Calm clarity without the fog
A 7-residue tuftsin analog with anxiolytic and cognitive-support properties.
Educational content. This page describes Selank for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a licensed provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any therapy.
Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, supporting neuroplasticity and neuroprotection.[5]
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is an analog of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), extended with a Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide at the C-terminus to increase metabolic stability.
Selank has been approved in Russia as a prescription anxiolytic and nootropic agent. Unlike benzodiazepines, which are the mainstay of anxiolytic treatment, Selank does not produce sedation, amnesia, or physical dependence. It has attracted significant research interest as a next-generation anxiolytic that acts through multiple neurotransmitter systems simultaneously.
Selank's primary mechanism involves modulation of the GABAergic system. Research has shown it directly influences the expression of genes encoding GABA-A receptor subunits, increasing inhibitory neurotransmission without directly binding to the benzodiazepine site. This produces a gentler, more physiological anxiolytic effect.
Beyond GABA, Selank influences the serotonergic system by modulating serotonin metabolism in the brain, and it interacts with the endogenous opioid system to fine-tune stress responses. This multi-target approach accounts for its combined anxiolytic and nootropic properties.
Selank also increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. BDNF is a key molecule for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory formation. This neurotrophic action helps explain why Selank improves cognitive performance while simultaneously reducing anxiety, a combination rarely seen with conventional anxiolytics.
Calm clarity without the fog
Selank modulates GABAergic neurotransmission by influencing GABA-A receptor subunit gene expression, enhances serotonin metabolism, interacts with the opioid system to regulate stress reactivity, and upregulates BDNF in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, collectively producing anxiolytic effects without sedation and improved cognitive function.
Key studies supporting the therapeutic use of this peptide.
Selank demonstrated comparable anxiolytic efficacy to the benzodiazepine phenazepam with significantly fewer side effects, no sedation, and no withdrawal effects.
Medvedev VE, Tereshchenko ON, Israelian AIu, et al. — Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 114(7):17-22 (2014) · PubMed
Selank potentiated diazepam's anxiolytic effects without additional sedation, suggesting synergistic potential with existing anxiolytics.
Kasian A, Kolomin T, Andreeva L, et al. — Behav Neurol, 2017:5091027 (2017) · PubMed
Selank significantly modulated functional connectivity of the amygdala and associated limbic regions, providing neuroimaging evidence for its anxiolytic mechanism.
Panikratova YR, Lebedeva IS, Sokolov OY, et al. — Dokl Biol Sci, 490(1):9-11 (2020) · PubMed
Typical protocols used in clinical practice. Always consult a licensed provider for personalized dosing.
Intranasal
Subcutaneous Injection
Intranasal: Most commonly studied route; rapid onset through nasal mucosa.
Subcutaneous Injection: Used in some clinical settings; alternative to intranasal.
Selank is typically administered in cycles of 2–3 weeks, followed by a break of equal duration to maintain sensitivity.
Intranasal administration provides rapid absorption through the nasal mucosa with good CNS bioavailability.
Start at the lower end of the dosing range and titrate based on response. Timing before cognitively demanding tasks or stressful situations may optimize effects.
Selank has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in both preclinical and clinical studies. In comparative trials with benzodiazepines, it showed significantly fewer adverse effects and no evidence of physical dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms.
Animal toxicology studies have not revealed significant organ toxicity even at doses many times the therapeutic range. No mutagenic or teratogenic effects have been observed.
Long-term safety data from large, Western-standard randomized controlled trials is limited. Most published clinical data originates from Russian research institutions.
See how Selank compares to peptides with overlapping benefits.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Administration | Cycle Length | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selank | Anxiolytic & Nootropic | Intranasal | 14–21 days | Benzodiazepine-class anxiety relief without sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence risk |
| Semax | Nootropic & Neuroprotective | Intranasal | 10–21 days | Directly upregulates BDNF (the brain's primary growth factor for learning and memory) without hormonal side effects |
| Dihexa | Cognitive Enhancement | Oral, Injection | 30–60 days | Only known orally bioavailable peptide nootropic working through HGF/c-Met synaptogenesis pathway |
Current FDA classification and compounding eligibility.
The FDA placed this substance in Category 2 of the 503A bulk drug substances evaluation, flagging significant safety risks. 503A compounding carries FDA enforcement risk, so most pharmacies decline to prepare it and many physicians hesitate to prescribe it.
Originally placed in Category 2 in September 2023. Removed from the formal Category 2 list in September 2024 because 'FDA received additional information from the nominator indicating that they intended to nominate a different bulk drug substance.' Still listed on the FDA safety-risks page with immunogenicity concerns. Effectively remains ineligible for 503A compounding. Not among the 12 peptides HHS withdrew from Category 2 in April 2026.
Removed from formal Category 2 after FDA received additional information indicating the nominator intended to nominate a different substance
Placed in 503A Category 2 as Selank acetate (TP-7)
Last verified April 12, 2026. PepHookup tracks public FDA actions. This is not legal or medical advice.
Medvedev VE, Tereshchenko ON, Israelian AIu, et al. “A comparison of the anxiolytic effect and tolerability of selank and phenazepam in the treatment of anxiety disorders.” Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 114(7):17-22 (2014)
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An orally active 6-residue peptide that promotes synaptogenesis via HGF/c-Met signaling.
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