Semax
A physician-prescribed, compounded peptide nasal spray, developed in Russia and studied there for conditions affecting the brain — with licensed provider oversight from intake through every refill.
Billed monthly. Includes everything.
HSA/FSA cards accepted
Prescription required. A licensed provider will review your information and prescribe only if medically appropriate. Semax is not FDA-approved, and compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Stylized illustration for marketing purposes only
Important — please read before starting
- Semax is not an FDA-approved drug. No Semax product has been approved for any use in the United States.
- How it's available: In late October 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a draft interim policy saying it does not intend to take enforcement action against state-licensed pharmacies and physicians that compound Semax for individual patients with a valid prescription, as long as ten conditions are met — including sourcing the ingredient from an FDA-registered manufacturer with a certificate of analysis showing identity, purity, potency, and contaminant testing; single-ingredient products; reporting serious side effects to FDA; and specific labeling. For Semax, the policy covers only Semax free base for use in the nose (intranasal); injectable Semax is not covered. This is enforcement discretion, not FDA approval. The policy is not final: HHS is accepting public comments through November 13, 2026, and the policy may change.
- The human evidence is limited. Human studies come almost entirely from Russia, are mostly published in Russian, and have not been confirmed by independent trials elsewhere.
- Athletes: Semax may be prohibited under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, and use can result in sanctions even if it was prescribed. If you are subject to anti-doping testing, check with your anti-doping organization before considering it.
About Semax
Semax is a synthetic peptide of seven amino acids. It combines a four-amino-acid piece of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4–7) with three more amino acids (proline-glycine-proline) that help it last longer in the body. It was developed in Russia, where it has been registered as a medicine since the 1990s.
It has drawn interest for its possible effects on the brain and nervous system. At Vytora Health, Semax is offered only as a prescription nasal spray compounded by a licensed US pharmacy, after review by a licensed provider.
Proposed mechanism
In laboratory and animal studies, Semax appears to raise levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in the growth and survival of nerve cells, and to affect inflammation in the brain. How these findings apply to people is not established.
What the research shows — and doesn't
Lab & animal research
Laboratory and animal studies have looked at models of stroke and nerve injury.
Human research
Human studies come almost entirely from Russia, mostly on stroke recovery, and are mostly published in Russian. They have not been confirmed by independent trials elsewhere.
Regulatory review
In July 2026 an FDA advisory committee voted 8–5 (1 abstention) to recommend Semax for the pharmacy compounding list, reviewed for reduced blood flow to the brain (cerebral ischemia), migraine, and trigeminal neuralgia. FDA staff had recommended against it, and final rulemaking is still pending.
Who it may be for — and who should not use it
May be considered for adults who:
- Are 18 or older
- Are interested in Semax and understand the evidence is still early
- Can complete a full medical history and stay in contact with their provider
- Are comfortable using a nasal spray
Not appropriate if you:
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- Have had an allergic reaction to Semax or any ingredient in the preparation
- Are under 18
- Compete in sports with anti-doping testing
Your provider may identify other reasons Semax isn't right for you.
Administration, dosing & storage
Semax is used in the nose, as a nasal spray — the only route the HHS policy covers. Injectable Semax is not covered and is not offered. Your dose, schedule, and how long you use it are determined solely by your licensed provider based on your history and goals.
Instructions come with every shipment. Store it exactly as your pharmacy label directs, follow the beyond-use date, and do not share your spray with anyone.
How it works
STEP 1
Complete your online visit
Share your health history, medications, and goals.
STEP 2
Provider review
A licensed clinician from our provider network reviews and prescribes only if appropriate.
STEP 3
Pharmacy ships to you
A licensed US 503A pharmacy prepares your prescription and ships it to your door.
STEP 4
Ongoing check-ins
Message your care team anytime and report any side effects.
Included with every plan
Medication & all supplies
Physician consultation
Unlimited provider messaging
Free discreet shipping
Nasal spray instructions
Progress tracking portal
Potential side effects & risks
Because human studies of Semax are limited and come almost entirely from Russia, its full side-effect profile is not well established. Effects that have been reported or may be expected include:
- Nasal irritation, dryness, stuffiness, or a runny nose
- Headache
Possible serious risks. FDA has noted that peptides like Semax may cause immune reactions, including allergic reactions, and that peptide impurities can be hard to characterize.
Get emergency care right away if you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, widespread hives, a racing heartbeat, or feel faint after a dose.
Tell your provider about all medications, supplements, and medical conditions before starting. Little is known about interactions with other drugs. Report any side effects to your care team — your pharmacy is required to report adverse events. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.
Frequently asked questions
Semax is a synthetic peptide of seven amino acids. It combines a four-amino-acid piece of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4–7) with three more amino acids (proline-glycine-proline) that help it last longer in the body. It was developed in Russia, where it has been registered as a medicine since the 1990s.
No. Semax is not FDA-approved for any use, and compounded medications are not FDA-approved finished drug products. In late October 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a draft interim policy saying it does not intend to take enforcement action against state-licensed pharmacies and physicians that compound Semax for individual patients with a valid prescription, as long as ten conditions are met, including tested ingredients from an FDA-registered manufacturer, single-ingredient products, and reporting serious side effects to FDA. For Semax, the policy covers only Semax free base for use in the nose (intranasal); injectable Semax is not covered. This is not an approval, and the policy could change, including after public comment closes on November 13, 2026. If it does, we will notify active patients.
Laboratory and animal studies have looked at models of stroke and nerve injury. Human studies come almost entirely from Russia, mostly on stroke recovery, are mostly published in Russian, and have not been confirmed by independent trials elsewhere. Benefits in people have not been proven to FDA standards.
Semax is used in the nose, as a nasal spray — the only route the HHS policy covers. Your provider sets your dose and schedule, and every shipment includes instructions.
No. The HHS policy covers Semax only as a nasal spray, so injectable Semax is not offered.
$199/month on a month-to-month plan, $183/month on a 3-month plan (billed $549 every 3 months), or $166/month on a 6-month plan (billed $999 every 6 months). Price includes medication, physician consultation, supplies, shipping, and unlimited provider support. This is a recurring subscription. Your card is charged automatically each billing cycle until you cancel. Cancel anytime by contacting support@vytorahealth.com.
Semax is typically prescribed for a defined course rather than indefinitely. The length of treatment, and whether to repeat it, is decided by your licensed provider based on your goals and how you respond. Talk to your provider before stopping or extending treatment.
Because human studies of Semax are limited and come almost entirely from Russia, its full side-effect profile is not well established. Effects that have been reported or may be expected include nasal irritation, dryness, stuffiness, or a runny nose; headache. FDA has noted that peptides like Semax may cause immune reactions, including allergic reactions, and that peptide impurities can be hard to characterize.. Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, facial or throat swelling, or widespread hives. Report all side effects to your provider.
Semax is not appropriate if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive; have had an allergic reaction to Semax or any ingredient in the preparation; are under 18; or compete in sports with anti-doping testing. Your provider will review your full history and may identify other reasons it isn't right for you.
Possibly. Your provider will review everything you take — including GLP-1 medications, other peptides, NAD+, other prescriptions, and supplements — before prescribing. Little is known about Semax drug interactions, so always keep your care team updated on any changes.
If you are subject to anti-doping testing, we do not recommend it. Semax may be prohibited under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, and use can result in sanctions even if it was prescribed. If you are subject to anti-doping testing, check with your anti-doping organization before considering it.
Your prescription is prepared by a licensed US 503A compounding pharmacy and shipped free in discreet packaging. Store it exactly as your pharmacy label directs and follow the beyond-use date.
No. Insurance is never required. Pricing is all-inclusive — medication, physician consultation, supplies, shipping, and unlimited support. You can also pay with an HSA or FSA card.
Yes. Semax is available in all 50 US states and Washington, D.C. through our network of licensed compounding pharmacy partners, if a provider determines it is appropriate for you. Contact support@vytorahealth.com with any questions.
In most states, treatment can begin without a video visit. In Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and West Virginia, a brief video or audio visit is required before starting treatment.
Exploring other peptide therapies? See all peptides, or visit our FAQ.
Clinical oversight by Wasef Health, PC and Arora Health and Aesthetics
All prescribing decisions are made solely by licensed clinicians with Wasef Health, PC or Arora Health and Aesthetics. Information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory information current as of November 2026.
Ready to get started?
Answer a few questions and a licensed provider will review whether Semax is right for you.
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Prescription required. A licensed healthcare provider will review your information and prescribe only if medically appropriate. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved finished drug products, have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality, and may differ from FDA-approved drugs. Results may vary. Individual results are not guaranteed.
Stylized illustration for marketing purposes only; image does not reflect actual packaging, labels, or sizes. Compounded medications are prepared by licensed US pharmacies for individual patients, are not FDA-approved, and are not brand-name or generic versions of any FDA-approved drug.
Vytora Health provides access to telehealth services connecting users with licensed healthcare professionals. Vytora Health does not practice medicine and does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued. All treatment decisions are made solely by the licensed clinician.