Semax vs VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Semax
Semax is a synthetic peptide derived from ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). Developed in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent.
Full details →VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with wide-ranging effects throughout the body. It acts as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, and immune regulator with particular importance in gut and lung function.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Semax | VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 300 mcg–600 mcg | 100 mcg–200 mcg |
| Frequency | 2x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 2–4 weeks | 2–8 weeks |
| Route | intranasal | intranasal |
| Mechanism | Enhances BDNF expression, modulates dopamine and serotonin systems, and provides neuroprotective effects. Increases attention, memory formation, and learning. | Binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors to modulate immune responses, regulate circadian rhythms, promote vasodilation, and support barrier function in gut and lungs. Has potent anti-inflammatory effects. |
| Typical Dosage | Intranasal: 200-600mcg 2-3 times daily. Higher doses (up to 1mg) used in clinical settings for stroke recovery. | Intranasal: 50-200mcg 1-3 times daily for chronic inflammatory conditions. Some protocols use subcutaneous administration. Dosing varies by condition. |
| Administration | Primarily administered intranasally. N-Acetyl Semax Amidate (NASA) is a modified version with enhanced stability and potency. | Intranasal is most common for inflammatory conditions. Subcutaneous injection also used. Must be stored cold and protected from light. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause mild irritability or hair shedding in some users. | May cause nasal irritation, flushing, headache, or temporary diarrhea. Generally well-tolerated at standard doses. |
| Best For |
Key Differences
Unique to Semax:
Unique to VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide):
Key Studies
Semax
- Semax peptide targets the μ opioid receptor gene Oprm1 to promote deubiquitination and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in female mice.
British journal of pharmacology, 2025
- The Potential of the Peptide Drug Semax and Its Derivative for Correcting Pathological Impairments in the Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
Acta naturae, 2025
- The Effect of Peptide Semax, an ACTH(4-10) Analogue, on Intracellular Calcium Dynamics in Rat Brain Neurons.
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2025
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
- Distribution of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) immunoreactivity in the rat pallial and subpallial amygdala and colocalization with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007), 2024
- Increased Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) in polycystic ovary syndrome patients undergoing IVF.
Frontiers in endocrinology, 2024
- Therapeutic Potential of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and its Derivative Stearyl-Norleucine-VIP in Inflammation-Induced Osteolysis.
Frontiers in pharmacology, 2021
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