Cognitive Peptides

Selank (TP-7)

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics (Russian Academy of Sciences) by extending tuftsin with a Pro-Gly-Pro stability sequence. It is registered in Russia as a prescription anxiolytic (0.15% nasal solution) for generalized anxiety disorder and asthenic conditions; it is not approved by the FDA or EMA and the clinical evidence base is primarily Russian-language literature. Research has focused on positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors, inhibition of enkephalin degradation, BDNF expression, and tuftsin-derived immunomodulation. Russian clinical dosing is approximately 300mcg per dose (2–3 drops per nostril of the 0.15% solution) 2–3 times daily in 2–4 week cycles. Grey-market subcutaneous dosing (250–1000mcg/day) is not clinically validated.

Semax (ACTH(4-10) analog, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro)

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) consisting of the ACTH(4-7) core with a Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension that blocks enzymatic degradation. It was synthesized at the Institute of Molecular Genetics (Russian Academy of Sciences) by the Ashmarin/Myasoedov group and registered in Russia in 1994 as intranasal drops in 0.1% (cognitive/asthenic indications) and 1% (acute ischemic stroke, optic nerve disease) concentrations. Research has focused on BDNF/TrkB upregulation, NGF expression, melanocortin receptor activity, and modulation of monoaminergic tone. Because Semax lacks the C-terminal steroidogenic portion of ACTH, it does not activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Russian clinical dosing ranges from ~200–600mcg/day intranasal for cognitive/asthenic use up to ~6000mcg/day for acute stroke protocols. Grey-market subcutaneous use (250–1000mcg/day) is not clinically validated. BDNF and validated cognitive scales are the biomarkers most often tracked in research; the primary evidence base is Russian-language literature.

PNB-0408

Dihexa (PNB-0408) is a small-molecule hexapeptide-like analog of angiotensin IV developed at Washington State University by the Harding/Wright group as a preclinical candidate for Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. It is NOT FDA-approved and has never been tested in human clinical trials. The often-quoted claim that it is 'roughly ten million times more potent than BDNF' refers to EC50 comparisons in an in vitro dendritic spine assay, not clinical efficacy.

PE 22-28

PE-22-28 is a 7-amino-acid synthetic analog of spadin, a peptide fragment (residues 22-28) of the 44-aa propeptide (PE) released during post-translational maturation of sortilin (the neurotensin receptor-3). It is studied in preclinical models as a fast-acting antidepressant that works by selectively blocking the TREK-1 two-pore potassium channel. There is no established use for hair growth — that is a separate compound and the two should not be confused.

FPF-1070

Cerebrolysin is not a single peptide but a complex biologic produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of purified porcine brain tissue, containing low-molecular-weight peptides (<10 kDa) and free amino acids. Manufactured by EVER Pharma (Austria), it is registered in 50+ countries (Europe, Asia, Russia, Latin America) for ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia, but is NOT FDA-approved in the United States.

HN

Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. It was discovered through its ability to protect neurons from Alzheimer's disease-related toxicity and is studied for neuroprotection, metabolic regulation, and anti-aging applications.

EDR

Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) from the Khavinson bioregulator series, studied for its potential role in regulating pineal gland function and neuroprotective signaling pathways in preclinical models.

Semax/Selank

Pre-mixed blend of Semax (an ACTH(4-10) analog) and Selank (a heptapeptide tuftsin analog), both developed at the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics. The individual compounds are registered as prescription drugs in Russia (intranasal); neither is FDA- or EMA-approved. The blend itself is NOT clinically validated — no controlled trial has tested Semax and Selank co-administered.

N-acetyl Semax amidate adamantylated

Adamax is a grey-market nootropic peptide developed and sold by the Mexico-based vendor Ceretropic. It is marketed as a Semax derivative: N-acetyl Semax amide (Ac-MEHFPGP-NH2) with an adamantane (adamantyl-glycine) moiety appended at the C-terminus, reportedly intended to improve metabolic stability and blood-brain-barrier penetration. It is NOT an ADNP / NAP / davunetide analog despite some online descriptions conflating it with those compounds. Adamax has no indexed peer-reviewed literature of its own; all claimed effects are extrapolated from Semax data plus anecdotal user reports.

P021

P21 (also P021) is a small peptidergic compound — the tetrapeptide core Asp-Gly-Gly-Leu with an N-terminal acetyl and a C-terminal adamantylated glycine amide (Ac-DGGL(A)G-NH2) — derived from an active region (residues ~148–151) of human ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). It was designed and characterized in the Khalid Iqbal laboratory at the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYS IBR). It is an experimental, preclinical compound — NOT FDA-approved and NOT tested in humans in published trials. Distinct from the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor protein p21/CDKN1A/WAF1 (a completely different gene product; the two share only the name).