Semax & Selank — Nasal-Format Research Compounds and Emerging Preclinical Insights
Semax & Selank — Nasal-Format Research Compounds and Emerging Preclinical Insights
At AERIS BIOSCIENCES™, our mission is to facilitate advanced research into nasal delivery formats of high-precision peptides. Two of the most studied compounds in this domain are Semax and Selank — peptides developed originally in Russia and broadly supported by preclinical research for neuro-protective, cognitive, and molecular signaling effects.
Understanding the Peptides
Selank is a synthetic analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed for laboratory investigation into neuro-regulatory, anxiolytic-type and cognitive-pathway effects. SCIRP+2PMC+2
Semax is a heptapeptide derivative of ACTH (4–10) modified for laboratory research into neuro-trophic, neuro-protective and cognitive-signaling effects. Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation+2MDPI+2
Both are of particular interest in nasal delivery research thanks to their small size, peptide nature, and capacity for non-injectable experimental formats.
Key Preclinical Findings
Selank
In rodent frontal cortex models, intranasal administration of Selank at ~300 µg/kg induced changes in the expression of 45 genes 1h after dosing — including genes related to GABAergic transmission, dopaminergic receptors, and ion channels. PMC
The study observed that 3h after dosing, 22 genes remained significantly altered, indicating a sustained effect on neural gene-expression pathways. PMC
A review of synthetic regulatory peptides notes that Selank boasts anxiolytic-type and nootropic activity in animal/preclinical settings, developed on the tuftsin model. SCIRP
These findings suggest that Selank is a compelling candidate for research into cognitive and neurotransmission-related pathways using nasal delivery models.
Semax
Transcriptomic (RNA-Seq) analysis in a rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model showed that Semax suppressed genes associated with inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF) and activated genes tied to neurotransmission (Gabra5, Gria3, Neurod6) 24h after dosing. MDPI
In a focal ischemia model in rats, intranasal Semax influenced gene expression connected to blood-vessel formation, neural repair, and neurotrophic signaling. PMC
A review of synthetic regulatory peptides identifies Semax as having “powerful neuroprotective” properties in preclinical use, especially in the nervous system context. SCIRP
These results position Semax as a valuable tool for nasal delivery research focused on neuro-protection, cognitive resilience, and gene-expression modulation in neural models.
Why Nasal Format Matters for This Research
The nasal route offers laboratories many advantages for peptide research: rapid access, non-injectable format, possibility of direct central-nervous-system pathways via olfactory/trigeminal routes, and reduced first-pass metabolism.
By focusing on nasal solutions of Selank and Semax, AERIS BIOSCIENCES™ allows research teams to explore peptide bio-distribution, mucosal stability, receptor engagement, and central nervous system pathways more efficiently.
AERIS™ Research-Ready Format
At AERIS BIOSCIENCES™, our formulations of Semax and Selank are:
Verified for purity, with COAs and MSDS provided.
Optimized for nasal-format delivery studies (preclinical settings).
Intended only for laboratory research use, not for human or veterinary application.
Final Thoughts
For research teams investigating neural inflammation, cognitive pathway modulation, neuro-protection, or nasal delivery of peptides, Selank and Semax represent two of the most robust and well-documented compounds in laboratory science. At AERIS BIOSCIENCES™, we support your work with high-integrity formulations, expert documentation, and rigorous quality standards — because science deserves precision, not compromise.
Research Use Only: The content of this article and the compounds discussed are for laboratory research purposes only. They are not approved for human consumption, therapeutic use, or veterinary use.
References for further reading:
Volkova A. et al., “Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes…” PMCID PMC4757669 (2016). PMC
Dergunova L.V. et al., “Neuroprotective peptides and new strategies for ischemic…” MDPI Genes (2023). MDPI
Medvedeva E.V., “The peptide Semax affects the expression of genes related to…” PMCID PMC3987924 (2014). PMC
