PinnyPeptide

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) vs Selank

Side-by-side comparison: effects, dosing ranges, side effects, regulatory status, and reconstitution.

Peptide A

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin)

Cognitive

Full-length adrenocorticotropic hormone — endocrine research peptide, melanocortin agonist.

Peptide B

Selank

Cognitive

Russian-approved anxiolytic peptide derived from tuftsin with nootropic and immunomodulatory properties.

Typical vial

5 mg

Typical dose

250 (diagnostic) mcg

Half-life

~10-15 minutes (plasma)

FDA status

Cosyntropin (ACTH 1-24) FDA approved as Cortrosyn. Repositor…

Typical vial

5 mg

Typical dose

250-500 mcg

Half-life

~15-30 minutes (extended biological effect due to downstream signaling)

FDA status

Not FDA approved for human use.

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) effects

  • Stimulates adrenal cortex to release cortisol
  • Activates MC2R on adrenocortical cells (primary)
  • Secondary activation of MC1R (pigmentation), MC3-5R
  • Used diagnostically to assess adrenal function
  • Anti-inflammatory effects via cortisol release

Selank effects

  • Reduces anxiety without sedation or cognitive impairment
  • Enhances memory consolidation and learning
  • Modulates serotonin, dopamine, and GABA neurotransmitter systems
  • Provides immunomodulatory effects through cytokine balance regulation
  • Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) side effects

  • All side effects of pharmacological hypercortisolism: hyperglycemia, weight gain, mood changes, immunosuppression, hypertension
  • Hyperpigmentation with chronic use (MC1R activation)
  • HPA axis suppression with prolonged dosing
  • Acne, fluid retention
  • Adrenal hyperplasia with chronic stimulation

Selank side effects

  • Mild nasal irritation (intranasal administration)
  • Fatigue during initial use (transient)
  • Occasional lightheadedness

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) dosing ranges

Adrenal stimulation test (clinical)

250 mcg · Single IV or IM dose · Diagnostic, one-time

Endocrine research

Variable · Per study protocol · Per study protocol

Selank dosing ranges

Anxiolytic and cognitive enhancement (intranasal)

250-500 mcg · Two to three times daily · 2-4 weeks

Subcutaneous injection

250-500 mcg · Once daily · 2-4 weeks

Full ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) guide → Full Selank guide →

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) vs Selank — common questions

What is the difference between ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) and Selank?

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin): Full-length adrenocorticotropic hormone — endocrine research peptide, melanocortin agonist. Typical dose 250 (diagnostic) mcg. Selank: Russian-approved anxiolytic peptide derived from tuftsin with nootropic and immunomodulatory properties. Typical dose 250-500 mcg. Both fall under the Cognitive category.

Can you stack ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) and Selank?

Stacking ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) with Selank is a protocol-design question best raised with a clinician — it depends on your goal, current bloodwork, and whether both peptides target overlapping mechanisms. Both peptides should be tracked independently with separate injection sites and timing. PinnyPeptide supports multi-peptide stacks with automatic injection site rotation.

Which is dosed more frequently, ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) or Selank?

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) is typically dosed: Single IV or IM dose for Adrenal stimulation test (clinical); Per study protocol for Endocrine research. Selank is typically dosed: Two to three times daily for Anxiolytic and cognitive enhancement (intranasal); Once daily for Subcutaneous injection.

Are ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) and Selank FDA approved?

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin): Cosyntropin (ACTH 1-24) FDA approved as Cortrosyn. Repository ACTH (porcine, full-length) FDA approved as Acthar Gel for infantile spasms, MS exacerbations, and other indications. Selank: Not FDA approved for human use.

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