Focus & mood
Semax, simplified.
Also called ACTH(4-10) analog
Human studiesA nasal spray peptide from Russia used for focus and stroke recovery.
- Size
- 7 amino acids
- How it is taken
- Nasal spray
- Status
- Research compound (Rx in Russia)
- Available sizes
- Vials: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
What is it?
Semax is built from a piece of the stress hormone ACTH, changed so it no longer affects stress hormones but still acts on the brain.
Got a vial? See how it mixes
Tap your vial size to watch how it is mixed and see exactly what each mark on the syringe holds.
What studies show
- In peopleIt is prescribed in Russia for stroke recovery and certain brain conditions, based mostly on Russian clinical studies.
- In animalsIn animals, it raised BDNF, a protein that supports brain cell growth.
What we don’t know yet
- There are almost no large Western trials.
- Whether it improves focus in healthy people.
Side effects and cautions
- Nasal irritation is the most common complaint.
Is it legal?
Not FDA-approved. Included in the 2026 HHS compounding plan and reviewed by an FDA advisory committee in July 2026.
Dosage & schedule evidence
How to read published schedules
Third-party protocols are not established clinical dosing standards. Safe human dose, frequency, and duration may be unknown. Research findings may not translate to safe or effective personal use.
| Measurement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | 1,000 mcg (mass) |
| 100 U-100 units | 1 mL (volume, not dose) |
See third-party published protocols ↗ for research context. North Star does not validate these schedules.
Consult your doctor before considering any peptide for personal use. Educational only, not administration guidance.
Common questions
What is Semax?
A nasal spray peptide from Russia used for focus and stroke recovery. Semax is built from a piece of the stress hormone ACTH, changed so it no longer affects stress hormones but still acts on the brain.
What does the research say about Semax?
It is prescribed in Russia for stroke recovery and certain brain conditions, based mostly on Russian clinical studies. In animals, it raised BDNF, a protein that supports brain cell growth.
Is Semax FDA approved?
Not FDA-approved. Included in the 2026 HHS compounding plan and reviewed by an FDA advisory committee in July 2026.
What are the side effects of Semax?
Nasal irritation is the most common complaint.
Comes in these blends
- Selank + Semax (5/5 mg vial): Selank + Semax
Related peptides
Not sure where to start?
Answer 8 quick questions and see which peptides the research points to for your goal.
Already know you want Semax? Ask Mark about it →
This page explains published research in plain language. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything, and it does not give dosing. Most peptides here are not FDA-approved, and products sold online vary widely in purity. Rules around peptides are changing, so check the current status and talk with a licensed clinician before starting anything. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.