Also known as: TP-7, Selanc
Half-life: ~15-30 minutes (extended biological effect due to downstream signaling)
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is derived from the endogenous tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), a naturally occurring fragment of the Fc region of immunoglobulin G, with an added C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide sequence that enhances metabolic stability and extends its biological activity. Selank has been approved in Russia since 2009 as a prescription nasal spray for generalized anxiety disorder.
Research has demonstrated that Selank modulates several key neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA metabolism. It has been shown to influence the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and affect the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines, providing both neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects. Unlike benzodiazepines, which target similar anxiety symptoms, Selank does not cause sedation, cognitive impairment, physical dependence, or withdrawal symptoms. Clinical trials comparing it to medazepam (a benzodiazepine) showed equivalent anxiolytic efficacy with a significantly better side effect profile.
Beyond its anxiolytic properties, Selank has demonstrated nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) effects in both preclinical and clinical studies. It has been shown to improve memory consolidation, enhance learning, and increase attention and focus. The peptide also exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through modulation of gene expression related to inflammatory cytokines. These multi-modal effects — anxiolytic, nootropic, and immunomodulatory — make Selank unique among peptides currently studied for neurological and psychiatric applications.
Selank was developed in the late 1990s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences by a team led by Nikolai Myasoedov. It is based on the naturally occurring immunopeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), which is a fragment of the Fc region of immunoglobulin G. The researchers added a Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide to the C-terminus of tuftsin to enhance metabolic stability and extend its biological activity. Selank was approved in Russia in 2009 as a nasal spray for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, under the trade name Selanc. It has been available by prescription in Russian pharmacies since then. The peptide is sometimes referred to as TP-7 in research literature.
Selank has an excellent tolerability profile, which was a key factor in its regulatory approval in Russia. Clinical trials comparing it to benzodiazepines (medazepam) showed equivalent anxiolytic efficacy without the sedation, cognitive impairment, physical dependence, or withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepines. The most common side effect is mild nasal irritation when used intranasally. Fatigue during initial use has been reported but is typically transient. No cases of dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal have been documented. The peptide does not impair psychomotor function or cognitive performance, making it suitable for daytime use.
Dose Range
250-500 mcg
Frequency
Two to three times daily
Duration
2-4 weeks
Dose Range
250-500 mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Duration
2-4 weeks
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Typical Vial Size
5 mg
Water Type
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
Mixing Volume
2 mL
Half-Life
~15-30 minutes (extended biological effect due to downstream signaling)
Molecular Weight
751.9 Da
Store reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2-8°C. Use within 21 days. Can be administered intranasally using a nasal spray bottle or subcutaneously. Russian pharmaceutical form is supplied as ready-to-use nasal drops.
FDA Status
Not FDA approved for human use.
Legal Status
Unregulated research chemical in the US and most Western countries. Approved prescription medication in Russia.
USA
Not approvedNot evaluated by FDA
EU
Not approvedNot authorized as medicinal product
UK
Not approvedClassified as research chemical
Australia
Not approvedTGA has not evaluated
Russia
ApprovedRegistered as anxiolytic medication, available as nasal spray by prescription since 2009
Canada
Not approvedNot authorized for human use
Seredenin SB, Kozlovskaya MM, Blednov YA, Kozlovskii II, Semonova TP, Czabak-Garbacz R, Neznamov GG, Siuniakov SA, Teleshova ES, Bespalov AY
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine (2002)
Demonstrated the anxiolytic properties of Selank in multiple mouse models of anxiety, showing dose-dependent reductions in anxiety-related behaviors.
View Study →Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Inozemtseva LS, Seredenina TS, Levitskaya NG, Rozyczka J, Dubynina EV, Novosadova EV, Botvinnik ES, Kalemenev SV, Grivennikov IA, Myasoedov NF
International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2019)
Showed that Selank increases the expression of BDNF and NGF in the rat hippocampus, providing a molecular basis for its nootropic and neuroprotective effects.
View Study →Kozlovskii II, Danchev ND
Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology (2003)
Comparative study demonstrating that both Selank and Semax enhance cognitive functions in rats, with Selank showing particular benefits for memory consolidation under stress conditions.
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