Side-by-side · Research reference

RetatrutidevsSemax

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

APhase 2Reviewed10/41 cited

BHuman-MechanisticDraft12/39 cited

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

Semax

Cognitive enhancer · Russian Pharma

200–600 mcg/doseIntranasalKaplan 2017

HumanMechanisticKaplan 2017

~30 minOnset

Intranasal · 2–3×/day during cognitive demand

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Retatrutide

Semax

Primary target

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

BDNF / NGF expression + monoamine modulationKaplan 2017

Pathway

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

↑ BDNF + NGF synthesis + 5-HT modulation → neuroplasticity + anxiolysis + cognitive enhancementKaplan 2017

Downstream effect

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

Improved memory + attention; reduced anxiety; neuroprotection in ischemiaKaplan 2017

Feedback intact?

—

Origin

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

Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from ACTH(4-7) with C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro stabilising tailKaplan 2017

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Retatrutide

Semax

Standard dose

12 mg / week (max efficacy)Jastreboff 2023

Phase 2 trial dose. Phase 3 dosing TBD.

200–600 mcg / dose intranasalKaplan 2017

Frequency

Once weekly

2–3× per day during cognitive demand

Titration schedule

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

—

Evidence basis

Phase 2 trial; Phase 3 ongoingJastreboff 2023

Human-mechanistic + Russian clinicalKaplan 2017

Duration

Indefinite for chronic indication (presumed)

10–14 day cycles, repeated PRN

Reconstitution

Investigational; not commercially available

Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water

Timing

Any time of day

Morning + early afternoon

Half-life

~6 days (estimated from class)

Short plasma; CNS effect lasts ~3–6 hr

Lower / starter dose

—

100 mcg / dose

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Retatrutide

Semax

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)

Avoid

Nasal irritation

—

Mild burning or congestion (transient)

Sleep disruption

—

Late-day dosing may interfere with sleep

Headache

—

Uncommon, transient

Long-term safety

—

Limited Western RCT data

Absolute Contraindications

Retatrutide

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

Semax

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding

Relative Contraindications

Retatrutide

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

Semax

·Active psychiatric instability
·Concurrent strong stimulants

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Retatrutide

Semax

1. Reconstitution

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

Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.

2. Injection site

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

Intranasal — 2–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.

3. Timing

Once weekly, same day.

Morning + early afternoon. Avoid evening (sleep disruption).

4. Storage

Refrigerate 2–8 °C. Light-protected.

Refrigerate after reconstitution; light-protected.

5. Needle

27–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.

Cycle on/off to avoid neurochemical adaptation.

06Stack Synergy

Retatrutide

— no documented stacks

Semax

+ Selank

Moderate

View Selank →

Semax (cognitive enhancer, BDNF/NGF) and Selank (anxiolytic + immune) form the canonical Russian "neuro stack" — both intranasal peptide bioregulators with complementary axes. Semax for cognitive demand; Selank for stress mitigation.

Semax: 200–600 mcg intranasal · morning + afternoon
Selank: 150–300 mcg intranasal · midday + early evening
Primary benefit: Cognitive enhancement + stress mitigation

Kaplan 2017 Zaderej 2014