Selank
Synthetic heptapeptide (tuftsin analog)
A synthetic heptapeptide studied in anxiolytic and cognitive-research contexts.
Overview
Selank was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences as a synthetic analog of the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. It is marketed in Russia as an anxiolytic.
At a glance
What Selank does
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin, engineered for metabolic stability so it survives long enough to act on the brain after intranasal delivery. What it primarily does in research is dampen anxiety-like behavior and stabilize mood without the sedation, motor impairment, or tolerance associated with benzodiazepines. It achieves this through a non-classical, multi-pathway mechanism rather than by binding a single receptor directly.
Mechanistically, Selank behaves like an indirect modulator of GABAergic tone and shifts the balance of neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems. Studies report that it slows the enzymatic degradation of endogenous enkephalins (by inhibiting peptidases), alters expression of genes tied to GABA-A receptor signaling, and modulates serotonin and dopamine metabolism. It has also been observed to raise BDNF expression in the hippocampus, which links its anxiolytic action to a neurotrophic/plasticity component, and to influence interferon and immune-related gene expression consistent with its tuftsin origin.
The evidence base is mixed in quality. Rodent work fairly consistently shows anxiolytic and mild pro-cognitive effects, and Selank is a registered anxiolytic in Russia with human trials in generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia reporting reduced Hamilton Anxiety scores comparable to benzodiazepines. However, those human trials are small, largely Russian-language, and have not been independently replicated to Western Phase 3 standards, so it remains investigational and unapproved elsewhere.
Effects reported in research
- Reduced anxiety-like behavior in rodent models without the sedation or motor impairment typical of benzodiazepines (animal).
- Reduced Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores in Russian human trials of generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia (human, small trials).
- Inhibits peptidase-driven breakdown of endogenous enkephalins, prolonging their activity (preclinical).
- Increased hippocampal BDNF expression, linking anxiolysis to neurotrophic signaling (animal).
- Altered expression of GABA-A receptor and GABAergic-neurotransmission genes in cell and animal studies (preclinical).
- Modulation of serotonin and dopamine metabolism contributing to mood-stabilizing effects (animal).
- Influence on interferon and immune-related gene expression, reflecting its tuftsin lineage (preclinical).
- Mild pro-cognitive and attention effects reported without inducing tolerance on repeated dosing (animal and small human observations).
Effects listed reflect findings reported in the research literature — many in animal or in-vitro models. Listing an effect is not a claim of efficacy or a therapeutic indication in humans.
Mechanism of action
Selank is a stabilized analog of tuftsin (a fragment of the immunoglobulin G heavy chain) and is reported to exert anxiolytic and immunomodulatory effects. Research suggests it influences the expression of genes and levels of monoamines and can modulate the balance of certain cytokines and enkephalin-degrading enzymes. It has been studied for effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and GABAergic/serotonergic signaling, though the full mechanism is not completely characterized.
Mechanistic description reflects published research-literature understanding. Much peptide research is preclinical (in-vitro or animal-model); mechanism in humans may differ and is not established for many compounds.
What it's studied for
Research contexts in which Selank appears in the literature. Listing a research area is not a claim of efficacy or a therapeutic indication.
Key characteristics
- Synthetic analog of the natural peptide tuftsin, with an added terminal sequence for stability
- Marketed in Russia as an anxiolytic nasal-administered drug
- Reported to lack the sedation and dependence associated with benzodiazepines in Russian literature
- Investigated for combined anxiolytic and immunomodulatory properties
- Not approved by the FDA or EMA; Western clinical evidence is limited
Reported research dosing reference only
Educational reference, not dosing guidance. The figures below summarize amounts reported in published research and research-community protocols, provided for educational and research context only. They are not medical advice, not a recommendation, and not instructions for human use. Selank is a research compound.
Russian intranasal research protocols report roughly 250-3000 mcg per day, typically divided into several administrations over a 14-21 day course. These are reference figures for research context only, not human dosing guidance.
- Russian clinical/research protocols: ~600-2700 mcg/day intranasal, split across 2-3 administrations
- 0.15% intranasal solution referenced as ~75 mcg/drop, several drops per day
Plasma half-life is only minutes, but reported effects persist far longer, attributed to metabolites/receptor-mediated effects
How it compares
Unlike Semax (an ACTH fragment focused on neuroprotection and cognition), Selank derives from tuftsin and is primarily positioned as an anxiolytic with immunomodulatory activity.
Commonly studied alongside
Compounds frequently researched together with Selank in the literature. Cross-referenced for research context — not a usage or combination recommendation.
Handling & Stability
Lyophilized peptides are stored cold, protected from light, and reconstituted only at the time of intended in-vitro work.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Verify supplier lot and Certificate of Analysis
- Follow institutional lab-safety protocols
Analytical & COA Concepts
Reputable research suppliers publish a third-party Certificate of Analysis per batch. Key analytical concepts referenced in COAs include:
Category Context
Selank sits in the Cognitive & Nootropic area of the PeptiDex library.
- Entry type: Research compound reference
- Browse the full library →
- Glossary of terms →
Where researchers source Selank
For researchers studying Selank, third-party suppliers such as Practically Natty Peptides offer research-grade material with third-party Certificates of Analysis and US-based shipping.
View research-supplier listing →
Outbound link to a third-party research supplier. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement; all editorial content is developed independently.
Frequently asked questions
What is Selank and what is it studied for?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the endogenous immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin, developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is studied in research models of anxiety, stress adaptation, and cognition, where it is reported to modulate GABAergic and monoaminergic signaling and to influence brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.
How does Selank differ from Semax?
Both are Russian-developed heptapeptides carrying a stabilizing Pro-Gly-Pro tail, but they derive from different parents and are studied for different endpoints. Selank is built from tuftsin and is studied primarily in anxiety and stress models, while Semax is derived from an ACTH(4-7) fragment and is studied mainly for cognition, attention, and neuroprotection.
Why is Selank often administered intranasally in research?
Intranasal delivery is the route used in the original Russian protocols because it allows both systemic absorption and direct nose-to-brain transport via olfactory and trigeminal pathways, partly bypassing the blood-brain barrier. This is relevant because Selank has a very short plasma half-life, so direct CNS access is a research design consideration.
What does Selank's short plasma half-life imply for study design?
Selank's measured plasma half-life is only minutes, yet reported behavioral effects persist much longer, which researchers attribute to active metabolites or receptor-mediated downstream effects that outlast the parent peptide. This decoupling of plasma presence from duration of effect is a key consideration when designing dosing intervals in studies.
Is Selank an approved drug?
Selank is not approved for human use in the United States or European Union and is sold only as a material for laboratory research. A branded intranasal formulation has seen use within the Russian pharmaceutical context, but this does not constitute FDA or EMA approval.
Answers are educational summaries of research-literature context and do not constitute medical advice. See the Research Library, COA guide, and Storage & Handling guide for more.