Semax and Selank are two short brain peptides developed in Russia, often called the focus peptide and the calm peptide. Semax supports focus, memory and mental energy; Selank supports calm and stress resilience without making you drowsy. This guide explains what each one is, how they work, what the research shows, how they are used, how to combine them, the safety points, and how to start on a doctor-led programme in South Africa.
Everything here was reviewed by Dr Chris van Zyl (registered as M.C. van Zyl, HPCSA MP0287067), who is licensed to both prescribe and dispense medicines under a Section 22C dispensing licence. Semax and Selank are dispensed on a valid script after a medical questionnaire, with a consultation arranged when your screening calls for one.
What is Semax?
Semax is a peptide of 7 amino acids based on a fragment of ACTH, the hormone that normally signals the adrenal glands. The fragment was modified to be stable and longer acting, and it has no hormone or cortisone activity. It was developed in Russia in the 1980s, where it is listed as an essential medicine for stroke and cognitive disorders.
What is Selank?
Selank is a peptide of 7 amino acids based on tuftsin, a small immune peptide the body makes naturally. It was developed in Russia, where it is used for anxiety. Its main effect is calming anxiety and stress without sedation, and it shows no evidence of dependency or withdrawal.
How does Semax work?
Semax raises BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and its receptor TrkB, which support learning, memory and the survival of nerve cells. It also supports dopamine and serotonin activity and healthy blood flow to the brain, and it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on brain tissue. That is why it is used for focus, mental energy and recovery after brain injury.
How does Selank work?
Selank works on the GABA system, the same calming system that anti-anxiety medicines target, but without their sedation or dependency. It also slows the breakdown of the body’s own calming enkephalins, raises BDNF, which supports attention and memory, and through its tuftsin origin helps balance the immune system.
What does the research show?
Semax has been studied mainly in stroke and cognitive impairment, and Selank in generalised anxiety, mostly in Russian hospitals and laboratories. English-language trials with strong methods are limited, and neither peptide is approved as a medicine outside Russia. It is fair to say the evidence is encouraging but early, and results are individual.
What is the difference between Semax and Selank?
Think of Semax as focus and energy and Selank as calm. Semax suits brain fog, low mental energy and concentration. Selank suits worry, tension and stress, while keeping you clear-headed. Both are non-sedating.
Can Semax and Selank be taken together?
Yes. The combination, sometimes called focus plus calm, is popular because the effects complement each other: sharper thinking without the edge of stress. Many people take both in the morning. Our doctor confirms whether the combination suits you, and it can also sit alongside NAD+ in a broader cognitive plan.
How are Semax and Selank used?
Each is injected under the skin every morning, 5 days on and 2 days off, at 250mcg, which is 15 clicks on the mobivIVe pen. One 5mg pen holds 20 doses, a 4-week course. Some people instead use 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off.
Are there side effects?
Both are generally well tolerated and non-sedating. Semax can occasionally cause mild headache or temporary restlessness. Selank can occasionally cause mild headache. Tell our doctor about any anxiety, mood or sleep medicines so they can be checked together.
Can athletes use Semax or Selank?
Competitive athletes should be careful. Neither peptide is approved as a medicine outside Russia, which can bring them under WADA’s catch-all rule for substances without regulatory approval. Check with your federation or anti-doping body before using either.
How do I get Semax and Selank in South Africa?
Semax and Selank are prescription items, so it starts with a short medical questionnaire that our registered doctor reviews, with a consultation arranged when your screening calls for one. Once a script is issued, your prefilled pens are couriered anywhere in South Africa with clear dosing instructions. Pricing and the full breakdown are on our Semax & Selank page.
How to start, in 3 simple steps
- Message us on WhatsApp. Tell our doctor-led team your goal.
- Medical questionnaire. Complete a short questionnaire, reviewed by our registered doctor. A consultation is arranged when your screening calls for one. If it is safe and suitable, a script is issued.
- Delivered to your door. Your prefilled pen is couriered anywhere in South Africa, with clear dosing instructions.
Medically reviewed by Dr Chris van Zyl This guide was written and reviewed by mobivIVe’s medical team, led by Dr Chris van Zyl, an HPCSA-registered medical doctor (registered as M.C. van Zyl, HPCSA reg. no. MP0287067) who is licensed to both prescribe and dispense medicines under a Section 22C dispensing licence. Last reviewed October 2026. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease; individual results vary. Consult your healthcare provider.