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Semax and Selank: Russian Neuropeptides in Cognitive Research
May
- Semax (MEHFPGP, MW 813.9 Da) is a synthetic heptapeptide ACTH 4-7 analogue investigated for BDNF upregulation and neuroprotection.
- Selank (TKPRPGP, MW 751.9 Da) is a synthetic heptapeptide tuftsin analogue investigated for GABA-A modulation and anxiolytic mechanisms.
- Both compounds are supplied as lyophilized powder for nasal solution reconstitution — an unusual delivery format among research peptides.
The Russian Neuropeptide Research Class
Semax and Selank are two synthetic heptapeptide research compounds developed concurrently at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Both are supplied as lyophilized powder for nasal solution reconstitution — a delivery format reflecting the intranasal-absorption research route developed in parallel with the compounds themselves. The pair is widely investigated together as a “Russian neuropeptide stack” within the Cognitive & Neurological category at Advanced Peptide Science.
Research Background
The Russian Academy of Sciences developed a programme designing synthetic neuropeptides optimised for nasal/intranasal delivery — supporting research applications where peripheral injection would be impractical or where direct CNS access via the olfactory route is preferred. Semax (an ACTH 4-7 analogue) and Selank (a tuftsin analogue) both emerged from this programme. The C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension shared by both compounds confers protease resistance and supports intranasal absorption — a structural strategy distinct from the fatty-acid-attachment approach used by GLP-1 analogues and the D-amino-acid retro-inverso approach used by senolytic FOXO4-DRI.
Mechanism Comparison
Despite shared structural strategy and delivery route, Semax and Selank engage different neurobiological pathways. Semax mechanism research focuses on BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) upregulation in hippocampal and cortical neurons, plus modulation of serotonergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic neurotransmitter systems. Selank mechanism research focuses on GABA-A receptor modulation, inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes, and downstream anxiolytic pathway signalling. The two compounds thus represent complementary research tools for different aspects of CNS pharmacology.
Key Research Findings
Semax: BDNF and Neurotransmitter Modulation
Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) research focuses on rapid upregulation of BDNF expression in hippocampal and cortical regions — within hours of compound administration in preclinical models. The BDNF upregulation supports downstream TrkB receptor signalling and synaptic plasticity research. Additional research investigates modulation of serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine neurotransmitter systems with potentially overlapping cognitive-enhancement implications.
Selank: GABA-A and Anxiolytic Mechanism
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) research focuses on modulation of GABA-A receptor function with downstream anxiolytic effects distinct from benzodiazepine GABA-A allosteric modulation. Additional research examines inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes, supporting endogenous enkephalin signalling, and tuftsin-receptor immunomodulatory effects reflecting Selank’s tuftsin-analogue origin.
Combined Stack Research
The Russian-neuropeptide stack co-administration is a common research framework — combining Semax’s BDNF-and-monoamine effects with Selank’s GABA-A-and-enkephalin effects for multi-pathway CNS research. The shared nasal-solution delivery format simplifies dual-administration protocols.
Research Applications
The Russian neuropeptide pair is widely investigated in cognitive enhancement and anxiolytic mechanism research. The full Cognitive & Neurological category at Advanced Peptide Science extends to include Dihexa (HGF/MET synaptogenesis research), Cerebrolysin (multi-neurotrophic mixture), and PE-22-28 (TREK-1 channel blocker) for comprehensive CNS-peptide research framework.
Research Specifications
| Semax | 813.9 Da, MEHFPGP, ACTH 4-7 analogue, BDNF + neurotransmitter modulation |
| Selank | 751.9 Da, TKPRPGP, tuftsin analogue, GABA-A + enkephalin pathway |
| Shared Format | Lyophilized powder for nasal solution reconstitution |
| Origin | Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences |
| Available at | Cognitive & Neurological category |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these compounds called Russian neuropeptides?
Both Semax and Selank were developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences as part of a programme designing synthetic neuropeptides optimised for nasal/intranasal delivery. The shared origin is the basis for the “Russian neuropeptide” research class designation.
Why nasal delivery instead of injection?
The compounds were specifically engineered for intranasal absorption via the nasal-olfactory route. The C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension confers protease resistance and supports nasal mucosa absorption. The route enables direct CNS access independent of peripheral injection.
Can researchers combine Semax and Selank?
Yes — the compounds engage complementary mechanisms (BDNF + monoamine for Semax; GABA-A + enkephalin for Selank) and share the same nasal-solution delivery format. Combined research is a common framework for multi-pathway CNS pharmacology.
Are these compounds approved for human use?
Advanced Peptide Science supplies both compounds exclusively for in vitro and in vivo scientific research. Not for human consumption. Research use only.
For Research Use Only. Not for human consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
