Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Semax | Tesamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 200-600 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.1% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril). | Research indicates 2 mg administered once daily via subcutaneous injection (FDA-approved dose for HIV lipodystrophy). |
| Timing | Morning and early afternoon dosing (avoid evening — may cause stimulation/insomnia). Intranasal preferred for rapid CNS delivery. | Morning administration on empty stomach. Consistent daily timing recommended. |
| Cycle Duration | 10-14 day cycles with equal rest periods. Some protocols use 3-5 day on / 2 day off patterns. | 26+ weeks in clinical trials. Long-term use is common; effects are not sustained after discontinuation. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | Strong (FDA-approved indication), Moderate (longevity) |
Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment that rapidly upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its signaling receptor TrkB in the hippocampus (1.4-fold BDNF protein increase, 3-fold exon III BDNF mRNA increase). It activates dopaminergic and serotonergic brain systems, enhances neurotrophin gene expression (BDNF, NGF), and modulates intracellular calcium dynamics in brain neurons. Semax lacks ACTH's corticotropic activity, acting purely as a nootropic/neuroprotective agent.
Research indicates 200-600 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.1% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).
Morning and early afternoon dosing (avoid evening — may cause stimulation/insomnia). Intranasal preferred for rapid CNS delivery.
10-14 day cycles with equal rest periods. Some protocols use 3-5 day on / 2 day off patterns.
Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic 44-amino acid GHRH analog with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminal tyrosine that confers resistance to DPP-IV degradation. It binds GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating endogenous GH production and secretion while maintaining pulsatile release patterns. Tesamorelin selectively reduces visceral adipose tissue (15-20% reduction in trials) while preserving subcutaneous fat, and markedly increases plasma GH and IGF-1 levels with once-daily dosing.
Research indicates 2 mg administered once daily via subcutaneous injection (FDA-approved dose for HIV lipodystrophy).
Morning administration on empty stomach. Consistent daily timing recommended.
26+ weeks in clinical trials. Long-term use is common; effects are not sustained after discontinuation.
Take our free assessment to get personalized recommendations based on your health goals, current stack, and biomarkers.
Get Your Free Protocol →or take the assessment →