Cognitive Peptides
Nootropic and neuroprotective peptides. Evidence-based dossiers on semax, selank, and related compounds.
Cognitive peptides encompass nootropic and neuroprotective compounds studied for their potential effects on memory, focus, neuroplasticity, and neuroprotection. Research ranges from anxiety modulation to neurodegenerative disease prevention.
Alixorexton
ALKS 2680, ALKS-2680
An oral orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonist developed by Alkermes for narcolepsy type 1 (NT1). Phase 2 clinical trials demonstrated improvements in excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy with once-daily dosing. Represents a novel approach to restore orexin signaling in patients who have lost orexin-producing neurons.
Cerebrolysin
FPF-1070, N-PEP-12, Renacenz
A porcine brain-derived peptide mixture approved in over 50 countries (Austria, Russia, China, Germany) for stroke, dementia, and traumatic brain injury. Contains neurotrophic peptide fragments mimicking BDNF, GDNF, NGF, and CNTF. NOT FDA-approved despite decades of international use. Mixed Phase 3 results but positive meta-analyses and widespread clinical adoption in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Cerluten
Brain cytamin, Cerebral peptides, A-5 brain peptides
A cytamin-class peptide supplement derived from brain tissue, part of the Russian bioregulator framework. Marketed as an oral supplement for cognitive support and neuroprotection. Contains peptide complexes rather than defined sequences. No Western clinical validation.
Cortexin
Cortexinum, Polypeptide brain extract, Bovine brain cortex polypeptides
A Russian neuropeptide complex derived from porcine or bovine cerebral cortex, approved in Russia and CIS countries for neurological conditions. Contains low molecular weight polypeptides (1,000-10,000 Da) with proposed neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. NOT approved by FDA, EMA, or other Western regulatory agencies. Evidence comes primarily from Russian studies with limited Western validation.
Dihexa
PNB-0408, N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide
An angiotensin IV analog developed by Washington State University researchers, claimed to enhance cognition through HGF/c-Met signaling. Gained attention for extreme potency claims (10 million times more potent than BDNF), but evidence is limited to rodent studies from a single research group with no human clinical trials. Sold as a research chemical with unknown safety profile.
DSIP
Delta Sleep Inducing Peptide, Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide, WAGGDASGE
A nonapeptide discovered in 1977 that was initially thought to induce delta wave sleep. Research has shown broader neuromodulatory effects including stress-protection and analgesia, though its role as an endogenous sleep factor remains controversial.
N-Acetyl Selank Amidate
NA-Selank, N-Acetyl Selank, Acetyl-Selank-Amidate +1 more
A modified version of Selank with N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation designed to enhance stability and bioavailability. While the parent compound Selank is approved in Russia, N-Acetyl Selank Amidate has no independent clinical research and relies entirely on extrapolated claims from Selank studies.
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate
NA-Semax, N-Acetyl Semax, Acetyl-Semax-Amidate +1 more
A chemically modified version of Semax with N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation designed to enhance peptide stability. While parent Semax is approved in Russia for nootropic and neuroprotective applications, this specific modification has no independent clinical research.
Oveporexton
TAK-861
A first-in-class oral orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) selective agonist developed by Takeda for narcolepsy type 1. Though not a peptide itself, oveporexton restores orexin peptide signaling lost due to autoimmune destruction of orexin-producing neurons. Phase 3 trials demonstrate significant reductions in excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, with FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation.
P21
Ac-DGGLAG-NH2, P021, CNTF-derived peptide
A hexapeptide (Ac-DGGLAG-NH2) derived from ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) that is claimed to mimic BDNF effects and promote neurogenesis. Developed primarily at the New York State Institute for Basic Research. Limited to preclinical rodent studies with no human clinical trials. Sold as a research chemical with unknown safety profile.
Pinealon
EDR, Glu-Asp-Arg, Pinealon peptide +1 more
A synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) developed by Russian researcher Vladimir Khavinson as a 'peptide bioregulator' claimed to support brain function. Part of a larger Russian research program on short peptides. Evidence comes almost exclusively from Russian publications with no independent Western replication. Not approved by any Western regulatory agency.
Selank
TP-7, Selanc, Threonyl-Lysyl-Prolyl-Arginyl-Prolyl-Glycyl-Proline
A synthetic heptapeptide derived from the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed by Russian researchers and approved in Russia since 2009 for anxiety and neurasthenia. Demonstrates anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence liability. Extensive Russian clinical research supports efficacy, though Western independent replication remains limited.
Semax
ACTH(4-7)PGP, Methionyl-Glutamyl-Histidyl-Phenylalanyl-Prolyl-Glycyl-Proline, MEHFPGP
A synthetic heptapeptide analogue of ACTH(4-7) with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension, developed by Russian researchers and approved in Russia since ~1997 for stroke, cognitive impairment, and optic nerve disorders. Demonstrates nootropic and neuroprotective effects through BDNF/NGF upregulation, dopaminergic and serotonergic modulation, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Extensive Russian clinical research supports efficacy, particularly in stroke rehabilitation, though Western independent replication remains limited.
About This Category
Cognitive peptides target various neural pathways including BDNF expression, neurotransmitter modulation, and neuroinflammation reduction. Several compounds in this category have regulatory approval in specific countries for neurological conditions, while others remain under active investigation.