Cognitive Focus Research Stack

£45.99

Purity: ≥ 99%

£45.99

Cognitive Focus Research Stack

Name: Cognitive Focus Research Stack
Brand: Pure Grade Labs
Price: 45.99 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

£45.99

Purity: ≥ 99%

£45.99

ANXIETY MODULATION - Stress response and anxiety reduction pathway research

NEUROPLASTICITY - Brain adaptability, synaptic strength and memory research

NEUROPROTECTION - Brain cell protection and neurotrophic support research

COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE - Learning, focus and working memory research

Anxiolytic and Nootropic. Complementary by Design.

Selank and Semax are both synthetic heptapeptides developed at Russian academic institutions, both studied for neurological effects, and both administered intranasally for CNS penetration. The similarity ends there. Their mechanisms are distinct - Selank targets the GABAergic and enkephalinergic systems for anxiolytic and stress-modulating effects, while Semax targets BDNF/TrkB upregulation and melanocortin receptor signalling for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection.

This mechanistic separation is why they are studied together. Selank addresses the anxiolytic-sedative axis without the dependency, memory impairment, or withdrawal profile associated with benzodiazepine drugs. Semax addresses the neuroplasticity-cognitive performance axis via BDNF - the primary growth factor for neuronal survival and synaptic formation. Research combining the two is examining whether anxiolytic effects and enhanced cognitive performance can be achieved simultaneously through non-overlapping peptide mechanisms. Semax is approved in Russia as a pharmaceutical for stroke and is listed on the Russian List of Vital and Essential Drugs. Selank is approved in Russia for generalised anxiety disorder.

Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro)

Synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences. Structurally based on a fragment of the human IgG heavy chain (tuftsin sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), with Pro-Gly-Pro added at the C-terminus to confer metabolic stability and extend duration. Approved in Russia for generalised anxiety disorder. Clinical studies have compared its anxiolytic effects to medazepam and diazepam. Studied for modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission, enkephalin degradation inhibition, and expression of 84 genes involved in neurotransmission.

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro)

Synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences. Structurally derived from the ACTH(4-10) fragment - retaining the neurotrophic effects of ACTH without its adrenocortical hormonal activity. Pro-Gly-Pro added at the C-terminus extends its half-life from minutes to approximately 20-24 hours. Approved in Russia for ischaemic stroke, brain hypoxia, and brain trauma. Listed on the Russian List of Vital and Essential Drugs. Primary mechanism: upregulation of BDNF and its TrkB receptor in the hippocampus.

Selank Sequence (Heptapeptide / Tuftsin Analogue): Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro - MW: 751.9 g/mol - CAS: 129954-34-3

Semax Sequence (Heptapeptide / ACTH(4-10) Analogue): Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro - MW: 813.9 g/mol - CAS: 80714-61-0

Selank Origin: IgG Heavy Chain

Semax Origin: ACTH(4-10)

Primary Route: Intranasal

Regulatory Status: RU Approved (Both)

2008 | Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology | Human Clinical Trial (n=62)

Selank demonstrates anxiolytic efficacy comparable to medazepam in GAD, with additional antiasthenic and cognitive-stimulating effects

Semenova et al. conducted a randomised comparison of Selank (30 patients) versus the benzodiazepine medazepam (32 patients) in 62 patients with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and neurasthenia, assessed using Hamilton, Zung, and CGI psychometric scales. Anxiolytic effects were comparable between the two drugs. Critically, Selank additionally demonstrated antiasthenic effects and psychostimulant properties not present with medazepam - a profile that is the pharmacological opposite of benzodiazepine sedation. The study also measured enkephalin half-life, finding that patients with GAD had decreased leu-enkephalin half-life correlated with symptom severity, and that Selank treatment normalised this parameter. This enzymatic finding provided mechanistic evidence for Selank's enkephalin-degradation-inhibiting mechanism in clinical subjects.

Semenova TP, et al. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2008;108(4):38-42. PubMed →

2016 | Frontiers in Pharmacology | Animal Study / Gene Expression

Selank alters expression of 45 GABAergic and neurotransmission genes within 1 hour of administration - pattern matches GABA itself

Volkova et al. studied expression of 84 neurotransmission-related genes in rat frontal cortex 1 and 3 hours after Selank or GABA administration. At 1 hour, Selank produced significant changes in 45 genes, with a positive correlation between the gene expression patterns of Selank and GABA - providing molecular evidence for the proposed GABAergic mechanism. Key genes altered included GABA receptor subunits, dopamine receptors (Drd1a, Drd2), and transporters. The correlation with GABA's own gene expression pattern at 1 hour post-administration gave the strongest mechanistic evidence to date that Selank's anxiolytic action is mediated, at least in part, through direct modulation of GABA-A receptor function - without the binding-site dependence that confers addiction liability on classical benzodiazepines.

Volkova A, et al. Front Pharmacol. 2016;7:89. PMC →

2006 | Brain Research | Animal Study / Molecular

Single-dose Semax produces 3-fold BDNF mRNA upregulation and 1.4-fold BDNF protein increase in rat hippocampus

Dolotov et al. administered a single intranasal dose of Semax (50 mcg/kg) to rats and measured BDNF and TrkB levels in the hippocampus at multiple timepoints. Semax produced a maximal 3-fold increase in BDNF mRNA and a 1.4-fold increase in BDNF protein, accompanied by a 1.6-fold increase in TrkB receptor phosphorylation. Animals also showed improved conditioned avoidance learning. The authors specifically proposed that Semax's effects on cognitive brain functions are mediated through modulation of the hippocampal BDNF/TrkB system - establishing BDNF upregulation as the primary mechanistic explanation for the learning and memory effects observed in the broader Semax literature. This paper is the most-cited mechanistic study on Semax in English-language literature.

Dolotov OV, et al. Brain Res. 2006;1117(1):54-60. PubMed →

2009 | Journal of Molecular Neuroscience | Animal Study / Gene Expression

Semax produces multidirectional BDNF and NGF gene activation across hippocampus, frontal cortex, and retina within 20 minutes

Shadrina et al. traced the temporal dynamics of Semax-induced neurotrophin gene expression across brain regions and timepoints (20 min, 40 min, 90 min, 3h, 8h, 24h post-administration). BDNF and NGF gene expression were significantly altered across hippocampus, frontal cortex, and retina, with effects detectable as early as 20 minutes post-dose. The multidirectional activation across regions - with different expression profiles in hippocampus versus frontal cortex - suggested that Semax engages a broad neurotrophic network rather than a single-site mechanism. The rapid onset (sub-hour) corroborates the clinical observation of fast-acting cognitive effects, while the 24-hour measurement confirms sustained neurotrophin influence well beyond the initial dosing window.

Shadrina MI, et al. J Mol Neurosci. 2010;41(2):255-261. PubMed →

Every Cognitive Stack ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis from an independent third-party analytical laboratory, covering both Selank and Semax vials. The COA confirms identity, purity by HPLC, and absence of contaminants for both compounds in your batch.

Both compounds are supplied as lyophilised solids. Bacteriostatic water is required for reconstitution. For intranasal research protocols, reconstituted solution is typically diluted to 0.1-1% concentration. Storage specifications apply to both vials.

Temperature: -20°C Long-term storage. For short-term use (up to 4 weeks), 2-8°C is acceptable.

Light Sensitivity: Light-Sensitive. Store in original opaque vial. Avoid direct UV or prolonged exposure to light.

Shelf Life: 24 Months. Lyophilized, sealed, stored at -20°C. Batch expiry printed on vial label.

Allow sealed vials to reach room temperature before opening to minimise moisture introduction. Bacteriostatic water is supplied ready to use - no preparation required.
Use the included bacteriostatic water as reconstitution solvent. Add solvent slowly down the inside wall of the vial - do not inject directly onto the lyophilised cake.
Gently swirl each vial until fully dissolved. Do not vortex or shake vigorously. Both compounds dissolve readily in BAC water.
Once reconstituted, store at 2-8°C. Use within 28 days. Do not freeze reconstituted solution.
Discard if solution appears cloudy, discoloured, or contains particulate matter.

Selank and Semax supplied by Pure Grade Labs are intended exclusively for in vitro research and laboratory use. Although both compounds are approved pharmaceuticals in Russia, they are not approved for human use by the MHRA, FDA, EMA, or TGA.

Pharmaceutical approval in Russia does not constitute approval in the UK, EU, US, or other jurisdictions. These products are supplied for research use only.
Pure Grade Labs makes no claims regarding therapeutic or clinical efficacy in humans beyond what is described in the cited research literature.
These products must not be administered to humans or animals outside of a licensed research context.
Both compounds may interact with psychiatric medications, anxiolytics, or neuroactive compounds. Researchers should be aware of potential interactions.
Purchasers are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction.

All research summaries and study citations on this page are provided for informational context only and do not constitute medical advice or recommendation for human use.