Selank: Complete Guide

Selank (TP-7) is a synthetic peptide with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro. It was developed by modifying tuftsin — a tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) that is naturally produced by enzymatic cleavage of immunoglobulin G in the spleen. The addition of a Gly-Pro dipeptide to tuftsin's C-terminus significantly extends its half-life by protecting the molecule from rapid enzymatic degradation.

In Russia, Selank has completed clinical trials and received regulatory approval as an intranasal medication for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neurasthenia. It is marketed under the trade name Selanc and is classified as an anxiolytic peptide drug.

What distinguishes Selank from conventional anxiolytics (such as benzodiazepines) is its mechanism: rather than directly potentiating GABA-A receptors, Selank modulates several neurotransmitter systems simultaneously while also influencing neurotrophic factor expression and immune function. This multi-target profile produces anxiolytic effects without sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence.

Selank's effects span multiple neurochemical systems:

• GABAergic modulation: Selank enhances the expression of GABA-A receptor subunit genes, increasing inhibitory neurotransmission. Unlike benzodiazepines, this is an indirect effect achieved through gene expression rather than direct receptor binding, which may explain the absence of sedation and dependence.
• Serotonin metabolism: Research shows Selank inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, increasing enkephalin concentrations. It also modulates serotonin metabolism, with studies demonstrating altered 5-HT and 5-HIAA concentrations in key brain regions including the hypothalamus and frontal cortex.
• BDNF expression: Selank increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in the hippocampus. BDNF is critical for neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation, and its upregulation likely contributes to Selank's nootropic effects.
• Dopamine modulation: Studies report that Selank influences dopaminergic transmission in the striatum and frontal cortex, potentially contributing to its effects on motivation and focus.
• Immune modulation: Retaining properties from its parent peptide tuftsin, Selank enhances phagocytic activity of monocytes and neutrophils, modulates IL-6 expression, and influences the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance.

Anxiety and Stress

The most robust evidence for Selank comes from its anxiolytic research. In clinical studies conducted for its Russian drug approval, Selank demonstrated anxiolytic effects comparable to medazepam (a benzodiazepine) in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, without the sedation, cognitive impairment, or withdrawal effects associated with benzodiazepines.

Animal studies have consistently shown anxiolytic effects across multiple behavioral paradigms including the elevated plus maze, light-dark box, and open field tests. The anxiolytic effect appears within the first administration and does not develop tolerance with repeated use.

Cognitive Enhancement

Research in both animal models and human subjects suggests Selank improves memory formation and learning. Studies using the Morris water maze demonstrated enhanced spatial memory in Selank-treated animals, while human studies reported improvements in attention, short-term memory, and cognitive flexibility.

The nootropic effects are attributed to BDNF upregulation in the hippocampus and modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters involved in attention and executive function. Selank is often compared to its related peptide Semax in nootropic research.

Immunomodulation

As a tuftsin analog, Selank retains immunomodulatory properties. Research has shown it can normalize immunoglobulin levels, enhance natural killer cell activity, and modulate cytokine expression. Some studies have explored its potential as an adjunctive treatment during viral infections.

Selank dosing protocols in research and clinical settings:

Route	Typical Research Dose	Frequency
Intranasal	250–500 mcg per nostril	2–3 times daily
Subcutaneous	250–750 mcg	Once daily

In the approved Russian formulation, Selank is administered as a 0.15% intranasal solution, with a standard regimen of 2-3 drops per nostril, 3 times daily, for a course of 14 days. Research protocols using subcutaneous injection follow standard peptide reconstitution procedures — use the peptide calculator for reconstitution volumes.

For detailed protocols, visit the Selank dosage guide.

Selank has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in both clinical trials and preclinical studies:

• No sedation: Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank does not impair alertness or psychomotor function
• No dependence or withdrawal: Clinical studies showed no signs of tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation
• No cognitive impairment: Selank enhances rather than impairs cognitive function, in contrast to conventional anxiolytics
• Nasal irritation: Mild, transient nasal discomfort has been reported with intranasal administration
• Injection site reactions: Minor redness at injection sites with subcutaneous use

Toxicology studies classified Selank as having low toxicity. No mutagenic, teratogenic, or allergenic effects were observed in standard safety assessments. However, most safety data comes from Russian clinical trials, and large-scale Western clinical trials have not been conducted. More details in the Selank side effects guide.

Semax and Selank are both Russian-developed neuropeptides, but they have distinct profiles:

Feature	Selank	Semax
Parent peptide	Tuftsin (immune)	ACTH(4-10) (neuroendocrine)
Primary effect	Anxiolytic	Nootropic / neuroprotective
Key mechanisms	GABA modulation, BDNF	BDNF, NGF, serotonin
Immune effects	Strong immunomodulation	Mild immune effects
Best for	Anxiety, stress, immune support	Focus, memory, neuroprotection
Administration	Intranasal or SC	Intranasal or SC

Some researchers study Selank and Semax together, as their mechanisms are complementary — Selank providing calming, anti-anxiety effects while Semax enhances focus and cognitive drive.