Side-by-side · Research reference

AdamaxvsPancragen

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-REVIEWED23/39 cited

Adamax

ACTH(4-10) Analogue · Russian Nootropic

1.4×BDNF protein ↑Dolotov 2006

3×BDNF mRNA (exon III)Dolotov 2006

1.6×trkB phosphorylationDolotov 2006

Intranasal · Research Use Only

Pancragen

Bioregulatory Tetrapeptide · Khavinson School

50 μgPrimate doseGoncharova 2014

10 daysTreatment cycleGoncharova 2015

3+ weeksEffect persistenceGoncharova 2014

IM · 10-day cycleGoncharova 2014

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Adamax

Pancragen

Primary target

Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex

Pancreatic acinar and islet cell differentiation pathwaysKhavinson 2013

Pathway

ACTH(4-10) fragment → MC-R binding → BDNF/trkB upregulation → neurotrophic signaling

Transcription factor activation → Pdx1/Pax6/Pax4/Ptf1a/Foxa2/NKx2.2 upregulation → Cell differentiationKhavinson 2013

Downstream effect

Increased hippocampal BDNF expression, trkB tyrosine phosphorylation, enhanced conditioned avoidance learning, circadian rhythm normalizationDolotov 2006 Arushanian 2008

Enhanced pancreatic beta-cell function, normalized insulin/C-peptide dynamics, improved glucose clearanceGoncharova 2014

Feedback intact?

Non-endocrine — devoid of adrenal axis effectsvan 1978

Yes — preserves physiological glucose-insulin response

Origin

ACTH(4-10) fragment with modified amino acid sequence at positions 8, 9, 10Teter 2001

Synthetic tetrapeptide derived from pancreatic tissue extracts (Khavinson bioregulator methodology)

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Adamax

Pancragen

Animal dose (rat)

50 mcg/kg body weightDolotov 2006

Single intranasal application; produced maximal BDNF response.

—

Route

IntranasalDolotov 2006 Smolnik 2000

IntramuscularGoncharova 2015

Frequency

Single-dose or chronic administration protocols

Chronic dosing normalized circadian rhythms; single-dose produced acute BDNF elevation.

Once daily for 10 daysGoncharova 2014

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

Non-human primate RCT, in vitro cell cultureGoncharova 2015 Khavinson 2013

Timing

Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects

—

Primate dose (rhesus macaque)

—

50 μg / animal / dayGoncharova 2014

20–25-year-old females, 10-day IM protocol.

Effective concentration (in vitro)

—

0.05 ng/mLZakutskiĭ 2006

Organotypic tissue culture, both young and aged rat explants.

Treatment cycle

—

10-day course, effects persist 3+ weeks post-withdrawalGoncharova 2014

Diabetes model

—

STZ-induced diabetes (rat)

Evaluated via metabolic markers characterizing apoptosis.

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Adamax

Pancragen

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

—

Reported adverse events

—

None documented in primate studies

Tolerability

—

Well-tolerated in aged rhesus monkeys (n=9)Goncharova 2015

Human safety data

—

No published human trials; clinical use limited to Russian gerontology protocols

Absolute Contraindications

Adamax

·Pregnancy and lactation (precautionary; no data)
·Active cardiovascular instability (due to potential pressor effects)

Pancragen

—

Relative Contraindications

Adamax

·Hypertension (monitor BP if using higher doses)
·Renal impairment (natriuretic effects may alter electrolyte balance)

Pancragen

·Active pancreatic malignancy (proliferation marker upregulation)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Adamax

Pancragen

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.

Lyophilised tetrapeptide reconstituted in sterile saline or water per manufacturer protocol. Concentration not specified in literature.

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 2006 Smolnik 2000

Intramuscular injection. Primate studies used daily IM dosing for 10 consecutive days.Goncharova 2015

3. Timing

Variable. Single-dose protocols for acute cognitive tasks; chronic daily dosing for circadian rhythm normalization and sustained neuroprotection.

No specific timing constraints documented. Administered once daily in primate protocols.

4. Storage

Lyophilised: room temperature, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within manufacturer-specified timeframe.

10-day treatment course. Restorative effects on pancreatic function persist for at least 3 weeks post-discontinuation.Goncharova 2014

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

Pancragen

— no documented stacks