Semax vs Selank: Which Is Right for You?
Semax and Selank are short synthetic peptides developed in Russia and approved there, Semax for stroke and cognitive disorders and Selank as an anti-anxiety medicine; neither is approved by the FDA.
Side-by-side comparison
| Semax | Selank | |
|---|---|---|
| Derived from | ACTH(4-7) + Pro-Gly-Pro | Tuftsin + Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Approved use (Russia) | Stroke recovery, cognitive disorders | Anxiety disorders |
| Form (Russia) | Nasal drops | Nasal drops |
| FDA status | Not approved | Not approved |
| Evidence base | Mostly Russian-language clinical and animal studies | Mostly Russian-language clinical and animal studies |
Complete comparison (2026)
Key takeaways
- Both come from the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow.
- Neither has FDA approval or large Western trials.
- Both share the Pro-Gly-Pro tail added for stability.
What are Semax and Selank?
Semax is a synthetic analog of ACTH(4-10) used in Russia as a nasal drug; it is not approved in the US.
Selank is a synthetic analog of the immune peptide tuftsin, used in Russia as a nasal anxiolytic; it is not approved in the US.
Mechanism differences
Semax is a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone without hormonal activity, reported to raise brain-derived neurotrophic factor in animals. Selank is a tuftsin analog reported to affect GABA-related and immune signaling.
Effectiveness
Published studies, mostly from Russian groups, report effects on stroke recovery (Semax) and anxiety scales (Selank). Independent replication in large randomized trials is lacking.
Side effect profiles
Russian clinical reports describe both as well tolerated, with local nasal irritation. Independent safety data are limited.
Dosing & administration
No US label exists. We don't publish doses.
Cost
Both are sold in the US as "research" products; see each compound page for listings.
FDA & regulatory status
Approved in Russia; not FDA-approved.
Who should choose which
There is no FDA-reviewed evidence to choose either.
What the evidence does not show
- Large independent randomized trials of either.
Frequently asked questions
Are Semax and Selank legal in the US?
Neither is FDA-approved. They are sold as research chemicals, which are not for human use.
What is the difference between Semax and Selank?
Semax is derived from ACTH and studied for stroke and cognition; Selank is derived from tuftsin and studied for anxiety.
Where are they approved?
In Russia.
References
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