All Comparisons
Selank vs Semax
Side-by-side comparison of evidence, mechanisms, dosing, safety, and regulatory status.
Selank: DSemax: D
| Attribute | Selank | Semax |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Nootropic / Anxiolytic | Nootropic / Neuroprotective |
| Evidence Rating | D — Preclinical | D — Preclinical |
| Clinical Status | Approved in Russia as an anxiolytic nasal spray; not approved elsewhere | Approved in Russia and Ukraine for stroke and cognitive disorders; not approved elsewhere |
| Mechanism | Selank (C33H57N11O9, half-life ~2-10 minutes) crosses the blood-brain barrier. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, increasing GABA binding affinity without directly activating the receptor (similar to benzodiazepines but without sedation or dependence). It enhances monoam... | Semax is a brain-selective heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, MW ~813.88 g/mol) that crosses the blood-brain barrier via intranasal absorption. It increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and upregulates trkB receptors, supporting neuroplasticity and long-term memory for... |
| Half-Life | ~3–5 minutes (parent compound); active metabolites persist longer | ~3–5 minutes; intranasal extends effective duration |
| Bioavailability | — | — |
| Molecular Weight | ~751.9 g/mol | ~813.9 g/mol |
| WADA Status | Not Listed | Not Listed |
| Dosing | Intranasal: 250–500 mcg per nostril, 2–3x daily; SC: 250–750 mcg daily, 2–3 times daily (intranasal); once daily (SC) (Intranasal (preferred) or Subcutaneous) | Intranasal: 200–600 mcg per nostril, 2–3x daily; SC: 200–600 mcg daily, 2–3 times daily (intranasal); once daily (SC) (Intranasal (preferred) or Subcutaneous) |
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| Regulatory (US) | Not FDA-approved. Research chemical only. | Not FDA-approved. Removed from FDA Category 2 on April 15, 2026. PCAC review scheduled July 23-24, 2026. Previously classified as Category 2, prohibiting compounding. Research chemical. |
Research Disclaimer: This comparison is provided for educational purposes only. All products are sold exclusively for in vitro research use. The information presented is based on published preclinical and clinical research and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding peptide use.
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