Side-by-side · Research reference

AdamaxvsRetatrutide

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

BPhase 2HUMAN-REVIEWED10/41 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

Retatrutide

Triple-receptor agonist · Phase 3

1–12 mgWeekly doseJastreboff 2023

24.2%Body-weight ↓Jastreboff 2023

~6 daysHalf-life (est)

SQ · Abdomen · Once weekly

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Adamax

Retatrutide

Primary target

Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex

GLP-1R + GIPR + Glucagon receptor (triple agonism)Jastreboff 2023

Pathway

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

Triple-receptor activation → ↑insulin (GLP-1+GIP), ↓gastric emptying, ↑lipid handling, ↑energy expenditure (glucagon component)Jastreboff 2023

Downstream effect

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

Maximal weight loss across class. Glucagon component drives lipolysis and energy expenditure beyond GLP-1+GIP aloneJastreboff 2023

Feedback intact?

Non-endocrine — devoid of adrenal axis effectsvan 1978

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Origin

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

Synthetic peptide engineered for balanced affinity at three incretin / glucagon receptorsJastreboff 2023

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Adamax

Retatrutide

Animal dose (rat)

50 mcg/kg body weightDolotov 2006

Single intranasal application; produced maximal BDNF response.

—

Route

IntranasalDolotov 2006 Smolnik 2000

—

Frequency

Single-dose or chronic administration protocols

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

Once weekly

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

Phase 2 trial; Phase 3 ongoingJastreboff 2023

Timing

Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects

Any time of day

Standard dose

—

12 mg / week (max efficacy)Jastreboff 2023

Phase 2 trial dose. Phase 3 dosing TBD.

Titration schedule

—

2 mg → 4 mg → 8 mg → 12 mg over 16 weeks

Duration

—

Indefinite for chronic indication (presumed)

Reconstitution

—

Investigational; not commercially available

Half-life

—

~6 days (estimated from class)

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Adamax

Retatrutide

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

—

GI symptoms

—

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (very common, dose-dependent)Jastreboff 2023

Heart rate

—

↑ resting HR (3–7 bpm at 12 mg)Jastreboff 2023

Glucose handling

—

Glycemic improvement; rare hyperglycemia from glucagon component

Pancreatitis risk

—

Class warning

Thyroid C-cell tumours

—

Class warning (presumed)

Pregnancy / OB

—

Avoid (insufficient data)

Absolute Contraindications

Adamax

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

Retatrutide

·MTC personal or family history (presumed class effect)
·Pregnancy / breastfeeding

Relative Contraindications

Adamax

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

Retatrutide

·Severe gastroparesis
·History of pancreatitis
·Severe cardiovascular disease (HR signal)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Adamax

Retatrutide

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.

Investigational peptide. Research vials reconstituted with bacteriostatic water per label.

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

SQ — abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate weekly.

3. Timing

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

Once weekly, same day.

4. Storage

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

Refrigerate 2–8 °C. Light-protected.

5. Needle

—

27–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.

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

Retatrutide

— no documented stacks