Neuropeptides

The grouping follows the sequence family a molecule is derived from: both products here are built from a well-described natural fragment that has been extended at the C-terminus by the tripeptide proline-glycine-proline, a motif introduced in the synthesis of such analogues to slow enzymatic degradation of the chain. Neither the group name nor the derivation says anything about what a molecule does; a general description of the substance class is given in the article on peptides.

Semax is a heptapeptide consisting of the ACTH(4-7) fragment methionyl-glutamyl-histidyl-phenylalanine and the proline-glycine-proline extension. Selank is likewise a heptapeptide and is derived from tuftsin, the tetrapeptide threonyl-lysyl-prolyl-arginine, with the same C-terminal extension. Both are available as separate vials and together as the Semax and Selank set.

Both peptides are supplied as a lyophilised powder in a sealed vial. Incoming goods are recorded with their delivery date and storage location, which links a vial to its paperwork. The material is tested at regular intervals by an external, independent laboratory, using HPLC for purity and mass spectrometry for identity, along with heavy-metal and endotoxin testing. Certificates that are available are published in the lab area, each naming the tested product and the test date; material without a published certificate is marked as pending. The guide to reading a certificate of analysis explains the individual values.

Sealed vials are kept cool, dry and protected from light, as described in the guide to storing lyophilised peptides. Dispatch is from Germany within the EU, securely packed.

Both products are research chemicals for in-vitro use only and are not intended for use in or on humans or animals.