Selank

Overview

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin. It is registered as a prescription anxiolytic in Russia (0.15% intranasal solution); it is not FDA or EMA approved.

Mechanism of Action

Selank is proposed to act as a positive allosteric modulator at GABA-A receptors, inhibit enkephalin-degrading enzymes (prolonging endogenous opioid peptide signaling), modulate serotonergic and monoaminergic systems, and increase BDNF expression. Tuftsin-derived immunomodulatory effects include modulation of IL-6 and related cytokines.

Research Summary

Registered in Russia as a 0.15% nasal solution for generalized anxiety disorder and asthenic conditions. The pivotal Russian comparison by Zozulia et al. (2008) reported anxiolytic efficacy comparable to medazepam with additional antiasthenic effects. The evidence base is primarily Russian-language literature; no US or EU regulatory trials have been conducted.

Dosing Information

Reported Side Effects

• Mild nasal irritation (intranasal)
• Headache (uncommon)
• Mild dizziness (uncommon)
• Minimal adverse effects reported in Russian clinical use

Labs to monitor before & during your Selank protocol

These biomarkers are commonly tracked to assess response and safety. Run baseline labs before starting, mid-cycle labs halfway through, and post-cycle labs 1–2 weeks after the final dose.

Commonly Stacked With

Research References

• Zozulia AA, et al. Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2008. PMID: 18454096.
• Inozemtseva LS, et al. Intranasal administration of the peptide Selank regulates BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus in vivo. Dokl Biol Sci. 2008;421:241-243. PMID: 18841804.
• Volkova A, et al. Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission. Front Pharmacol. 2016;7:31. PMID: 26924987.
• Vyunova TV, et al. Peptide-based Anxiolytics: The Molecular Aspects of Heptapeptide Selank Biological Activity. Protein Pept Lett. 2018. PMID: 30255741.