The Nationally compounded, coming soon.
Semax is a peptide of 7 amino acids that providers prescribe to support focus, memory and mental clarity. It is a nasal spray, built on a fragment of the hormone ACTH, and it is one of six peptides in the October 2026 federal compounding policy, ready for the days you need to be sharp.
What is Semax?
Semax is a heptapeptide, seven amino acids long, with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro [1]. It is an analog of the 4 to 10 fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, known as ACTH, with a short Pro-Gly-Pro tail added [1][3]. Researchers have worked with Semax for decades, and they describe it as having profound effects on learning and memory formation in rodents after it is given through the nose [2].
The nose is the point. Semax is a nasal spray, and the federal policy names Semax free base for intranasal use only [6]. No needles.
What is Semax prescribed for?
A provider prescribes Semax to support:
- Focus and concentration for deep work
- Memory and learning
- Mental clarity and a steady, positive mood
- Staying sharp through busy seasons and as you get older
Your provider looks at your history and your goals, then decides whether Semax fits your plan.
What has research looked at?
Semax research centers on BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein the brain uses to build and strengthen connections between nerve cells.
- BDNF and learning. A 2006 study in Brain Research found that a single dose of Semax raised BDNF protein in the hippocampus, the brain's memory center, by up to 1.4 times, and that treated animals performed better on a learning task [1].
- Binding in the brain. A second 2006 study, in the Journal of Neurochemistry, found specific binding sites for Semax in the basal forebrain, and a nasal dose raised BDNF there [2].
- From nose to brain. A 2006 study in the Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry tracked labeled Semax after a nasal dose and found it in the brain within 2 minutes [3].
- Brain support genes. A 2010 study in Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology found that Semax switched on the genes for several neurotrophins, the growth signals that support nerve cells, in the brain's cortex in rats [4].
Who is Semax for?
- The ferry commuter on the Seattle to Bremerton run who wants a sharp, focused hour on the crossing.
- The University of Washington grad student heading into finals week in the middle of a rainy December.
- The founder in Pioneer Square running back-to-back meetings who wants to stay clear from the first call to the last.
- The retired teacher in Bellingham who reads, does the crossword and wants to keep a quick mind for years.
Your visit with Arora Health
BrightSide care is provided by Arora Health, the Seattle practice led by Dr. Shannon Arora and Dr. Sean Arora. Their providers know peptides well and are excited to offer them.
- Start an online visit from home. Tell us about your work, your focus and your goals.
- A Seattle-based Arora Health provider reviews it and builds a plan for you, including whether Semax fits.
- It is nationally compounded: our national pharmacy partners fill your nasal spray and ship it to your door.
- Follow up with your provider in your BrightSide patient portal as your plan moves along.
Every prescription gives 50 meals a month to those in need. See how on our giving page, and see how we choose pharmacies on our pharmacy network page.
How is Semax supplied?
| Semax | |
|---|---|
| Form | Compounded Semax free base nasal spray, single ingredient |
| Route | In the nose (intranasal) |
| How often | On the schedule your provider sets in your plan |
| Storage | As directed on the pharmacy label that comes with your prescription |
When can you get Semax?
Soon. On October 30, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services published a draft policy that opens a path for state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies to compound Semax and five other peptides. HHS says the policy is meant "to expand and improve patient access" [5]. It works through enforcement discretion, and BrightSide, Arora Health and our pharmacy partner are getting ready now so we can start as soon as prescribing opens.
Join the list to be first.
When prescribing opens, an Arora Health provider will reach out to you.
Common questions
Is Semax an injection?
No. Semax is a nasal spray. The federal policy names Semax for intranasal use only, and your provider shows you how to use it in your plan.
What is BDNF?
BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, is a protein the brain uses to grow and strengthen connections between nerve cells. Much of the research on Semax looks at how it raises BDNF [1][2].
Do you need a prescription for Semax?
Yes. Semax will be a compounded medication, made for you by a licensed 503A pharmacy on a prescription from a licensed provider after your visit.
Related peptides
- Epitalon: sleep and healthy aging, prescribed to support restful sleep.
- MOTS-c: energy and metabolic, prescribed to support all-day energy.
- BPC-157: recovery and repair, prescribed to support tendon and ligament recovery.
- See all six on the peptide hub.
Sources
- Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Inozemtseva LS, et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus. Brain Research, 2006. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16996037/ (DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2006.07.108)
- Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Seredenina TS, et al. Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrain. Journal of Neurochemistry, 2006. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16635254/ (DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.03658.x)
- Shevchenko KV, Nagaev IIu, Alfeeva LIu, et al. Kinetics of Semax penetration into the brain and blood of rats after its intranasal administration. Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry (Bioorganicheskaia Khimiia), 2006. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16523722/ (DOI https://doi.org/10.1134/s1068162006010055)
- Dmitrieva VG, Povarova OV, Skvortsova VI, et al. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 2010, Semax and Pro-Gly-Pro activate the transcription of neurotrophins and their receptor genes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19633950/ (DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-009-9432-0)
- HHS, Enforcement discretion policy regarding 503A compounding using certain peptide bulk drug substances, notice of availability, 91 FR 68526, October 30, 2026. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-10-30/html/2026-22192.htm
- HHS, Enforcement discretion policy regarding 503A compounding using certain peptide bulk drug substances, Appendix A and B. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-503a-peptide-enforcement-discretion-policy-appendix-b.pdf
Compounded peptides are not FDA approved and will be available by prescription from a licensed 503A pharmacy once prescribing opens.
