PinnyPeptide

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) vs Semax

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

Semax

Cognitive

Neuroprotective ACTH analog with nootropic and neurotrophic properties.

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

200-600 mcg

Half-life

~2-3 minutes (very rapid degradation; biological effects last hours due to downstream gene expression changes)

FDA status

Not FDA approved for human use. Approved in Russia for strok…

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

Semax effects

  • Upregulates BDNF and NGF expression for neuroprotection
  • Enhances memory formation, learning, and attention
  • Promotes neuronal survival after ischemic injury
  • Modulates serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission
  • Supports optic nerve health and visual function

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

Semax side effects

  • Mild nasal irritation with intranasal administration
  • Occasional headache
  • Rare anecdotal reports of hair thinning at high doses
  • Mild dizziness in sensitive individuals

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

Semax dosing ranges

Cognitive enhancement

200-600 mcg · Once or twice daily (intranasal) · 10-20 days per course

Neuroprotection / stroke recovery

600-1200 mcg · Two to three times daily (intranasal) · 10-14 days

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

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

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

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin): Full-length adrenocorticotropic hormone — endocrine research peptide, melanocortin agonist. Typical dose 250 (diagnostic) mcg. Semax: Neuroprotective ACTH analog with nootropic and neurotrophic properties. Typical dose 200-600 mcg. Both fall under the Cognitive category.

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

Stacking ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) with Semax 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 Semax?

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) is typically dosed: Single IV or IM dose for Adrenal stimulation test (clinical); Per study protocol for Endocrine research. Semax is typically dosed: Once or twice daily (intranasal) for Cognitive enhancement; Two to three times daily (intranasal) for Neuroprotection / stroke recovery.

Are ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) and Semax 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. Semax: Not FDA approved for human use. Approved in Russia for stroke recovery, cognitive impairment, and optic nerve disease.

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