PinnyPeptide

Cortagen vs Selank

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

Peptide A

Cortagen

Bioregulators

Khavinson short peptide bioregulator targeting cortical neurons and CNS gene expression.

Peptide B

Selank

Cognitive

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

Typical vial

20 mg

Typical dose

1,000-5,000 mcg

Half-life

Short (minutes); biological effect persists via gene-expression modulation

FDA status

Not FDA approved.

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.

Cortagen effects

  • Reported support of cortical neuron function and gene expression
  • Improvements in memory and attention (Russian observational)
  • Neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia models
  • Possible support for post-stroke and post-concussive recovery
  • Modulation of neuroplasticity-related gene expression

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

Cortagen side effects

  • Generally well-tolerated in Russian clinical use
  • Mild injection-site reactions
  • Limited Western safety validation
  • Possible mild sleep disturbance with late-day dosing

Selank side effects

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

Cortagen dosing ranges

Cognitive support

1-5 mg · Once daily morning (SubQ) or intranasal · 10-20 day cycles, repeated 2-3 times per year

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 Cortagen guide → Full Selank guide →

Cortagen vs Selank — common questions

What is the difference between Cortagen and Selank?

Cortagen: Khavinson short peptide bioregulator targeting cortical neurons and CNS gene expression. Typical dose 1,000-5,000 mcg. Selank: Russian-approved anxiolytic peptide derived from tuftsin with nootropic and immunomodulatory properties. Typical dose 250-500 mcg. Both fall under the Bioregulators and Cognitive categories.

Can you stack Cortagen and Selank?

Stacking Cortagen 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, Cortagen or Selank?

Cortagen is typically dosed: Once daily morning (SubQ) or intranasal for Cognitive support. Selank is typically dosed: Two to three times daily for Anxiolytic and cognitive enhancement (intranasal); Once daily for Subcutaneous injection.

Are Cortagen and Selank FDA approved?

Cortagen: Not FDA approved. Selank: Not FDA approved for human use.

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