brain Res 2006. PMID 16996037
- [Semax] Semax binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrain — J Neurochem 2006. PMID 16635254
- [Semax] Semax and Pro-Gly-Pro activate the transcription of neurotrophins and their receptor genes after cerebral ischemia — Cell Mol Neurobiol 2010. PMID 19633950
FREQUENTLY ASKED
What is the difference between Dihexa and Semax?
Both are researched for cognition but through different pathways: dihexa through HGF/c-Met-driven synapse formation, semax through melanocortin-related and BDNF signalling.
What is the regulatory status of Dihexa and Semax?
Dihexa: Preclinical only (rodent cognitive and neurodegeneration models, hair-cell protection, nerve repair). No human trials published. Semax: Registered in Russia (nasal) for stroke and cognitive indications; not approved elsewhere.
What safety signals have been reported?
Dihexa: No human safety data. Because HGF/c-Met is also an oncogenic pathway, long-term activation is a theoretical concern raised in the field. Semax: Human data come mainly from Russian clinical studies; no large Western trials.
Which studies is this comparison based on?
For Dihexa: “The procognitive and synaptogenic effects of angiotensin IV-derived peptides are dependent on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor/c-met system” (PMID 25187433); “AngIV-Analog Dihexa Rescues Cognitive Impairment and Recovers Memory in the APP/PS1 Mouse via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway” (PMID 34827486); “The development of small molecule angiotensin IV analogs to treat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases” (PMID 25455861). For Semax: “Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus” (PMID 16996037); “Semax binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrain” (PMID 16635254); “Semax and Pro-Gly-Pro activate the transcription of neurotrophins and their receptor genes after cerebral ischemia” (PMID 19633950).
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