Selank
TP-7 · Tuftsin analog
Heptapeptide anxiolytic developed from the immunopeptide tuftsin
Overview
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from tuftsin, an endogenous immunomodulatory fragment of the immunoglobulin heavy chain, with a stabilizing amino-acid extension that slows enzymatic breakdown. It was developed in Russia and is used there primarily as an anxiolytic, typically delivered as intranasal drops or spray rather than by injection.
Reported effects center on anxiety reduction without the sedation or dependence associated with benzodiazepines, alongside described effects on attention and stress resilience. Much of the supporting literature is Russian-language clinical and preclinical work, and the compound has not been evaluated in the large Western regulatory trials that anchor better-characterized drugs.
Because robust pharmacokinetic and dose-response figures in peer-reviewed Western sources are limited, the dosing summarized here reflects widely-reported community and clinical practice and should be treated as a research reference rather than a validated protocol.
Key parameters
- Dose range
- 250–500 mcg per dose (community)
- Frequency
- 1–2× daily
- Half-life
- Very short in plasma (minutes); central effects outlast it
- Route
- Intranasal
- Vial sizes
- 5 mg · 10 mg
- Regulatory status
- Used clinically in Russia (registered there for anxiety-related indications); not approved by the FDA, EMA, or other Western regulators. Material supplied outside Russia is labeled for laboratory and research use only.
Mechanism of action
GABAergic / anxiolytic modulation
Reported to influence GABAergic signaling and the expression of genes related to anxiety, producing an anti-anxiety effect without the sedation typical of GABA-A positive allosteric modulators.
Monoamine / BDNF modulation
Preclinical work describes effects on serotonergic and dopaminergic tone and on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, proposed to underlie reported effects on mood and attention.
Enkephalinase inhibition
Selank is reported to slow the degradation of endogenous enkephalins, prolonging their activity and contributing to its anxiolytic and stress-buffering profile.
Dosing protocol & phases
| Phase | Weeks | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (community) | Ongoing course | 250–500 mcg per dose intranasally, 1–2× daily | Often split between nostrils; community-derived, not a regulatory schedule. |
| Course duration | ~2–4 weeks | As above, then reassess | Russian clinical use is typically course-based rather than continuous, with treatment-free intervals between courses. |
Reconstitution calculator
Pre-filled with Selank's vial sizes. Adjust the water volume and target dose to see the exact draw, with warnings for doses that are hard to measure or won't fit a syringe.
At 2,500 micrograms per millilitre, a 250 microgram dose is 0.1 millilitres, or 10 units on a U-100 syringe, giving 20 doses per vial.
Supplies needed
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Recommended supply
Selank — research vial
From our verified partner Dynotides, with a third-party certificate of analysis per batch.
Injection supplies
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Bacteriostatic water
Diluent for reconstituting lyophilized vials.
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Insulin syringes (U-100)
0.3–0.5 mL, 29–31 G for accurate small draws.
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Alcohol prep pads
Sterile swabs for the vial stopper and site.
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Sharps container
Safe disposal of used needles.
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Storage fridge
Keeps reconstituted vials at 2–8 °C.
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Insulated travel case
Cooled, TSA-friendly case for travel.
Missed-dose guidance
As a short-acting intranasal peptide used for symptomatic and course-based purposes, a missed dose is generally skipped and the normal schedule resumed at the next administration. There is no approved-label guidance; doubling up is not recommended.
Side effects & safety
| Category | Effect | Trial incidence |
|---|---|---|
| General | Generally reported as well toleratedRussian literature reports a favorable tolerability profile; quantified Western incidence data are not available. | — |
| Nasal / local | Nasal irritation or mild congestionAssociated with intranasal administration generally rather than the peptide specifically. | — |
| Neurological | Transient drowsiness or altered mood | — |
Clinical trials & evidence
Russian anxiety/GAD studies
Clinical (Russia)Varies (typically ~2 weeks) · Adults with generalized anxiety and related disorders
Reported anxiolytic efficacy broadly comparable to standard anxiolytics with fewer sedative effects; results come from Russian-language literature not indexed with ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers.
Trial identifier needs verification
Preclinical pharmacology
Preclinical (animal)Varies · Rodent models
Anxiolytic, antidepressant-like, and nootropic effects described; proposed mechanisms include BDNF and monoamine modulation and slowed enkephalin breakdown.
Trial identifier needs verification
Storage & handling
- Lyophilized
- Refrigerate lyophilized powder at 2–8 °C, protected from light; for long-term storage a freezer (around −20 °C) is preferred.
- Reconstituted
- Once dissolved into a nasal solution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within a few weeks; do not freeze.
Comparisons
| Vs. | Target | Half-life | Dosing | Efficacy | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semax | Tuftsin/enkephalin-related vs ACTH(4-10)-related | Short (both) | Intranasal (both) | More anxiolytic-leaning vs more stimulating/nootropic-leaning (reported) | Neither FDA-approved (used in Russia) |
Featured in these stacks
Russian Nootropic (Selank + Semax)
Selank and Semax are short peptides developed in Russia, where they are used clinically as nasal sprays. Selank is derived from tuftsin and associated with anxiolytic effects; Semax is an ACTH(4-10) fragment associated with focus and neuroprotection. Stacking them aims to pair calm (Selank) with drive/focus (Semax).
Sources & references
- [1]Zozulia AA et al. Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic Selank in generalized anxiety and neurasthenia. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr 2008. ↗ source
- [2]Kolomin T et al. The temporary dynamics of inflammation-related genes expression under Selank action. Mol Immunol 2014 (review of Selank pharmacology). ↗ source
Frequently asked questions
Is Selank injected?
In typical use it is administered intranasally as drops or a spray rather than by injection, which is why no reconstitution-to-syringe table is provided here. Nasal formulations are measured in sprays/drops rather than syringe units.
Is Selank approved outside Russia?
No. It is used clinically in Russia but has not been approved by the FDA, EMA, or other Western regulators, and figures here come from community and Russian-language sources.
Related protocols
Semax
ACTH(4-10) analog
Heptapeptide ACTH(4-10) analog without corticotropic activity
DSIP
Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide
Nonapeptide named for slow-wave sleep; modern human RCT data are absent
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For educational and research reference only. Not intended for human consumption, not medical advice. Compounds discussed are sold and used for laboratory research purposes only.