Liraglutide vs Semax
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
GLP-1 / Weight Loss AgonistsFat Loss & Metabolic
LiraglutideCognitive Enhancement
Semax- Summary
- Liraglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and chronic weight management (Saxenda). It reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, improves insulin secretion, and promotes weight loss of 5–10% in clinical trials.
- Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH developed in Russia. It is a potent nootropic that enhances memory, focus, and provides neuroprotection. Approved in Russia for cognitive disorders, stroke recovery, and traumatic brain injury.
- Half-Life
- ~13 hours (once-daily dosing)
- Minutes (but effects persist for hours via BDNF induction)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Intranasal, SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- Start 0.6 mg, titrate to 3 mg
- 0.25–1 mg (250–1000 mcg)
- Frequency
- Once daily
- 1–2 times daily
- Key Benefits
- Promotes weight loss (5–10% average)
- Reduces appetite and caloric intake
- Improves blood glucose control (HbA1c reduction)
- Reduces cardiovascular events in T2DM (LEADER trial)
- Slows gastric emptying
- FDA-approved for T2DM and chronic weight management
- Cardioprotective effects shown in clinical trials
- May improve fatty liver (NAFLD/NASH)
- Enhances memory and learning
- Improves focus and concentration
- Increases mental energy and motivation
- Provides neuroprotection via BDNF and NGF upregulation
- Reduces cognitive decline
- May alleviate ADHD symptoms
- Supports recovery from brain injury and stroke
- Fast-acting — effects within 30–60 minutes
- Approved in Russia for cognitive disorders and stroke recovery
- Side Effects
- Nausea (very common, especially initially)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Decreased appetite
- +5 more
- Headache (rare, often from higher doses)
- Anxiety or overstimulation at high doses
- Sleep disruption if dosed too late
- Irritability (uncommon)
- Stacks With
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