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Specimen Atlas of Research Peptides81 plates · MIT
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IIIPlate IIIReviewed 2026-04-27

Adamax

ACTH(4-10) Analogue

also known as ACTH(4-10) analog, corticotropin 4-10 derivative

Synthetic ACTH(4-10) analogue developed in Russia, structurally related to Semax but with distinct amino acid modifications at positions 8-10. Investigated primarily in Russian-language literature for cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and BDNF upregulation. Animal studies demonstrate modulation of hippocampal BDNF/trkB signaling, normalization of circadian rhythms, and attenuation of stress-related behavioral alterations. Limited human data exists; most evidence derives from rodent models.

§ I

At a glance

BDNF protein ↑
1.4×
BDNF mRNA (exon III)
trkB phosphorylation
1.6×
Route

Intranasal · Research Use Only

§ II

Mechanism

Edit ↗

Primary target — Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex.

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

Downstream effect — Increased hippocampal BDNF expression, trkB tyrosine phosphorylation, enhanced conditioned avoidance learning, circadian rhythm normalization [dolotov-2006][arushanian-2008].

Origin — ACTH(4-10) fragment with modified amino acid sequence at positions 8, 9, 10 [teter-2001].

Feedback intact — Non-endocrine — devoid of adrenal axis effects [van-1978].

§ III

Dosage

Protocols described in the cited literature; not medical advice.

Edit ↗
ParameterValue
Animal dose (rat)50 mcg/kg body weight [dolotov-2006]Single intranasal application; produced maximal BDNF response.
RouteIntranasal [dolotov-2006][smolnik-2000]
FrequencySingle-dose or chronic administration protocolsChronic dosing normalized circadian rhythms; single-dose produced acute BDNF elevation.
Human dose (exploratory)Not established — limited human dataACTH(4-10) and analogs dosed 30–60 mcg intranasally in early human studies.
Evidence basisAnimal (rodent, rabbit) studies; minimal human RCT data
TimingVariable — chronic administration for circadian effects
§ III · b

Reconstitution

A pure mass-to-volume utility. Enter what you have in the vial; the atlas computes the volume per dose. No prescription information.

Inputs
mg
mL
mcg
The calculator does pure mass-to-volume math. It does not recommend a dose. Refer to Adamax's cited literature for protocol specifics.
Volumetric outputFig. C — reconstitution math
Volume per dose
0.100mL
10.0 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
Concentration
2500
mcg per mL
Doses per vial
20
at this dose
§ V

Adverse events

Severities follow the FDA / CTCAE convention.

Edit ↗
Cardiovascular effectsmoderate
ACTH(4-10) fragments may have pressor and cardioaccelerator actions at high doses [gruber-1984]
Natriuretic effectmild
ACTH(4-10) exhibited natriuretic activity at lower doses (7 nmol/kg) [gruber-1984]
Behavioral suppressionmild
Suppression of aggression, reduced orientation-cognition reactions in rabbits [teter-2001]
Long-term safetymoderate
Unknown — chronic human safety data lacking
Absolute contraindications
  • Pregnancy and lactation (precautionary; no data)
  • Active cardiovascular instability (due to potential pressor effects)
Relative contraindications
  • Hypertension (monitor BP if using higher doses)
  • Renal impairment (natriuretic effects may alter electrolyte balance)
§ VI

Administration

Edit ↗
  1. 01
    Reconstitution (if lyophilised)

    Add sterile water or bacteriostatic water to lyophilised vial per manufacturer guidance. Roll gently — do not shake. Ensure clarity before use.

  2. 02
    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]

  3. 03
    Timing

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

  4. 04
    Storage

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

§ VII

Synergies

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Appendix

Sources

43%

of 47 rendered claims carry a resolvable citation.

  1. [arushanian-2008]
    Arushanian 2008[Chronotropic activity of semax].
    journal, 2008
  2. [dolotov-2006]
    Dolotov 2006Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus.
    journal, 2006
  3. [glazova-2021]
    Glazova 2021Semax, synthetic ACTH(4-10) analogue, attenuates behavioural and neurochemical alterations following early-life fluvoxamine exposure in white rats.
    journal, 2021
  4. [gruber-1984]
    Gruber 1984Natriuretic and hypertensive activities reside in a fragment of ACTH.
    journal, 1984
  5. [smolnik-2000]
    Smolnik 2000Event-related brain potentials and working memory function in healthy humans after single-dose and prolonged intranasal administration of adrenocorticotropin 4-10 and desacetyl-alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone.
    journal, 2000
  6. [teter-2001]
    Teter 2001Changes in rabbits' behaviour under the influence of corticotropin derivative analogue 4-10 in spontaneous conditions.
    journal, 2001
  7. [van-1978]
    van 1978[Possible consequence of ACTH-like peptides for human mental performance (author's transl)].
    journal, 1978
Plate composed 2026-04-27 · maturity human-reviewed · schema v1 · Contributors: peptidesdb-core · 27 fields uncited — open contributions