Semax vs Selank: what is the difference?
Semax and Selank come from the same Russian neuropeptide tradition and are therefore often named together. Even so, they have a different origin and their own research profile. Below they sit side by side, without any health or cognition claims.
| Property | Semax | Selank |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Fragment of the hormone ACTH (ACTH 4-10) | Derived from the body's own peptide tuftsin |
| Peptide type | Heptapeptide (7 amino acids) | Heptapeptide (7 amino acids) |
| Research field | Cognition, neuroprotection, neurotrophic factors (incl. BDNF) | Anxiety and stress response, aspects of cognition |
| Regulatory status EU | Not an approved medicine | Not an approved medicine |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC + MS, Janoshik COA per batch) | ≥99% (HPLC + MS, Janoshik COA per batch) |
| Molecular weight | See COA per batch | 751.87 g/mol |
| Vial strength | 10 mg per vial | 10 mg per vial |
Same length, different origin
Both are heptapeptides — chains of seven amino acids — but Semax derives from a fragment of the hormone ACTH and Selank from the body's own peptide tuftsin. That origin determines where they end up in research: Semax mainly in cognition and neuroprotection research, Selank in research around the anxiety and stress response.
With Semax a recurring theme is the role of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF, a protein central to research on memory and neural plasticity. With Selank the emphasis lies at the intersection of neuroscience and immunology, because tuftsin is an immune peptide.
Which suits which research?
The choice follows entirely from the research design — this is not dosing or usage advice. If the focus is cognition, neuroprotection or neurotrophic signalling, Semax is the common object of study. If it concerns the anxiety and stress response, Selank comes up more often.
Both are found in the cognition & focus category. Within the same research direction, DSIP and Epithalon are also studied.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Semax and Selank?
Both are synthetic heptapeptides from the Russian neuropeptide tradition, but with a different origin: Semax derives from a fragment of the hormone ACTH, Selank from the body's own peptide tuftsin. Their research fields differ as a result.
Are Semax and Selank the same length?
Yes, both are heptapeptides and therefore consist of seven amino acids. The amino-acid sequence and the origin do differ, which makes them different molecules with their own profile.
Are Semax and Selank approved medicines?
No. In the EU neither is an approved medicine. Peptide Lab supplies them for laboratory and research purposes only, not for human or animal consumption.
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. For laboratory and research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption; not a medicine and does not constitute medical advice.