Cortexin vs NA-Selank Amidate
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Cortexin
Cortexin is a polypeptide complex derived from pig brain cortex, used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for neurological conditions including stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive decline.
Full details →NA-Selank Amidate
NA-Selank Amidate (N-Acetyl Selank Amidate) is an enhanced version of Selank with improved stability and blood-brain barrier penetration. The modifications increase bioavailability and duration of cognitive and anxiolytic effects.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cortexin | NA-Selank Amidate |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 10 mg–20 mg | 300 mcg–900 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 2x daily |
| Cycle Length | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Route | intramuscular | intranasal |
| Mechanism | Contains a mixture of neuropeptides and amino acids that support neuronal metabolism, provide neuroprotection, and enhance synaptic transmission. Specific mechanisms not fully characterized. | Same core mechanism as Selank - modulates BDNF, serotonin, and norepinephrine systems. The N-acetyl group improves membrane permeability while the amidate modification increases enzymatic stability. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical protocols: 10mg intramuscularly once daily for 10-20 days. May be repeated after 3-6 month interval. | Intranasal: 100-400mcg 1-3 times daily. Lower doses needed compared to standard Selank due to enhanced bioavailability. |
| Administration | Intramuscular injection. Comes as lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution. Treatment given in courses rather than continuously. | Primarily intranasal administration. Can be used sublingually. More stable in solution than standard Selank. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions or mild allergic responses in sensitive individuals. | Generally well-tolerated. Possible mild fatigue or nasal irritation. Less frequent dosing needed than standard Selank. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Cortexin, NA-Selank Amidate are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Cortexin:
Unique to NA-Selank Amidate:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | Cortexin | NA-Selank Amidate |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Performance | medium | medium |
Key Studies
Cortexin
- [Cortexin in the comprehensive therapy of alcoholic encephalopathy].
Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova, 2026
- Cortexin modulates OPG/RANK/RANKL and TRPC1 expression in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Neurological research, 2026
- Neurotropic Effects of Cortexin on Models of Mental and Physical Developmental Delay.
Biomedicines, 2025
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