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Specimen Atlas of Research Peptides81 plates · MIT
Side-by-side · Research reference

AdamaxvsAdipotide

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED20/47 cited
BAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED15/49 cited
Adamax
ACTH(4-10) Analogue · Russian Nootropic
1.4×BDNF protein ↑Dolotov 2006
BDNF mRNA (exon III)Dolotov 2006
1.6×trkB phosphorylationDolotov 2006
Intranasal · Research Use Only
Adipotide
Pro-apoptotic Vascular-Targeting Peptide · Preclinical Only
PreclinicalStatus
PHB1TargetHossen 2013
ApoptosisMechanismHossen 2013
IV · Systemic · Preclinical Protocols OnlyHossen 2013

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter
Adamax
Adipotide
Primary target
Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex
Prohibitin-1 (PHB1) on adipose vasculature endotheliumHossen 2013
Pathway
ACTH(4-10) fragment → MC-R binding → BDNF/trkB upregulation → neurotrophic signaling
CKGGRAKDC domain binds PHB1 → Peptide internalisation → D(KLAKLAK)₂ mitochondrial membrane disruption
Downstream effect
Increased hippocampal BDNF expression, trkB tyrosine phosphorylation, enhanced conditioned avoidance learning, circadian rhythm normalizationDolotov 2006Arushanian 2008
Endothelial apoptosis → Adipose vascular collapse → Adipocyte involution → Weight loss
Feedback intact?
Non-endocrine — devoid of adrenal axis effectsvan 1978
N/A — Direct apoptotic mechanism, non-hormonal
Origin
ACTH(4-10) fragment with modified amino acid sequence at positions 8, 9, 10Teter 2001
Synthetic bioconjugate: PHB1-targeting homing peptide + pro-apoptotic KLA sequence
Antibody development

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter
Adamax
Adipotide
Animal dose (rat)
50 mcg/kg body weightDolotov 2006
Single intranasal application; produced maximal BDNF response.
Route
Intravenous (systemic injection)
Frequency
Single-dose or chronic administration protocols
Chronic dosing normalized circadian rhythms; single-dose produced acute BDNF elevation.
Not specified in available data
Human dose (exploratory)
Not established — limited human data
ACTH(4-10) and analogs dosed 30–60 mcg intranasally in early human studies.
Evidence basis
Animal (rodent, rabbit) studies; minimal human RCT data
Preclinical animal models only
Timing
Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects
Animal dose (mouse)
Low dose (not specified in abstract)Hossen 2013
Systemic injection in diet-induced obesity (DIO) models.Hossen 2013
Human data
None — no clinical trials reported

03Metabolic / Fat Loss Evidence

Parameter
Adamax
Adipotide
Primary fat target
White adipose tissue (all depots)
Mechanism
Vascular apoptosis → adipose blood supply collapse → adipocyte deathHossen 2013
Body weight reduction
Significant reduction in DIO miceHossen 2013
Absolute values not provided in abstract.
Leptin levels
Significant decrease
Parallel to adipose mass reduction.
Effect on adipocytes
Antiobesity effect on dysfunctional adipose cells (adipocytes + macrophages)Hossen 2013
Ectopic fat
Reduction in ectopic fat depositionHossen 2013
Marker of dysfunctional adipose tissue / metabolic syndrome.
Species tested
Obese rhesus monkeys, DIO mice
Human translation
Unknown — no clinical trials

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter
Adamax
Adipotide
Cardiovascular effects
ACTH(4-10) fragments may have pressor and cardioaccelerator actions at high dosesGruber 1984
Effects attenuated by α/β-receptor antagonists; observed at 30–1000 nmol/kg IV in rats.
Natriuretic effect
ACTH(4-10) exhibited natriuretic activity at lower doses (7 nmol/kg)Gruber 1984
Behavioral suppression
Suppression of aggression, reduced orientation-cognition reactions in rabbitsTeter 2001
May reflect anxiolytic or stress-dampening profile.
Long-term safety
Unknown — chronic human safety data lacking
Safety profile
Unknown — preclinical data only
Vascular selectivity
Targets adipose vasculature; off-target vascular effects unknown
Apoptotic mechanism risk
Pro-apoptotic payload may affect unintended tissues if selectivity incomplete
Kidney / liver toxicity
Not reported in available data
Immunogenicity
Not assessed in available data
Absolute Contraindications
Adamax
  • ·Pregnancy and lactation (precautionary; no data)
  • ·Active cardiovascular instability (due to potential pressor effects)
Adipotide
  • ·Human use — not approved, no clinical safety data
Relative Contraindications
Adamax
  • ·Hypertension (monitor BP if using higher doses)
  • ·Renal impairment (natriuretic effects may alter electrolyte balance)
Adipotide
  • ·Any condition requiring intact adipose-tissue vascularisation

05Administration Protocol

Parameter
Adamax
Adipotide
1. Reconstitution (if lyophilised)
Add sterile water or bacteriostatic water to lyophilised vial per manufacturer guidance. Roll gently — do not shake. Ensure clarity before use.
Intravenous injection (systemic) in preclinical models. No human protocols exist.
2. Route
Intranasal administration is the primary route in animal and exploratory human studies. Delivered via nasal spray or dropper to ensure mucosal absorption.Dolotov 2006Smolnik 2000
Bioconjugate peptide. May also be encapsulated in nanoparticles (prohibitin-targeted nanoparticle formulation, KLA-PTNP, showed superior efficacy vs. free bioconjugate in mice).Hossen 2013
3. Timing
Variable. Single-dose protocols for acute cognitive tasks; chronic daily dosing for circadian rhythm normalization and sustained neuroprotection.
Low-dose systemic injection (exact dosing not specified in available abstract). Frequency and duration not detailed.Hossen 2013
4. Storage
Lyophilised: room temperature, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within manufacturer-specified timeframe.
Not specified — likely requires peptide-grade lyophilised storage and reconstitution.

06Stack Synergy

Adamax
+ Semax
Moderate
View Semax

Both Adamax and Semax are ACTH(4-10)-derived nootropics acting via melanocortin receptors and BDNF upregulation. Adamax has distinct amino acid modifications at positions 8-10, potentially offering complementary receptor binding profiles or metabolic stability. Stacking may amplify neurotrophic signaling and cognitive enhancement, though direct synergy studies are absent. Theoretical multi-pathway benefit.

Adamax
Research dose intranasal
Semax
300–600 mcg intranasal
Frequency
Once daily, morning or pre-cognitive task
Primary benefit
Enhanced BDNF upregulation, cognitive performance, neuroprotection
Adipotide
— no documented stacks