Selank vs Semax
Independent, side-by-side comparison of Selank and Semax: mechanism, half-life, dose range, safety profile, and live vendor pricing. Updated continuously as new research and listings land.
Live price snapshot
Selank
Semax
Selank
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, 750 Da molecular weight) developed in the 1990s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences as a synthetic analog of tuftsin…
Live lowest price: $25.00 across 7 vendors
Full Selank profileSemax
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, MEHFPGP, 813 Da molecular weight) developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1980s. The compound is derived…
Live lowest price: $32.90 across 7 vendors
Full Semax profileSide-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Selank | Semax |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Nootropics | Nootropics |
| Research Stage | Approved (Russia, as anxiolytic and nootropic medication) | Approved (Russia, since mid-1990s for stroke and cognitive disorders) |
| Mechanism of Action | Primary Mechanism: Multi-System Neurochemical Modulation Selank does not have a single clean receptor-binding mechanism. Unlike benzodiazepines (GABA-A positive allosteric modulators), SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibition), or buspirone (5-HT1A partial… | Primary Mechanism: Multi-Pathway Neurotrophic Activation Semax produces its effects through coordinated activation of multiple neurotrophic, neurotransmitter, and neuroprotective pathways. Unlike conventional nootropics that target a single system (modafinil… |
| Half-Life | ~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional anxiolytic and nootropic effects persist 12-24 hours due to gene expression and neurotransmitter modulation) | ~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional neurological effects persist 12-24 hours due to BDNF/NGF gene expression changes) |
| Typical Dose Range | 250-750 mcg intranasal daily (0.15% solution: 2-3 drops per nostril 2-3x daily); typical course is 14-21 days | 100-900 mcg intranasal daily (0.1% solution: 2-3 drops per nostril 2-3x daily); 1% solution used for acute stroke in Russian clinical protocols |
| Dosing Frequency | Intranasal 1–3 times daily | Intranasal 1–3 times daily |
| Administration | Intranasal | Intranasal |
| Side Effects | Overall Safety Profile Selank has one of the best safety profiles in the anxiolytic space. Over 15+ years of Russian clinical use and research, the compound has been associated with essentially no serious adverse events at therapeutic doses. This compares… | Overall Safety Profile Semax has an excellent safety profile across 20+ years of Russian clinical use. In acute stroke trials, cognitive studies, and pediatric applications, Semax has demonstrated consistent tolerability with minimal adverse event burden. This… |
| Molecular Weight | 751.9 Da | 813.9 Da |
| Common Vial Sizes | 5mg, 10mg | 5mg, 10mg |
Price History
5 data points- OF
- Nova Peptides
- VANDL Labs
- Adera
- Ion Peptide
Price History
5 data points- OF
- Nova Peptides
- VANDL Labs
- Adera
- Ion Peptide
Selank — potential benefits
- Anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation or dependence (PMID: 18577768)
- GABA-A positive allosteric modulation through non-benzodiazepine mechanism (PMID: 22561332)
- Immunomodulation through IL-6 regulation and Th1/Th2 balance (PMID: 19028002)
- Cognitive enhancement and improved memory consolidation via BDNF upregulation
- Enkephalinase inhibition stabilizing endogenous opioid peptides for mood support
- Anti-inflammatory effects through normalization of stress-induced cytokine dysregulation
- Non-addictive anxiolytic — no tolerance, withdrawal, or dependence reported in 20+ years of use
Semax — potential benefits
- Rapid BDNF and NGF upregulation enhancing synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis (PMID: 16996037)
- Neuroprotection with reduced infarct volume in cerebral ischemia models (PMID: 12596521)
- Cognitive enhancement including improved attention, memory, and processing speed
- Anxiolytic effects through modulation of dopaminergic and serotonergic systems
- Stroke recovery facilitation — approved in Russia for ischemic stroke treatment
- Dopaminergic modulation improving motivation and executive function (PMID: 17713590)
- Non-addictive cognitive enhancement without tolerance development at standard doses
Frequently asked
What's the difference between Selank and Semax?
Selank is a nootropics that primary mechanism: multi-system neurochemical modulation selank does not have a single clean receptor-binding mechanism. unlike benzodiazepines (gaba-a positive allosteric…. Semax is a nootropics that primary mechanism: multi-pathway neurotrophic activation semax produces its effects through coordinated activation of multiple neurotrophic, neurotransmitter, and neuroprotective…. The two differ in mechanism, half-life (~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional anxiolytic and nootropic effects persist 12-24 hours due to gene expression and neurotransmitter modulation) vs ~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional neurological effects persist 12-24 hours due to BDNF/NGF gene expression changes)), and typical dose range.
Which has the longer half-life, Selank or Semax?
Selank has a half-life of ~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional anxiolytic and nootropic effects persist 12-24 hours due to gene expression and neurotransmitter modulation). Semax has a half-life of ~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional neurological effects persist 12-24 hours due to BDNF/NGF gene expression changes). Longer half-lives generally mean less frequent dosing but slower on/off kinetics.
Which is cheaper, Selank or Semax?
Current lowest live price on BodyHackGuide: Selank from $25.00, Semax from $32.90. Prices are pulled from the vendor listings tracked on BHG and change frequently — see the compare tables on each compound page for the current set of offers.
Can you stack Selank and Semax?
Stacking depends on mechanism overlap, safety profile, and goals. Selank and Semax should only be stacked after reviewing each compound's individual protocol page, side effect profile, and any published interaction data. Use the BodyHackGuide stack builder for a structured review before combining research compounds.
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Research use only. BodyHackGuide is an independent research reference. The compounds discussed on this page are not approved by the FDA for human consumption and are sold strictly for laboratory research. Prices shown are pulled from vendor listings tracked on BHG and are subject to change. We earn an affiliate commission on some outbound clicks — this never affects the data or pricing shown. See editorial standards and affiliate disclosure.