Updated October 29, 2026.

Part of the Oct 28 HHS policy (intranasal only).

What is Semax?

Semax is a peptide based on a fragment of ACTH, a hormone your body makes naturally.

It's taken as a nasal spray.

What the research is looking at

Semax is being studied for its role in:

  • Focus and mental clarity
  • Neurological resilience
  • Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in brain health

FDA's scientists noted that human data is still limited, and much of the existing research comes from outside the U.S.

Where Semax stands with FDA

On October 28, 2026, HHS announced it does not intend to take enforcement action against state-licensed compounding pharmacies that compound Semax, while FDA goes through the formal rulemaking process to decide whether to add it to the official 503A compounding list.

This is not FDA approval. Semax is not an FDA-approved drug.

It's an interim policy that HHS says it may revisit at any time, for example if a safety or quality issue comes up. Formal rulemaking is expected to take about 12 to 24 months.

Read the full FDA update

Under the HHS policy, Semax (free base) is covered for intranasal use only, as a single-peptide product.

How it works at Optimize Hormone

Optimize Hormone offers these prescription peptides from an FDA-inspected 503(a) pharmacy in the US, with full testing reports, delivered directly to your home.

Our approach to peptide therapy is personalized and provider-guided, designed to support recovery, performance, longevity and overall wellness.

  • Bloodwork membership not required for peptides.
  • Complete your online intake, or book a free consultation if you'd like to talk it through first.
  • Our provider reviews your health history and goals and determines whether Semax is appropriate for you.
  • If prescribed, your medication ships to your door with all necessary supplies, plus personalized dosing and instructions from your licensed provider.

Book your free consultation

Start your intake

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Educational information only, not medical advice. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, which means FDA does not review their safety, effectiveness or quality before they are dispensed. Our provider determines whether any medication is appropriate for you. Regulatory information is current as of October 29, 2026 and may change. Prescriptions are filled by a state-licensed 503(a) compounding pharmacy in the US.