What this comparison tells you
Seven-amino-acid peptide
Semax
EmergingSome studies in people exist. Important questions remain about benefit, safety, who it helps, or how long the effects last. This is not an approval or recommendation.- Evidence type
- Health results; use not approved
- Approval
- Registered in Russia; no FDA-approved U.S. product or final 503A listing was identified as reviewed August 30, 2026
- Approved products
- None identified in the United States.
- Sports status
- Not assessed
- Sources used
- 10 sources
- Last reviewed
- August 30, 2026
Semax is a seven-amino-acid peptide. FDA has not approved it. Human studies do not prove a benefit.
Synthetic neuropeptide
Selank
EmergingSome studies in people exist. Important questions remain about benefit, safety, who it helps, or how long the effects last. This is not an approval or recommendation.- Evidence type
- Health results; use not approved
- Approval
- No FDA-approved U.S. Selank product was found in the records checked on August 30, 2026
- Approved products
- None identified in the United States.
- Sports status
- Not assessed
- Sources used
- 8 sources
- Last reviewed
- August 30, 2026
Selank is a seven-amino-acid peptide. Small studies in people do not prove that it treats anxiety or improves focus.
How the evidence compares
These are separate questions, not one score. A peptide can be well understood in one area and uncertain in another.
Both peptide columns stay aligned. Read across each row to compare the same question. On smaller screens, each question shows both records together.
Each question shows both records together.
| Question checked | SemaxEmerging | SelankEmerging |
|---|---|---|
| Health benefitsDid people's health improve? | SemaxLimited Small and limited human studies do not establish the focus, memory, or treatment claims made online. | SelankLimited Small studies compared Selank with anxiety medicines. They reported symptom changes. The records reviewed did not include a large repeat study against a placebo. |
| Body changes in peopleWhat body changes did studies in people measure? | SemaxLimited FDA found no human pharmacokinetic studies, which measure how the body handles a drug. Human exposure and effects are not well characterized. | SelankLimited A 52-person study measured changes in links between brain areas. It did not measure a treatment benefit, focus, memory, or daily function. |
| Known risksWhat do we know about risks in people? | SemaxLimited Most safety reports were small or incomplete. FDA found no under-the-skin (subcutaneous) safety data and raised impurity, peptide-clumping (aggregation), immune-response, and bleeding concerns. | SelankLimited Small studies cannot show uncommon or long-term harms. FDA says important human safety information is missing for the Selank acetate form. |
| Exact productDo we know what the product contains and how well it was made? | SemaxUnclear The free base and acetate are separate forms, and the reviewed record does not show that online products match either form or the studied material. | SelankUnclear The main peptide, a related chemical form, the product used in a study, and products sold as Selank are not automatically the same. |
| Approval statusIs there a reviewed product for a specific use? | Semax Registered in Russia; no FDA-approved U.S. product or final 503A listing was identified as reviewed August 30, 2026 | Selank No FDA-approved U.S. Selank product was found in the records checked on August 30, 2026 |
Questions to ask before you compare
Use these questions to see whether the records match.
- 01
Which exact peptide and chemical form is in the product?
- 02
Did the study have a placebo group, and how many people took part?
- 03
Did the study measure a health result or only a brain-scan change?
- 04
What is the current U.S. approval and compounding status?
What sources were used
The number of sources does not prove strength. Different sources answer different questions. A drug label, a trial, a cell study, and an agency review do not mean the same thing.
Semax
10 sources used
- Reference3
- Regulatory3
- Human clinical study2
- FDA review1
- Human pharmacology1
FDA reviewed Semax for reduced blood flow to the brain, migraine, and severe facial pain. They found too little proof for all three uses. A 1997 stroke study compared 30 Semax-treated people with 80 people who received standard care. Its abstract did not say how large the change was. A 2018 stroke study followed 110 people, but its abstract did not show random group assignment or blinding. The 12-person migraine and 25-person facial-pain groups had no control group or blinding.
Studies do not show that Semax improves focus, memory, attention, or daily function. A 24-person study measured links on brain scans. It did not test thinking or daily function. FDA found no human study of how the body handles Semax. It found no safety data for use under the skin. Most reports gave few safety details. FDA warned about impurities, peptide clumps, immune reactions, and possible bleeding. No record shows an online product matches the form or study material.
Selank
8 sources used
- Randomized trial2
- Reference2
- Regulatory2
- Human clinical study1
- Human pharmacology1
One study compared Selank with medazepam in 62 people. A second study compared Selank with phenazepam in 60 people with several anxiety-related conditions. Both reported symptom improvement. Neither cited study summary describes a placebo group, and both summaries gave few details about the methods. A separate study used brain scans in 52 healthy people who received Selank, Semax, or placebo. It found changes in links between some brain areas. It did not test anxiety treatment, focus, memory, or daily function.
These small studies do not show that Selank is a proven anxiety treatment. They also do not prove better focus, memory, sleep, mood, or daily function. Most reports came from Russian research groups. The reports gave few details about whether people or researchers knew the assigned treatment. They also gave little information about longer follow-up or uncommon harms. No large, independent repeat study was found among the records reviewed. No FDA-approved U.S. Selank drug was found. FDA says important human safety information is missing for the Selank acetate form. The reviewed records do not show whether an online or compounded product contains the listed chemical form or matches the product used in a study.
Fact checks for each peptide
Each result applies only to the statement shown. Open its record to see the version and sources.
Semax
“Semax is a seven-amino-acid peptide.”
FDA identifies Semax as a heptapeptide with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. This identifies the free-base peptide and does not make other chemical forms or products interchangeable.
- Evidence used
- Official record or product label
- What this result covers
- Semax free base as identified in FDA's substance and briefing records; the acetate form is a separate chemical form.
“Semax improves focus or memory, or treats ADHD.”
FDA found no supporting literature for ADHD. A 24-person study measured resting brain-scan connections, not focus, memory, attention, or daily function.
- Evidence used
- No reliable studies showing this health result in people
- What this result covers
- Focus, memory, and ADHD claims made for Semax; not a finding about the laboratory or animal literature.
“Semax treats stroke, migraine, or severe facial pain.”
FDA staff found insufficient evidence of effectiveness for cerebral ischemia, migraine, or trigeminal neuralgia. The two stroke studies listed here have important design and comparison limits.
- Evidence used
- No reliable studies showing this health result in people
- What this result covers
- The uses reviewed by FDA in 2026; this does not assess every possible research question.
“Semax is FDA-approved in the United States.”
FDA says Semax free base and Semax acetate are not components of an FDA-approved drug. A drug registered in Russia does not create U.S. approval.
- Evidence used
- Official record or product label
- What this result covers
- United States approval status as reviewed August 30, 2026.
“The advisory vote added Semax to the 503A list or approved it.”
RAPS reported an 8-5 advisory-committee vote in favor of adding Semax to the 503A list. FDA says advisory recommendations are non-binding, and the briefing says FDA had not made its final determination. No final FDA rule or listing was identified in this review.
- Evidence used
- Official record or product label
- What this result covers
- The July 2026 advisory vote and U.S. 503A status as reviewed August 30, 2026; a recommendation is not a final FDA decision or drug approval.
“Semax free base, Semax acetate, and N-acetyl Semax amidate are interchangeable.”
FDA identifies Semax free base and Semax acetate as distinct active ingredients. PubChem identifies N-acetyl Semax amidate as a chemically modified substance. A shared name does not establish the same structure, quality, safety, or evidence.
- Evidence used
- Official record or product label
- What this result covers
- Chemical-form and product-identity comparisons; this is not a use or administration recommendation.
Selank
“Selank, Selanc, and TP-7 are names for the same seven-amino-acid peptide.”
Yes. FDA lists Selank, Selanc, and TP-7 as names for one peptide with the sequence TKPRPGP. This record names the substance. It does not show that a related chemical form or sold product is the same.
- Evidence used
- Official record or product label
- What this result covers
- The Selank peptide in FDA's chemical record. Selank diacetate has a separate related record.
“Small studies tested Selank in people with anxiety-related conditions.”
Yes. One randomized report compared Selank with medazepam in 62 people. Another randomized report included 70 people. Forty received Selank with phenazepam, and 30 received phenazepam alone. These small studies do not prove a broad benefit.
- Evidence used
- Health results from a study with randomly assigned groups
- What this result covers
- Small studies in people with specific anxiety-related conditions. The reports do not establish a result for every anxiety condition or population.
“Selank is a proven treatment for anxiety.”
The studies were small and compared Selank with another medicine. The reports did not clearly say whether people and researchers knew the assigned treatment. No large, repeated result against a placebo was found.
- Evidence used
- No reliable studies showing this health result in people
- What this result covers
- A reliable treatment conclusion for anxiety disorders across people, settings, and products.
“Selank improves focus, memory, or daily function.”
A 52-person study measured links between brain areas. It did not test focus, memory, or daily function. An earlier report mentioned a possible effect on thinking, but its study summary gave no clear result for these outcomes.
- Evidence used
- No reliable studies showing this health result in people
- What this result covers
- Focus, memory, and daily-function outcomes in people who received a verified Selank study product.
“Selank is FDA-approved in the United States.”
No FDA-approved U.S. Selank product was found in the records checked. FDA's chemical record names the substance. It does not approve a drug. The request to add Selank acetate to a compounding list was withdrawn. That request was not approval.
- Evidence used
- Official record or product label
- What this result covers
- United States drug-approval and compounding records checked on August 30, 2026.
“Selank, Selank diacetate, and every product sold as Selank are interchangeable.”
FDA has separate records for the main peptide and Selank diacetate, a related chemical form. A product name does not prove what it contains, its quality, or whether it matches the product used in a study.
- Evidence used
- Official record or product label
- What this result covers
- The peptide, its related chemical form, and each finished or compounded product must be checked separately.
“Selank has a proven safety profile in people.”
The human studies were small and cannot show uncommon or long-term harms. FDA says important human safety information is missing for Selank acetate. For some ways of using it, FDA also warns of possible immune reactions from peptide clumps or related impurities.
- Evidence used
- No reliable studies showing this health result in people
- What this result covers
- Long-term safety, uncommon harms, and the safety of each way it is used, chemical form, and finished product.
Products with the same ingredient can differ
Evidence applies to the exact product used in a study. Check the peptide's amino-acid order, ingredients and form, how it enters the body, and where it came from. A shared ingredient name does not prove that another vial has the same benefits or risks.
Semax
7 amino acids · Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Semax free base and Semax acetate are distinct chemical forms. A product name does not show which form it contains or whether it matches the material studied. N-acetyl Semax amidate is a different modified substance, not a Semax alias.
No FDA product label was found for this molecule in the sources reviewed.
- Human research after stroke
- Small human studies of migraine and trigeminal neuralgia
Selank
7 amino acids · Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (TKPRPGP)
FDA has separate records for Selank and Selank diacetate, a related chemical form. FDA's compounding page uses the name Selank acetate. These records do not show that a sold or compounded product contains the listed form or matches the product used in a study.
No FDA product label was found for this molecule in the sources reviewed.
- Small human studies of anxiety-related conditions
- A human brain-scan study
Sports rules and safety limits
These statuses do not give personal clearance to compete.
Semax
This editorial review did not determine sport eligibility. Athletes must check the current prohibited list, Global DRO, and their governing body.
ReviewedThis guide does not provide dosing, route, sourcing, product-selection, or treatment advice. A Russian registration or an advisory vote does not prove U.S. approval, product quality, or personal safety.
Selank
This editorial review did not determine sport eligibility. Athletes must check the current prohibited list, Global DRO, and their governing body.
ReviewedFDA warns of possible immune reactions with some ways of using compounded Selank acetate. Peptide clumps or related impurities could cause the reaction. FDA also says important human safety information is missing for this chemical form. Short studies cannot show uncommon or long-term harms. This guide gives no dosing, spray, injection, buying, sourcing, or treatment advice.
Two different peptides
Semax has the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. FDA says it is a changed form of ACTH(4-10), which is a small part of a body hormone. Russia has registered Semax as 0.1% and 1% nose drops.
Selank has the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, also written as TKPRPGP. FDA also lists the names TP-7 and Selanc for it.
Both are graded Emerging, with human outcome research that is still investigational. Online claims about Semax include focus and memory. Claims about Selank include anxiety and focus.
U.S. approval and compounding status
FDA says Semax free base and Semax acetate are not parts of an FDA-approved drug. A drug registered in Russia does not create U.S. approval.
In July 2026, an FDA advisory committee voted 8 to 5 to add Semax to the 503A list. That list names bulk substances pharmacies may use to compound drugs. FDA says advisory votes do not bind it. No final FDA listing was found as of the August 30, 2026 review.
No FDA-approved U.S. Selank product was found in the records checked on August 30, 2026. A request to add Selank acetate to a compounding list was withdrawn. That request was never an approval.
What human studies measured
FDA reviewed Semax for reduced blood flow to the brain, migraine, and severe facial pain. FDA staff found too little proof for all three uses. A 1997 stroke study compared 30 Semax-treated people with 80 people who received standard care. The abstract of a 2018 stroke study of 110 people did not show random group assignment or blinding.
Selank was compared with the anxiety medicine medazepam in 62 people. A second study compared it with phenazepam in 60 people. A third gave 40 people Selank with phenazepam and 30 people phenazepam alone. The first two study summaries describe no placebo group. The reports give few details about whether people or researchers knew who got which treatment.
The only study in these records that included both peptides used brain scans in 52 healthy people. They received Selank, Semax, or a placebo. The study found changes in links between some brain areas. It did not test anxiety, focus, memory, or daily function.
The claim that Semax improves focus or memory, or treats ADHD, is graded Not established. The claim that Selank is a proven treatment for anxiety is also graded Not established.
Safety and product limits
FDA found no human study of how the body handles Semax. It found no safety data for use under the skin. FDA also raised concerns about impurities, peptide clumps, immune reactions, and possible bleeding.
For Selank, FDA says important human safety information is missing for the Selank acetate form. FDA also warns of possible immune reactions with some ways of using compounded Selank acetate. Small, short studies of either peptide cannot show uncommon or long-term harms.
Names do not prove contents. Semax free base and Semax acetate are separate chemical forms, and N-acetyl Semax amidate is a different modified substance. Selank diacetate is a related form of Selank. A product name does not show which form it contains or whether it matches study material.
Neither record has a current sports-rule review. No dosing, spray, injection, buying, or treatment advice is given here.
What these records cannot answer
- The reviewed records contain no study that compares Semax with Selank on a health outcome. The one shared study measured brain-scan links only.
- Neither record includes adverse-event rates that can be compared between the two.
- The records give no dosing, route, or stacking guidance, and none is given here. No study of the two used together for a health outcome is recorded.
- Neither record includes a current sports-rule review, so this comparison cannot state sport eligibility for either.
This page does not provide dosing, sourcing, or treatment advice.
Read the sources behind the comparison
Semax
Selank