Semax & Selank: Neuropeptides in Research
For laboratory and research use only. This article summarises published scientific research on Semax and Selank. Neurovia peptides are not intended for human consumption. See our disclaimer.
Semax & Selank: Nootropic Peptides in Research
Semax and Selank are two synthetic neuropeptides developed in Russia that have accumulated a notable published research literature in the context of cognitive function, stress response, and neuroprotection. Both are derived from endogenous peptide sequences — Semax from ACTH and Selank from tuftsin — and both have been studied as potential modulators of neurotrophic factor expression and anxiety-related pathways in preclinical models.
About Semax and Selank
This article provides an evidence-based overview of both peptides: their molecular identities, the published research landscape, their proposed mechanisms, and supply formats for laboratory use.
What Is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the N-terminal fragment of ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone). Specifically, it corresponds to the ACTH 4–7 sequence with a Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension added to improve metabolic stability.
Molecular profile:
- Sequence: Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
- Length: 7 amino acids
- Molecular weight: ~813 Da
- Origin: ACTH 4–7 fragment + Pro-Gly-Pro extension
- CAS Number: 80714-61-0
Semax was developed in the 1980s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow. It received registration in Russia as a pharmaceutical for cognitive and neurological applications, giving it a regulatory status in Russia that distinguishes it from most synthetic research peptides — though it remains a research compound outside of Russia and is not approved by the FDA for human use.
Semax Research
The published research on Semax spans several areas:
BDNF and neurotrophic factor research — One of the most cited aspects of Semax research is its studied relationship with BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) expression. Published studies in rodent models have reported that Semax administration was associated with increased BDNF mRNA expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, with work published in journals including Journal of Molecular Neuroscience.
Neuroprotection research — Published preclinical studies have examined Semax in ischaemic stroke models in rodents, investigating its effects on infarct size and neurological outcomes in animal studies.
Cognitive function research — Animal model studies have examined Semax’s effects on learning and memory tasks, including studies in rodent maze paradigms. The ACTH 4–7 origin of Semax is relevant here — the ACTH 4–10 sequence has an established research history in cognitive function contexts dating to the 1970s.
Dopaminergic system research — Some published studies have examined Semax’s interactions with dopaminergic pathways in rodent models, consistent with its ACTH-derived origin and the known relationship between ACTH fragments and dopamine receptor systems.
What Is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension added — the same stability extension used in Semax.
Molecular profile:
- Sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
- Length: 7 amino acids
- Molecular weight: ~751 Da
- Origin: Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) + Pro-Gly-Pro extension
- CAS Number: 129954-34-3
Like Semax, Selank was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow and has registered pharmaceutical status in Russia. It is not FDA-approved and is classified as a research compound outside of Russia.
Selank Research
Anxiety and stress research — The most extensively published area of Selank research concerns anxiety-related behaviour in animal models. Published studies have examined Selank’s effects in rodent anxiety paradigms including the elevated plus maze and open field test, with research reporting anxiolytic-like effects in these preclinical models. Published work has appeared in journals including Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine.
GABA system research — Some published research has proposed interactions between Selank and GABAergic signalling, which is one of the primary neurotransmitter systems implicated in anxiety regulation. The mechanistic relationship is not fully characterised in the published literature.
Immune system research — Selank’s origin from tuftsin — a known immunomodulatory peptide — has driven published research on its immune system interactions, including studies on cytokine expression profiles in rodent models.
BDNF and enkephalin research — Similar to Semax, some published research has examined Selank’s relationship with neurotrophic factor expression, including BDNF and enkephalin systems in animal models.
Semax vs Selank: Comparing the Research
| Semax | Selank | |
|---|---|---|
| Peptide origin | ACTH 4–7 fragment | Tuftsin |
| Sequence | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Primary research focus | Cognitive function, BDNF, neuroprotection | Anxiety, stress, immune modulation |
| Receptor system studied | Melanocortin, dopaminergic | GABAergic, immune |
| Russian registration | Yes | Yes |
| FDA status | Not approved | Not approved |
Both peptides share the Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension, which confers metabolic stability relative to their parent sequences, and both have been studied in combination in the published Semax/Selank blend research.
Semax and Selank Research Combination
Published and cited research has examined the combination of Semax and Selank — reflecting the hypothesis that their complementary mechanisms (cognitive-function research and anxiety-related research) might produce additive or synergistic effects in research models. Neurovia supplies this combination as the Semax / Selank 10mg/10mg blend.
Supply Format for Research
Neurovia supplies the following Semax and Selank research formats:
- Semax 10mg — lyophilised vial
- Selank 10mg — lyophilised vial
- Semax / Selank Blend 10mg/10mg — lyophilised dual-peptide vial
All supplied at 99% purity, third-party tested, with Certificate of Analysis available.
Further reading: peer-reviewed research on Semax Selank (PubMed).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Semax peptide used for in research?
Semax is researched in the context of cognitive function, BDNF expression, neuroprotection, and dopaminergic signalling in preclinical animal models. It is a synthetic ACTH-derived neuropeptide with registered pharmaceutical status in Russia and research compound status internationally.
What is Selank peptide used for in research?
Selank is researched primarily in the context of anxiety and stress responses in animal models, with published preclinical studies examining its effects in rodent anxiety paradigms. It is also studied in immune system and neurotrophic factor contexts. It is derived from tuftsin and has registered pharmaceutical status in Russia.
What is the difference between Semax and Selank?
Semax is ACTH-derived and studied primarily in cognitive and neuroprotective research contexts. Selank is tuftsin-derived and studied primarily in anxiety and stress-related research contexts. Both share a Pro-Gly-Pro stability extension and were developed at the same Moscow research institute.
What is the Semax and Selank research combination?
Published research and research community interest has focused on combining Semax and Selank based on their complementary research profiles — cognitive-function research (Semax) and anxiety-related research (Selank) — in preclinical models.
Does Semax increase BDNF in research?
Published animal studies have reported associations between Semax administration and increased BDNF mRNA expression in hippocampal and cortical tissue in rodent models. These findings are from preclinical research and do not constitute evidence of equivalent effects in humans.
Is Selank an anxiolytic in research?
Published preclinical studies have reported anxiolytic-like effects of Selank in rodent anxiety models including elevated plus maze and open field tests. These represent animal model findings — not clinical evidence of anxiolytic effects in humans.
How is Semax supplied for research?
Semax is supplied as a lyophilised powder at 99% purity with third-party Certificate of Analysis. It is available individually (10mg) or in combination with Selank (10mg/10mg blend) from Neurovia.
This article summarises published peer-reviewed research and is provided for informational purposes only. Neurovia’s peptides are supplied for laboratory research use only and are not intended for human consumption. Full disclaimer →