Selank

TP-7 · Selanc

Rank#999
CognitiveNot ApprovedApprovedResearchIntranasalSubQ

Popular for:Anxiety reduction, cognitive enhancement, immune modulation

68

Total Studies

15

Human Studies

Approved

Evidence Level

Not Approved

FDA Status

Overview

Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro / TKPRPGP) is a synthetic heptapeptide developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), with the addition of a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide sequence that enhances metabolic stability and resistance to enzymatic degradation.

Selank is approved as a prescription drug in Russia for anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder. It is administered intranasally as a 0.15% solution.

Mechanism of Action

Selank modulates the GABAergic system, enhancing GABA receptor sensitivity and influencing serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine metabolism. It increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) expression, promotes enkephalin stability (endogenous opioid peptides), and modulates IL-6 and T-helper cell balance. Unlike benzodiazepines, it produces anxiolytic effects without sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence.

Key Research Benefits

Anxiolytic effects: Demonstrated anxiolytic activity comparable to benzodiazepines in animal models without sedation or dependence. Enhances the anxiolytic effect of diazepam when co-administered (Semenova et al., 2017, PMC 5322660).
Cognitive enhancement: Significantly activated learning processes in rats with initially poor learning ability after just one dose (Semenova et al., 2003). BDNF upregulation supports neuroplasticity.
Immunomodulation: As a tuftsin analogue, Selank modulates immune function — influences T-helper cell balance, IL-6, and monocyte activity. May be beneficial in inflammatory conditions.
Neuroprotection: BDNF upregulation and enkephalin stabilization provide neuroprotective effects. Potential application in neurodegenerative conditions (research stage).
No sedation or dependence: Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank does not cause sedation, motor impairment, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms.

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

International Regulatory Status

🇷🇺
RussiaApproved2009(Selank)

Generalized anxiety disorder, neurasthenia

Source

68

Total Studies

15

Human Studies

- Semenova et al. (2017) — 'Peptide Selank Enhances the Effect of Diazepam in Reducing Anxiety in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Conditions in Rats' (PMC 5322660). Demonstrated synergistic anxiolytic effects with diazepam at 300 mcg/kg intranasal.

- Semenova et al. (2003) — Demonstrated Selank significantly activated learning processes in rats with initially poor learning ability after a single dose.

- Multiple studies from the Institute of Molecular Genetics (Moscow) confirming anxiolytic, nootropic, and immunomodulatory effects.

- **Limitation: **The majority of Selank research originates from Russian institutions. Limited Western peer-reviewed validation. No Phase III equivalent trials by Western regulatory standards.

Key Studies / PubMed References

68 studies found on PubMed · showing top 25 by relevance

View all on PubMed

Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions.

Review

Rahman OF, Lee SJ, Seeds WA · Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews · 2026

PMID: 41490200

Selank, a Peptide Analog of Tuftsin, Attenuates Aversive Signs of Morphine Withdrawal in Rats.

Animal Study

Konstantinopolsky MA, Chernyakova IV, Kolik LG · Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2022

PMID: 36322304

The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of "Social" Stress.

In Vitro

Leonidovna YA, Aleksandrovna SM, Aleksandrovna TA, et al. · Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology · 2021

PMID: 32621722

Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects.

Human Study

Panikratova YR, Lebedeva IS, Sokolov OY, et al. · Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections · 2020

PMID: 32342318

State of Colon Microbiota in Rats during Chronic Restraint Stress and Selank Treatment.

Animal Study

Mukhina AY, Medvedeva OA, Svishcheva MV, et al. · Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2019

PMID: 31236882

Side Effects & Safety

Common: Generally very well tolerated. Mild fatigue reported by some users. Occasional nasal irritation with intranasal use.
Rare: No serious adverse effects have been reported in the available literature. However, the evidence base is predominantly from Russian research institutions, limiting external validation.
Contraindications: Pregnancy, lactation. Caution with autoimmune conditions (due to immunomodulatory effects). Caution when combining with other GABAergic drugs (benzodiazepines, barbiturates).
Drug interactions: May potentiate the effects of benzodiazepines (shown to enhance diazepam anxiolytic effects). Use caution with CNS depressants.

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for Selank yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Selank is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.