Intranasal peptides studied for focus, stress resilience and neurotrophic support.
Semax and Selank are synthetic peptides developed in Russia decades ago and used there as prescription nasal drops — Semax as an ACTH(4-10) analog studied for cognitive support and neuroprotection, Selank as a Tuftsin analog studied for anxiolytic effects without sedation. Neither is FDA-approved, and the evidence base is drawn largely from the translated Russian pharmacology literature rather than Western randomized trials — we prescribe them off-label with that limitation stated plainly.
Delivered as intranasal drops rather than a subcutaneous injection, which is a meaningful difference from most peptides on this site.
Semax is studied for its association with increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, a protein linked to neuroplasticity and cognitive resilience.
Selank is studied for anxiolytic-like effects in preclinical models without the sedation, cognitive dulling, or dependence risk associated with benzodiazepines.
The two peptides are commonly used together — Semax earlier in the day for focus, Selank as needed for situational stress — rather than as competing options.
Neither peptide works through the dopaminergic/adrenergic stimulant pathway used by prescription stimulants, which is relevant for patients wanting to avoid that side-effect profile.
Both peptides have decades of use as prescription nasal drops in Russia, which is a different evidentiary standard than a randomized U.S. trial but is not nothing.
Semax and Selank are structurally unrelated to each other but share an intranasal delivery route and a country of origin. Semax is a heptapeptide fragment related to ACTH but without meaningful hormonal (adrenal-stimulating) activity; Selank is an extended analog of tuftsin, an immunomodulatory tetrapeptide.
Both peptides are absorbed across the nasal mucosa, partly bypassing first-pass liver metabolism that would degrade them if swallowed.
Semax is associated with upregulated BDNF and NGF expression in preclinical models, pathways linked to neuronal survival and plasticity.
Selank is studied for modulating GABAergic and serotonergic activity, mechanisms relevant to anxiety regulation, distinct from benzodiazepine receptor binding.
Both peptides are cleared quickly, which is why they are dosed multiple times per day rather than once weekly like larger, modified peptides.
The core research on Semax and Selank comes from Russian laboratories and is published largely in translated Russian journals such as Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, alongside preclinical animal work. There are no large Western-style randomized controlled trials in humans for either peptide. We describe this evidence base plainly rather than overstate it, and prescribe both off-label as investigational, physician-supervised options.
Neither peptide is positioned as a replacement for evidence-based treatment of diagnosed anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Patients currently managing one of these conditions should treat this as an adjunct discussed with their prescribing physician, not a reason to stop existing care.
Both peptides are sold online as unregulated research chemicals of inconsistent purity. Ours are compounded by a licensed U.S. pharmacy under physician prescription with certificates of analysis for identity and potency.
Unlike the injectable peptides elsewhere on this site, Semax and Selank are dosed intranasally. There is no injection, no vial refrigeration requirement in the same sense, and no sharps disposal — but absorption through the nasal mucosa is also less standardized than a measured subcutaneous injection, which your physician factors into dosing guidance.
Semax increased BDNF gene expression and showed neuroprotective effects in rodent models of cerebral ischemia.
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
Selank produced anxiolytic-like effects in rodent behavioral models without sedative activity typical of benzodiazepines.
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
Illustrative only. Your physician sets and adjusts your schedule based on tolerance, labs and rate of progress — escalation is never automatic.
| Phase | Dose | Clinical note |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Low-dose intranasal drops, once daily (Semax, AM) | Assess tolerance before adding Selank. |
| Weeks 3–6 | Semax AM + Selank as needed | Selank typically used situationally for stress, not necessarily daily. |
| Weeks 7–8 | Taper toward a break | Reassess response with your physician. |
| Break | — | 1–2 weeks off before resuming, per physician guidance. |
Most side effects are dose-dependent and resolve with slower titration. Your care team is reachable by message, and holding a dose is always an option.
| Therapy | Mechanism | Avg. weight change | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semax / Selank | Neurotrophic + anxiolytic peptide, intranasal | — | Daily, intranasal |
| NAD+ Injectable | Direct coenzyme repletion | — | 2–3x weekly |
| SSRIs (prescription comparison) | Serotonin reuptake inhibition | — | Daily, oral |
No. Semax and Selank are not FDA-approved in the United States. They are prescribed off-label and compounded by a licensed U.S. pharmacy, and your physician will review the evidence limitations with you before prescribing.
These peptides do not work through the stimulant or benzodiazepine receptor pathways those medications use, and they are not positioned as a replacement for either. Patients on diagnosed treatment should discuss this as a potential adjunct with their physician, not a substitute.
Most protocols use Semax in the morning for focus and Selank situationally for stress, rather than combining them into a single dose. Your physician sets the specific schedule.
Both peptides were originally developed and studied as nasal drops, and nasal absorption works well for their size and clearance profile. It also means no needles for this protocol.
The clinical gold standard for appetite regulation.
View protocolDual incretin action for the deepest documented weight reduction.
View protocolA gastric peptide studied for systemic tissue repair.
View protocolA synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4 studied for soft-tissue recovery.
View protocolA paired secretagogue protocol that supports your own growth hormone rhythm.
View protocolA mitochondrial cofactor protocol for energy, focus and cellular repair.
View protocolThe same GLP-1 signal, taken as a daily oral dose instead of a weekly injection.
View protocolA mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolic flexibility and exercise-like signaling.
View protocolAn on-demand therapy that works on desire in the brain, not blood flow in the body.
View protocolThe original growth hormone-releasing peptide — simpler and gentler than newer secretagogue combinations.
View protocolA two-minute intake, reviewed by a licensed physician. No obligation, no membership fee.