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ToolsCompareSemax vs Dulaglutide

Semax vs Dulaglutide

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Cognitive Enhancement
Semax
GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Dulaglutide
Summary
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.
Dulaglutide (brand name Trulicity) is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes management and cardiovascular risk reduction. It consists of two GLP-1 analog chains fused to a modified IgG4 Fc fragment, extending its half-life to approximately 5 days. While primarily a diabetes medication, it produces meaningful weight loss and has established cardiovascular outcomes data from the REWIND trial.
Half-Life
Minutes (but effects persist for hours via BDNF induction)
~5 days
Admin Route
Intranasal, SubQ
SubQ
Research
Typical Dose
0.25–1 mg (250–1000 mcg)
0.75 mg → 1.5 mg
Frequency
1–2 times daily
Once weekly
Key Benefits
  • 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
  • FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
  • Once-weekly subcutaneous dosing via auto-injector pen
  • Reduces HbA1c by approximately 1.1–1.6%
  • Modest weight loss of 1.5–3 kg at approved doses
  • Demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction (REWIND trial)
  • Established long-term safety profile
  • Renal protective effects in CKD
Side Effects
  • Headache (rare, often from higher doses)
  • Anxiety or overstimulation at high doses
  • Sleep disruption if dosed too late
  • Irritability (uncommon)
  • Nausea (most common, typically transient)
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Decreased appetite
  • +3 more
Stacks With