Semax / Selank Blend

Introduction

The Semax + Selank blend combines two heptapeptides developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences. Semax is a modified fragment of ACTH(4-10) (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro), originally developed for stroke recovery and approved in Russia for that indication. Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the immunomodulator tuftsin, developed as an anxiolytic and approved in Russia for generalized anxiety. Neither is FDA-approved in the United States; both are investigational here.

Mechanism of Action

Semax increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression, modulates monoaminergic tone, and is reported to enhance cognitive performance under stress. Selank modulates GABAergic and serotonergic systems, with a non-sedating anxiolytic profile distinct from benzodiazepines. The combination is thought to deliver complementary effects — Semax for focus and acute cognitive demand, Selank for anxiolysis without sedation.

Research Indications

Research and approved-abroad indications: cognitive enhancement under stress, post-stroke recovery (Semax, approved in Russia), generalized anxiety disorder (Selank, approved in Russia), ADHD adjunct research, and adaptogen-style protocols around demanding work or training cycles.

Reconstitution

Typical 10 mg total-mass lyophilized vial (5 mg Semax + 5 mg Selank): add 2 mL of bacteriostatic water, swirl gently. Final concentration 5 mg/mL of total peptide mass (2.5 mg/mL of each component) — each 0.1 mL (10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe) delivers 500 mcg total (250 mcg of each component).

Dosing Protocol (research literature)

Published research protocols typically dose 300–900 mcg total intranasally once or twice daily, with morning dosing for cognitive benefit and an optional pre-stress / pre-event second dose. Some subcutaneous protocols use equivalent daily totals. Cycle length 2–4 weeks with reassessment.

Administration

Intranasal is the most-published route — alternating nostrils, single spray per nostril. Compounded intranasal preparations require a compounding pharmacy. Subcutaneous use into abdominal fat is also documented at similar daily totals.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized: refrigerate (2–8°C); freeze (–20°C) for long-term storage. Reconstituted: refrigerate; stable approximately 14–21 days for the SC formulation. Intranasal preparations are stability-bound per the compounding pharmacy's specification (typically 14–30 days). Protect from light.

Side Effects

Generally well-tolerated in available reports. Most frequent: mild nasal irritation (intranasal), transient mild headache, vivid dreaming on Selank, transient stimulant-like alertness on Semax.

Contraindications

Pregnancy, lactation, untreated severe psychiatric illness, concurrent strong MAOI therapy. Caution in children or adolescents pending more characterization data.

Monitoring

Validated mood + anxiety instruments (HAM-A, GAD-7) at baseline and 2 weeks; cognitive assessment appropriate to the protocol. Re-evaluate at 4 weeks.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and research-reference purposes only. Nothing in this document constitutes medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation from a physician. The reconstitution, dosing, and protocol information above reflects ranges commonly cited in published research and clinician-directed protocols — it is provided as reference material only, not as instructions, an endorsement of off-label use, or a substitute for individualized medical evaluation.

Customers should do their own research and consult their own physician before considering any peptide protocol. Whether a given compound is appropriate for an individual — and at what dose, for what duration, and alongside what monitoring — is a decision that only a licensed clinician with knowledge of that individual's medical history, current medications, and conditions can make.

The platform and the author make no claim that any compound described here is safe, effective, or appropriate for any particular person or purpose, and accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from self-directed use of the information.