PinnyPeptide

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) vs Adamax

Side-by-side comparison: effects, dosing ranges, side effects, regulatory status, and reconstitution.

Peptide A

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin)

Cognitive

Full-length adrenocorticotropic hormone — endocrine research peptide, melanocortin agonist.

Peptide B

Adamax

Cognitive

Adamantyl-capped Semax derivative — a more lipophilic, longer-acting nootropic analog.

Typical vial

5 mg

Typical dose

250 (diagnostic) mcg

Half-life

~10-15 minutes (plasma)

FDA status

Cosyntropin (ACTH 1-24) FDA approved as Cortrosyn. Repositor…

Typical vial

5 mg

Typical dose

100-500 mcg

Half-life

Estimated longer than Semax (~hours, uncharacterized)

FDA status

Not FDA approved.

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) effects

  • Stimulates adrenal cortex to release cortisol
  • Activates MC2R on adrenocortical cells (primary)
  • Secondary activation of MC1R (pigmentation), MC3-5R
  • Used diagnostically to assess adrenal function
  • Anti-inflammatory effects via cortisol release

Adamax effects

  • Hypothesized BDNF upregulation in hippocampus / cortex
  • Theoretical longer duration of action vs. Semax
  • Theoretical improved blood-brain barrier penetration
  • Cognitive enhancement claims (attention, memory)
  • Mood and stress-resilience effects (extrapolated from Semax)

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) side effects

  • All side effects of pharmacological hypercortisolism: hyperglycemia, weight gain, mood changes, immunosuppression, hypertension
  • Hyperpigmentation with chronic use (MC1R activation)
  • HPA axis suppression with prolonged dosing
  • Acne, fluid retention
  • Adrenal hyperplasia with chronic stimulation

Adamax side effects

  • Largely uncharacterized in published literature
  • By analogy with Semax: mild headache, sleep disturbance, irritability at high doses
  • Theoretical: adamantyl-related effects on dopamine signaling
  • Injection-site or intranasal irritation

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) dosing ranges

Adrenal stimulation test (clinical)

250 mcg · Single IV or IM dose · Diagnostic, one-time

Endocrine research

Variable · Per study protocol · Per study protocol

Adamax dosing ranges

Cognitive research (intranasal)

100-300 mcg · Once or twice daily · 14-30 days per cycle

Subcutaneous research

100-500 mcg · Once daily · 14-30 days per cycle

Full ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) guide → Full Adamax guide →

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) vs Adamax — common questions

What is the difference between ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) and Adamax?

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin): Full-length adrenocorticotropic hormone — endocrine research peptide, melanocortin agonist. Typical dose 250 (diagnostic) mcg. Adamax: Adamantyl-capped Semax derivative — a more lipophilic, longer-acting nootropic analog. Typical dose 100-500 mcg. Both fall under the Cognitive category.

Can you stack ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) and Adamax?

Stacking ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) with Adamax is a protocol-design question best raised with a clinician — it depends on your goal, current bloodwork, and whether both peptides target overlapping mechanisms. Both peptides should be tracked independently with separate injection sites and timing. PinnyPeptide supports multi-peptide stacks with automatic injection site rotation.

Which is dosed more frequently, ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) or Adamax?

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) is typically dosed: Single IV or IM dose for Adrenal stimulation test (clinical); Per study protocol for Endocrine research. Adamax is typically dosed: Once or twice daily for Cognitive research (intranasal); Once daily for Subcutaneous research.

Are ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) and Adamax FDA approved?

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin): Cosyntropin (ACTH 1-24) FDA approved as Cortrosyn. Repository ACTH (porcine, full-length) FDA approved as Acthar Gel for infantile spasms, MS exacerbations, and other indications. Adamax: Not FDA approved.

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