Semax and Selank: The Russian Peptide Nootropics

What they are

Semax and Selank share an uncommon origin: both were developed in Russia and belong to a family of short peptides researched for their effects on the central nervous system. In Russia they are registered for clinical use; outside Russia they remain investigational compounds, not approved by the FDA or other agencies.

Both are heptapeptides (chains of seven amino acids) of the peptidergic class. This means they act by modulating the brain's signaling systems rather than binding to a single target receptor the way a classic drug would. In the available research they have commonly been administered intranasally.

Although they resemble each other in structure and origin, their focus is distinct and complementary: Semax leans toward cognition and neuroprotection, while Selank leans toward anxiety and calm. This is why they are sometimes researched together.

Semax: mechanism and focus

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide, an analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. Unlike full ACTH, it does not produce relevant hormonal effects; it retains the neurotrophic activity of the fragment.

In Russia it is registered for indications such as ischemic stroke and cognitive and attention support. Its mechanisms described in the research include:

• Increased expression of BDNF and NGF — neurotrophic factors associated with neuronal survival and plasticity.
• Modulation of the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems — relevant to focus and mood.
• Neuroprotective effect — studied in contexts of ischemia and oxidative stress.

Through these pathways, Semax has been researched for its potential on focus, memory and neuroprotection.

Selank: mechanism and focus

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide, an analog of the endogenous immunopeptide tuftsin, with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro. It was developed in Russia and studied mainly for its anxiolytic profile.

What sets Selank apart is that, in the available research, it produces a calming effect without the sedation or dependence characteristic of benzodiazepines. Its mechanisms described include:

• Modulation of the GABA and serotonin systems — the basis of its anxiolytic, calming effect.
• Influence on BDNF — linked to neuronal plasticity and resilience.
• Immunomodulatory action — inherited from tuftsin, with effects on interleukin expression.

Thus Selank leans toward anxiety, calm and immune support, a profile complementary to that of Semax.

Semax vs Selank

Feature	Semax	Selank
Origin / analog of	ACTH(4-10) fragment	Immunopeptide tuftsin
Sequence	Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro	Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
Systems modulated	BDNF / NGF · dopamine · serotonin	GABA · serotonin · BDNF · immune
Primary focus	Cognition, focus, neuroprotection	Anxiety, calm, immunomodulation

Both are peptidergic heptapeptides, generally well tolerated in the available data, and Russian in origin. The key difference is in focus: Semax stimulates and protects, Selank calms and balances. Because they are complementary, they are sometimes studied together.

Reconstitution

Both come as lyophilized powder reconstituted with your own bacteriostatic water. Renova's presentations are Semax 10 mg/vial and Selank 11 mg/vial.

Calculation example (Semax 10 mg vial + 2 mL = 5 mg/mL): to research 0.5 mg → 0.1 mL → 10 units on a U100 syringe. The same method applies to Selank, adjusting for its 11 mg.

Refrigerate (2–8 °C) after reconstitution and protect from light. For custom calculations use the reconstitution calculator or see the complete reconstitution guide.

Semax and Selank at Renova

Both peptides are available as lyophilized powder:

• Semax — 10 mg — $110
• Selank — 11 mg — $130

Our material is manufactured in a cGMP-compliant US lab that we work with directly, with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) by HPLC and mass spectrometry.