TL;DR — Semax and Selank are both synthetic heptapeptides developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Semax is a synthetic analogue of ACTH(4-10) and has been studied for its effects on BDNF, NGF, and neurotrophic signalling. Selank is a synthetic analogue of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin and has been studied for GABAergic neurotransmission and anxiolytic-like pharmacology. B.A.B.E LABS stocks both: LOCKED IN and CHILL PILL.
Two compounds, one research lineage
Both peptides came out of the same Moscow institute in the late Soviet / early post-Soviet period. They were designed as neuropeptide research compounds — short, stable, and targeted at specific endogenous signalling systems.
Semax
Sequence: Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro — the 4-10 active region of the ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) sequence, with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro stabilising tail. Stripped of the hormonal activity, retaining neurotropic activity.
Selank
Sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro — a tuftsin analogue (the 289-292 fragment of the heavy chain of human IgG) with a similar Pro-Gly-Pro stabilising tail.
Semax: mechanism of action
Research has investigated Semax's effects on:
- BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) expression — upregulation in hippocampal and cortical tissue
- NGF (nerve growth factor) expression — related neurotrophic pathway
- Dopaminergic and serotonergic modulation — effects on neurotransmitter turnover
- Neuroprotection in ischaemia models — rodent stroke models
- Cognitive-task performance in animal models — attention, memory, reaction time
The BDNF/NGF angle is the most distinctive of Semax's research profile — it's one of the reasons the compound has sustained research interest beyond its initial neurology applications.
Selank: mechanism of action
Research has investigated Selank's effects on:
- GABAergic neurotransmission — modulation of GABA-A receptor signalling
- Anxiolytic-like pharmacology in rodent anxiety models (elevated plus maze, open field)
- Immune modulation — consistent with its derivation from tuftsin, which has immunomodulatory native activity
- BDNF — some papers report effects consistent with Semax here as well
- Serotonergic and noradrenergic interaction
The GABAergic angle differentiates Selank's research profile from Semax — different primary pathway, complementary downstream effects.
Why the two are often studied together:
Semax and Selank engage distinct neurochemical systems — neurotrophic / monoaminergic (Semax) vs GABAergic / immunomodulatory (Selank) — making them complementary in research designs that probe multiple aspects of cognition, mood, or neuroprotection in parallel.
The FLOW STATE pairs them explicitly for this two-pathway research framing.
Where they appear in the B.A.B.E LABS catalogue:
- FLOW STATE bundle
- APEX STATE bundle
- DND MODE bundle
Published Russian-language literature and follow-up international research has frequently used intranasal administration in behavioural studies. This reflects the peptides' stability and short sequence — they penetrate nasal mucosa efficiently. This is a research-context administration choice; B.A.B.E LABS supplies the compounds only as lyophilised research-grade peptides, not in any intranasal delivery form.
Purity, storage, reconstitution:
- HPLC ≥99% purity per batch
- Lyophilised: –20°C, light-protected
- Reconstituted: 2–8°C per COA window
Research-use disclaimer:
Both peptides are supplied strictly for in-vitro and laboratory research. Not TGA-approved. Not for human consumption.
FAQs:
Are Semax and Selank scheduled under Australian law?
As research compounds, they can be purchased for in-vitro and laboratory research. They are not approved by the TGA for human therapeutic use. Buyers are responsible for compliance with Australian federal and state regulations.
Why were they both developed at the same Russian institute?
The Institute of Molecular Genetics had an active neuropeptide research program from the late Soviet period, focused on short, stable peptide analogues of endogenous regulatory molecules. Semax and Selank are two of the best-known outputs of that program.
Which is "better" for cognitive research?
Different. Semax is the BDNF / monoaminergic angle. Selank is the GABAergic / immunomodulatory angle. Research questions dictate choice — see the comparison logic above.