Key facts
Mechanism of action
Russian-developed synthetic heptapeptide based on a fragment of ACTH. Used clinically in Russia for stroke recovery, ADHD, and cognitive enhancement. BDNF up-regulation is the proposed mechanism. Limited Western clinical data.
Standard dosing
Typical clinical use: 300-600 mcg intranasal daily. Dosing varies by indication and provider protocol; this is reference-only and not a prescribing recommendation. Semax requires a prescription from a licensed clinician.
Regulatory status & pharmacy pathway
Not FDA-approved. Compounded peptides are dispensed via 503A licensed compounding pharmacies (USP <797> sterile compounding) or 503B FDA-registered outsourcing facilities (cGMP). Patients should request the pharmacy of record and certificates of analysis (USP <71> sterility, USP <85> endotoxin, HPLC potency) for every shipment.
U.S. telehealth providers prescribing Semax
The most commonly cited U.S. telehealth providers for Semax are Defy Medical, Marek Health, Hone Health, Maximus, and PeterMD — all of which offer prescriber-supervised access with lab integration and 503A pharmacy partnerships. See the full provider directory for complete profiles.
Trade-offs to know
Semax carries the trade-offs common to all compounded peptide therapeutics: not FDA-approved (when applicable), cash-pay only, no in-network insurance coverage, and pharmacy-quality variation between providers. Choose a prescriber that publishes pharmacy of record, per-vial CoAs, and lab-integrated follow-up.
Related peptides in the cognitive category
Editorial team
Authored by Dr. Sam Saberian, medically reviewed by Alen A. Schwartz, MD, edited by Julliana Edwards. About our team →