§ — Researched for · Cognitive function & mood
The cognitive peptides in circulation — semax and selank — carry approvals in Russia but have never been tested to Western regulatory standards. In July 2026 an FDA advisory committee recommended listing semax for compounding; FDA has not decided. Neither has controlled data in healthy adults.
Reviewed October 2026 · Sources: FDA, EMA
02 — What is being studied
The research field is neuropeptide modulation: short ACTH- and tuftsin-derived fragments studied for effects on BDNF expression, attention and anxiety. The published literature is largely Russian-language, conducted in patient populations after stroke or with anxiety disorders, and reported as clinical improvement on scales rather than against Western regulatory trial standards.
What is missing is the evidence base a regulator would require: registered, randomised, placebo-controlled trials with pre-specified cognitive endpoints, adequate size and independent replication. Nothing published examines healthy adults seeking cognitive enhancement, which is the use that drives demand. As of October 2026 an approval in one jurisdiction, granted under a different evidentiary standard, is the whole of the regulatory story for this group.
03 — The table
| Peptide | Researched for | Evidence | Regulatory status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selank | Generalized anxiety disorder, cognitive function under stress. | B | Not FDA-approved. It has not been reviewed by the advisory committee and is not on the 503A Bulks List. | 2026-10-22 |
| Semax | Ischemic stroke recovery, cognitive impairment, attention disorders. | B | Not FDA-approved. Removed from 503A Category 2 on April 15, 2026. On July 24, 2026, the advisory committee voted 8–5 (one abstention) to recommend it for the 503A Bulks List, against the advice of FDA's scientists. FDA has not decided; it cannot yet be compounded under section 503A. | 2026-10-22 |
04 — Per peptide
Regulatory status · United States · as of October 2026
Not FDA-approved. It has not been reviewed by the advisory committee and is not on the 503A Bulks List.
Source: FDA 503A Bulks List · PCAC meeting records · verified October 2026
Researched forGeneralized anxiety disorder, cognitive function under stress.
Full profile: Selank →Regulatory status · United States · as of October 2026
Not FDA-approved. Removed from 503A Category 2 on April 15, 2026. On July 24, 2026, the advisory committee voted 8–5 (one abstention) to recommend it for the 503A Bulks List, against the advice of FDA's scientists. FDA has not decided; it cannot yet be compounded under section 503A.
Source: FDA 503A Bulks List · PCAC meeting records · verified October 2026
Researched forIschemic stroke recovery, cognitive impairment, attention disorders.
Full profile: Semax →05 — What the data does not show
Cognitive enhancement in healthy adults has not been demonstrated for any peptide in this group.
06 — Questions for your physician
Every practice in the registry that lists peptide therapy, sorted by distance and nothing else. You contact the practice directly.
La Jolla, CA
Focus matches this goal: Biological Age & Epigenetics, Cognition & Brain Health, Functional Medicine
No physician listed on the practice website
Alpharetta, GA
Focus matches this goal: Advanced Blood Biomarkers, Cancer Screening & Early Detection, Cognition & Brain Health
Physician credentials on file
San Francisco, CA
Focus matches this goal: Advanced Blood Biomarkers, Biological Age & Epigenetics, Cognition & Brain Health
Ahvie Herskowitz, MD · Ann Lee, MD
Steamboat Springs, CO
Focus matches this goal: Cognition & Brain Health, Concierge / Membership Model, DEXA / Body Composition
Physician credentials on file
Austin, TX
Focus matches this goal: Advanced Blood Biomarkers, Cancer Screening & Early Detection, Cognition & Brain Health
Physician credentials on file
North Palm Beach, FL
Focus matches this goal: Biological Age & Epigenetics, Cognition & Brain Health, Concierge / Membership Model
No physician listed on the practice website
Listed for transparency, not as an endorsement of any practice, substance or protocol. Most peptides are not FDA-approved for the uses they are offered for.
Reviewed October 2026 · Sources: FDA, EMA
This page reports on the state of research and regulation for orientation. It is not medical advice, not a recommendation for or against any substance, and not an offer. Regulatory status changes; the date shown is the date of our last verification. Discuss any treatment with a licensed physician.
Most peptides used in longevity practice are not FDA-approved for these uses. Check the status of each substance first.