Semax vs Selank

Cognitive & Neuro

Cognitive & Neuro

Synthetic heptapeptide (ACTH 4-10 analog)

Synthetic heptapeptide (tuftsin analog)

Approved as a medicine in Russia; not FDA-approved, research use only elsewhere

Studied as a medicine in Russia; not FDA-approved, research use only elsewhere

Semax is a modified fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that lacks the hormonal activity of the parent molecule. Its reported effects center on neurotrophic and neuromodulatory pathways.

Selank is a synthetic analog of the immune peptide tuftsin. Its reported behavioral effects are linked to modulation of stress and neurotransmitter systems rather than a single receptor.

Semax has been used clinically in Russia for decades, and Russian studies report benefits in stroke recovery and cognition. However, much of this work is older, small, or not available in peer-reviewed English literature, and independent replication is limited. The overall quality of evidence remains modest.

Russian studies report that Selank reduces anxiety and may support cognition, and it has been used clinically there. However, the body of independent, well-controlled international trials is small, and much of the literature is older or not widely accessible, so confidence remains modest.

Semax is generally described as well-tolerated in the Russian clinical literature, typically given as a nasal spray. Independent long-term safety data outside Russia is limited, and risks in broader populations are not well characterized.

Selank is generally described as well-tolerated in Russian clinical use, typically as a nasal spray. Independent long-term safety data is limited, and risks across broader populations are not well characterized.