Library / Peptides / Cognitive & Neuro / Selank
Emerging evidence · Grade B

Selank

Selank (TP-7)
Evidence
Emerging
Route
Intranasal
Frequency
2-3x daily
Category
Cognitive & Neuro
TL;DR
Selank is a synthetic peptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (a tetrapeptide produced by enzymatic cleavage of IgG) with an added Pro-Gly-Pro sequence for stability.
Part 01 · How it works

Mechanism.

Selank is a synthetic peptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (a tetrapeptide produced by enzymatic cleavage of IgG) with an added Pro-Gly-Pro sequence for stability. Selank is approved in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic medication. It has not undergone clinical trials for FDA approval.

Selank is like a two-for-one supplement that works on both your brain and immune system. For your brain, it calms anxiety by boosting your natural feel-good molecules (enkephalins) and protecting them from being broken down too quickly. For your immune system, it fine-tunes the balance between different immune responses.

Mechanism · technical
Selank modulates the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and affects the balance of T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 cytokines, conferring both nootropic and immunomodulatory effects. It influences the enkephalin and serotonergic systems, inhibiting the enzymatic degradation of enkephalins (endogenous opioid peptides) which contributes to its anxiolytic effects. Selank also modulates GABA receptor expression and has been shown to stabilize enkephalin levels in the blood for extended periods.
Part 02 · Dosing & administration

How it's taken.

Values below describe how Selank has been administered in published trials and labeling. Provided for educational purposes only — this is not medical advice and not instructions for self-administration. Consult your healthcare provider before making any health decision.

Standard dose
250-500 mcg
Intranasal · 2-3x daily
Duration
2-4 weeks typical cycle

Synthetic analogue of tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with added Pro-Gly-Pro. Approved in Russia as an anxiolytic/nootropic. Intranasal is preferred route. Not FDA-approved.

Need help with reconstitution?

Use the free peptide calculator for dilution, unit conversion, and injection volume.

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Part 03 · Safety

Side effects, rare serious events, who shouldn't.

Reported side effects
Russian clinical studies report Selank as well-tolerated with minimal side effects. Reported effects include mild fatigue and occasional nasal discomfort (when administered intranasally). No dependence, withdrawal, or tolerance has been reported, distinguishing it from benzodiazepines. However, independent Western safety data is very limited.
Absolute · do not use
×
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
×
Children under 18
×
Known hypersensitivity to selank, tuftsin, or any component
×
Active bleeding disorders (selank is derived from tuftsin which may affect immune/coagulation pathways)
Interactions
Benzodiazepines
Selank has anxiolytic GABAergic activity; additive sedation and anxiolytic effects
Moderate
SSRIs/SNRIs
Selank modulates serotonin metabolism; may potentiate serotonergic effects
Moderate
Anticoagulants
Selank derives from tuftsin (immunoglobulin fragment); theoretical effect on coagulation pathways
Minor
Immunomodulators
Selank enhances innate immune function via tuftsin activity; may interact with immune-modulating therapies
Moderate
Labs to monitor
CBC with Differential
Baseline and every 3 months
Immunomodulatory effects — monitor immune parameters
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
Baseline and every 3 months
Liver and kidney function
Cortisol (AM)
Baseline and at 4 weeks
Anxiolytic effects may reflect HPA axis modulation
Immunoglobulin Levels (IgG, IgA, IgM)
Baseline and at end of cycle
Selank affects immune function and Ig production
Part 04 · Research log

Every study we cite.

Each study with its published finding and a plain-language note on limitations or funding.

01
2013
0
Selank: an anxiolytic peptide with nootropic and immunomodulatory properties
Selank reduced anxiety in generalized anxiety disorder patients comparable to medazepam, with additional immunostimulatory effects
Russian clinical study; published in Russian literature
02
2014
0
Selank modulates gene expression in the brain
Selank affected expression of 36 genes related to GABAergic signaling, inflammation, and neurotrophic factors
Genomic study; Russian research group
PMID 25263782 ↗
Part 05 · Cost & access

Where you can get it.

Regulatory status
Approved in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic medication (intranasal formulation). Not FDA-approved and not approved by the EMA. Available as a research peptide in Western countries. Not a controlled substance in the US.
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Part 06 · Your appointment

Questions to bring.

01
What is the quality of evidence from Russian clinical studies of Selank?
02
How does Selank's anxiolytic effect compare to established anti-anxiety medications?
03
Are there drug interactions with my current medications?
04
What is the appropriate route of administration and dosing?