Semax vs Selank: Neuropeptide Research Comparison
Quick Summary
Semax and Selank are both synthetic neuropeptides developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences. Semax is derived from ACTH(4-7) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension, while Selank is derived from tuftsin with the same Pro-Gly-Pro stabilizing tail. Both are approved medications in Russia — Semax for cognitive enhancement and Selank for anxiety — making them ideal candidates for comparative neuropeptide analysis.
Semax
Overview Semax (ACTH 4-7-PGP) is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. It was designed by modifying the ACTH(4-7) fragment with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro (PGP) tripeptide to enhance enzymatic stability.[2] This modification renders the compound approximately 20 times more resistant...
Selank
Overview Selank (TP-7) is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (TKPRPGP). It was developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in cooperation with the V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology.[2] Selank is derived...
Research Comparison: Semax vs Selank
| Dimension | Semax | Selank |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Molecule | ACTH(4-7) fragment + Pro-Gly-Pro | Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) + Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Amino Acid Length | 7 amino acids (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) | 7 amino acids (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) |
| Primary Mechanism | BDNF/NGF upregulation, melanocortin system modulation | GABA modulation, enkephalin metabolism inhibition |
| Primary Research Focus | Cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, stroke recovery | Anxiolytic effects, immunomodulation, stress response |
| BDNF Effects | Significant upregulation (up to 1.4x increase in hippocampus) | Moderate BDNF modulation, primarily via serotonin system |
| Regulatory Status | Approved in Russia/Ukraine as nootropic (nasal spray) | Approved in Russia as anxiolytic (nasal spray) |
| Immunomodulatory | Mild — primarily neuroprotective focus | Strong — tuftsin-derived, enhances NK cell activity, IL-6 modulation |
| Administration | Intranasal (primary), subcutaneous | Intranasal (primary), subcutaneous |
| Unique Research Areas | Retinal neuroprotection, ADHD, optic nerve repair | Gene expression modulation (72+ genes), hepatoprotection |
| Research Volume | 300+ publications (primarily Russian literature) | 250+ publications (primarily Russian literature) |
Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | Semax | Selank |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₃₇H₅₁N₉O₁₀S | C₃₃H₅₇N₁₁O₉ |
| Molecular Weight | 813.93 Da | 751.887 Da |
| CAS Number | 80714-61-0 | 129954-34-3 |
| Amino Acid Sequence | — | — |
| PubMed Citations | 23 referenced | 25 referenced |
Explore Full Research Profiles
Semax
Overview Semax (ACTH 4-7-PGP) is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. It was designed by modifying the ACTH(4-7) fragment with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro (PGP) tripeptide to enhance enzymatic stability.[2] This modification renders the compound approximately 20 times more resistant...
Selank
Overview Selank (TP-7) is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (TKPRPGP). It was developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in cooperation with the V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology.[2] Selank is derived...
More Peptide Comparisons
For Research Use Only (RUO). This comparison is for educational and informational purposes only. All products are intended solely for in-vitro research and laboratory experimentation. Products have not been approved by the FDA for human or veterinary use. Pure U.S. Peptides does not condone or encourage the use of these products for anything other than strictly defined research applications.