Overview
Overview
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin with demonstrated anxiolytic and anti-asthenic (energy-boosting) properties in human clinical trials[1][2]. In Russian studies, intranasal Selank produced anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation or dependence potential[1]. This educational protocol presents a once‑daily subcutaneous approach using practical dilution for accurate insulin‑syringe measurements. Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water (max vial cap
- Category
- Cognitive
- Routes
- nasal, subcutaneous
Mechanism
Selank
Mechanism of action
Mechanism of action
Selank works through several brain pathways at once. That is why it can calm anxiety while still leaving thinking sharp, instead of dulling the mind the way many anti-anxiety drugs do. GABA is the brain's main slow-down signal. When GABA is active, overexcited brain cells settle. Selank changes how GABA's docking sites work in a way that looks similar to how benzodiazepines act, but without the same sedation or dependence pattern. Selank affects how the brain handles serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Serotonin shifts help mood. Dopamine and norepinephrine shifts help focus, motivation, and learning. BDNF is a protein that helps brain cells grow and connect. Intranasal Selank quickly raises BDNF levels in the hippocampus in animal studies. The hippocampus is the brain region most tied to memory. Enkephalins are the body's natural calming molecules, similar in family to endorphins. Selank slows the enzymes that break enkephalins down, so they stay active in the bloodstream longer. Selank is built from tuftsin, an immune-related molecule the body makes on its own. So Selank also nudges immune signals like IL-6 and the Th1/Th2 balance. In one Russian study of anxiety patients, those immune markers shifted across a 14-day course.
Key research findings
- 01
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro), a stabilized analog of the endogenous immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin; the C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension is reported to improve enzymatic stability versus native tuftsin (in vitro).
- 02
In rodent models, Selank has been studied for anxiolytic-like behavioral profiles reported without the sedation or motor impairment associated with benzodiazepine reference compounds (animal model).
- 03
Preclinical work reports effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and on monoamine (serotonin, dopamine) turnover in rodent brain regions (animal model / in vitro).
- 04
Reflecting its tuftsin-derived structure, Selank has been examined for immunomodulatory activity, including effects on cytokine balance and interferon-related pathways (in vitro / animal model).
- 05
Small clinical investigations, concentrated in Russian literature, have explored Selank against anxiety-related research endpoints; these are limited in size and not extensively replicated internationally (human study, limited).
Primary source: Human evidence — anxiety disorders: Zozulia et al. (2008) compared Selank against medazepam in 62 patients with generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia across a 14-day course. Anxiolytic effects were similar. Selank also showed anti-asthenic and mild stimulant-like effects that medazepam did not. Human evidence — phobic and somatoform anxiety: Seredenin et al. (2014) studied 60 patients with phobic-anxiety and somatoform disorders. Selank produced clear anxiolytic and mild nootropic effects, with anxiolytic carryover for about a week after the last dose. Human evidence — combination with phenazepam: Seredenin et al. (2015) reported that adding Selank to phenazepam in 70 patients led to earlier response and fewer phenazepam-related observed effects compared to phenazepam alone. Human evidence — immune markers: Uchakina et al. (2008) measured immune markers in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders during a 14-day Selank course. They reported shifts in Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and IL-6 changes. Human imaging — fMRI: Bakhmet et al. (2020) ran an fMRI study comparing Selank, Semax, and placebo in healthy volunteers. Selank produced specific connectivity changes between the right amygdala and the temporal cortex at 5 and 20 minutes post-injection. Preclinical evidence: Animal studies show BDNF elevation in the hippocampus after intranasal dosing, antidepressant-like effects in rodent models, and protection against ethanol-induced memory loss in rats. Preclinical data does not prove human outcomes. Evidence gap: As of June 2026, no ClinicalTrials.gov-registered, FDA-style Phase 1-3 development program exists for Selank. The lack of Western validation is the main limit on evidence strength.
Pharmacokinetic profile
Single-dose plasma curve over 24h. Shaded band = commonly-cited therapeutic window. Illustrative only.
Researched Effects
Researched benefits
Areas of active research and investigation. Results may vary and are based on preclinical or early clinical data.
Produces anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines in human clinical trials without sedation or dependence risk[1].
Protocol Reference
Protocol reference
Commonly cited research range: 250–500 mcg, daily.
Reference figures reported in the research literature — not a dosing recommendation. For interactive vial math and scheduling, see the Calculator and Schedule tabs.
Cited protocol & reconstitution guide
Source-backed reference fields by phase, including any volume fields authored in the cited guide.
Weeks 1–2 (Initiation)
250-300 mcg
Weeks 3–4 (Maintenance)
400-500 mcg
Weeks 5–8 (Cycle off)
0 mcg
Weeks 9–12 (Repeat)
300-500 mcg
| Phase | Reference amount | Units / volume |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 (Initiation) | 250-300 mcg | 15–18 units (0.15–0.18 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 (Maintenance) | 400-500 mcg | 24–30 units (0.24–0.30 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 (Cycle off) | 0 mcg | 0 units (0.00 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12 (Repeat) | 300-500 mcg | 18–30 units (0.18–0.30 mL) |
Titration protocol
- Weeks 1–2Start250-300 mcg
Once daily. Baseline tolerance check. If a dose is missed, skip it and resume at the next scheduled dose — do not double up.
- Weeks 3–4Build400-500 mcg
Once daily. Step up only if the lower dose felt safe and stable.
- Weeks 5–8Build0 mcg
Four-week rest used in community protocols. Some users instead run a 5-days-on / 2-days-off weekly pattern.
- Weeks 9–12Maintenance300-500 mcg
Once daily. Resume at the dose that worked best.
Storage & Handling
Storage requirements(typical for most peptides)
Can be stored for extended periods. Protect from moisture.
Store in refrigerator door. Never freeze after reconstitution.
Label vials with reconstitution date. Discard if cloudy.
Reconstitution steps
- 01🌡️Draw 3 mL bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe — this 5 mg vial yields 1.67 mg/mL.
- 02🧴Clean both vial stoppers: wipe the Selank vial and the BAC water vial with separate alcohol swabs; let air dry.
- 03💉Add water slowly to the Selank vial: aim the stream along the inside of the vial wall; do not blast the powder directly.
- 04💧Let it sit for 1-2 minutes: the powder starts to dissolve on its own.
- 05🔄Roll, do not shake: gently roll the vial between the palms until the liquid is clear; shaking can damage the peptide.
- 06🏷️Label and refrigerate: write the date and concentration on the vial; store at 35.6-46.4 °F (2-8 °C), protected from light, for about 3-4 weeks. Do not freeze the reconstituted liquid.
- 07❄️Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Additional storage notes
Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) for long-term stability (several months); refrigeration at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) acceptable for shorter periods [10] .
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); stable for approximately 1 month with minimal potency loss [10] . Prepare aliquots if needed and avoid freeze–thaw cycles .
Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation and moisture uptake.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence
Research demonstrates anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines without side effects. Improves learning and memory.
Human evidence — anxiety disorders: Zozulia et al. (2008) compared Selank against medazepam in 62 patients with generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia across a 14-day course. Anxiolytic effects were similar. Selank also showed anti-asthenic and mild stimulant-like effects that medazepam did not. Human evidence — phobic and somatoform anxiety: Seredenin et al. (2014) studied 60 patients with phobic-anxiety and somatoform disorders. Selank produced clear anxiolytic and mild nootropic effects, with anxiolytic carryover for about a week after the last dose. Human evidence — combination with phenazepam: Seredenin et al. (2015) reported that adding Selank to phenazepam in 70 patients led to earlier response and fewer phenazepam-related observed effects compared to phenazepam alone. Human evidence — immune markers: Uchakina et al. (2008) measured immune markers in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders during a 14-day Selank course. They reported shifts in Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and IL-6 changes. Human imaging — fMRI: Bakhmet et al. (2020) ran an fMRI study comparing Selank, Semax, and placebo in healthy volunteers. Selank produced specific connectivity changes between the right amygdala and the temporal cortex at 5 and 20 minutes post-injection. Preclinical evidence: Animal studies show BDNF elevation in the hippocampus after intranasal dosing, antidepressant-like effects in rodent models, and protection against ethanol-induced memory loss in rats. Preclinical data does not prove human outcomes. Evidence gap: As of June 2026, no ClinicalTrials.gov-registered, FDA-style Phase 1-3 development program exists for Selank. The lack of Western validation is the main limit on evidence strength.
- 01Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro), a stabilized analog of the endogenous immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin; the C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension is reported to improve enzymatic stability versus native tuftsin (in vitro).
- 02In rodent models, Selank has been studied for anxiolytic-like behavioral profiles reported without the sedation or motor impairment associated with benzodiazepine reference compounds (animal model).
- 03Preclinical work reports effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and on monoamine (serotonin, dopamine) turnover in rodent brain regions (animal model / in vitro).
- 04Reflecting its tuftsin-derived structure, Selank has been examined for immunomodulatory activity, including effects on cytokine balance and interferon-related pathways (in vitro / animal model).
- 05Small clinical investigations, concentrated in Russian literature, have explored Selank against anxiety-related research endpoints; these are limited in size and not extensively replicated internationally (human study, limited).
Evidence maturity varies by compound; much peptide research is preclinical (in vitro or animal-model). Where human data are limited, findings should be read as research observations, not clinical conclusions.
References
Literature references
Published research articles and sources related to Selank.
- 01Zozulia AA, Neznamov GG, Siuniakov TS, 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)et al. (2008)
- 02Seredenin SB, 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 (2014)et al. (2014)
- 03Seredenin SB, et al. Optimization of the treatment of anxiety disorders with selank. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova (2015)et al. (2015)
- 04Uchakina ON, Uchakin PN, Miasoedov NF, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of selank in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine (2008)et al. (2008)
- 05Volkova A, Bondarenko E, Wei H, et al. Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2016)et al. (2016)
- 06Filatova E, et al. GABA, Selank, and Olanzapine Affect the Expression of Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission in IMR-32 Cells. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2017)et al. (2017)
- 07Kasian A, et al. Peptide Selank Enhances the Effect of Diazepam in Reducing Anxiety in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Conditions in Rats. BioMed Research International (2017)et al. (2017)
- 08Bakhmet AA, et al. Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine (2020)et al. (2020)
- 09Inozemtseva LS, Karpenko EA, Dolotov OV, et al. Intranasal administration of the peptide Selank regulates BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus in vivo. Doklady Biological Sciences (2008)et al. (2008)
- 10Kost NV, Sokolov OI, Gabaeva MV, et al. Semax and selank inhibit the enkephalin-degrading enzymes from human serum. Bioorganicheskaia Khimiia (2001)et al. (2001)
- 11Kolik LG, et al. Selank, peptide analogue of tuftsin, protects against ethanol-induced memory impairment by regulating of BDNF content in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in rats. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine (2019)et al. (2019)
- 12Wikipedia contributors Selank. Wikipedia (2026)et al. (2026)
Observed Effects
Observed effects in cited research
Reported Observed Effects
- Injection-site redness or irritation (SubQ). Mild and short-lived. Rotating sites between abdomen, thighs, and upper arms helps.
- Nasal stinging or dryness (intranasal). Some users feel mild stinging or dryness. Switching nostrils each dose can help.
- Mild headache. Usually shows up in the first few days and often goes away with continued use or a small dose drop.
Theoretical Risks
- Immunogenicity. The FDA has flagged a theoretical immunogenicity risk for compounded Selank in some contexts, based on limited FDA-regulated safety data — not on a documented Russian clinical signal.
- Drug interactions. Combination effects with prescription anxiolytics, antidepressants, and sedatives have not been formally studied.
- Long-term unknowns. Most published evidence covers 14-21 day courses. Long-term safety data is limited.
Evidence-quality note
- Most safety data comes from Russian clinical studies. Large Western trials with FDA-standard long-term safety reporting are still missing.
Study and material context
Quality and Sourcing Risks
- Research-use Selank is not FDA-regulated, so purity and identity depend on supplier testing. Stick to suppliers that publish recent third-party testing and lot-matched COAs.
Research Considerations
Research considerations
Research peptide. Generally well-tolerated. Consult healthcare provider.
- Anxiety reduction is the main research interest.
- A non-sedating anxiolytic is preferred over a benzodiazepine model.
- Mild focus and stress-tolerance support is also a research goal.
- The subject is pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive — there is no human safety data for these groups.
- There is an unmanaged psychiatric condition that needs supervised, FDA-approved care.
- There is an active or recent allergic reaction to peptide products.
- The subject is already on prescription anxiolytics, antidepressants, or sedatives without clinician oversight, since combination effects have not been formally studied.
- The subject has an immune system disorder that should not be modulated without medical supervision.
Factors noted in the research literature; not patient-specific medical advice.
Regulatory Status
Regulatory status
RUO
Comparisons
Comparisons
| Compound | Mechanism | Route | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selankthis | Modulates GABA and serotonin systems. Increases BDNF. Provides anxiolytic effects without sedation or cognitive impairment. | nasal, subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| Semax | Increases BDNF expression, enhances dopamine and serotonin metabolism. Provides neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement. | nasal, subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| Cerebrolysin | A porcine brain-derived preparation of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids studied for neurotrophic activity supporting neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and modulation of neuroinflammation. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| DSIP | A naturally occurring nonapeptide studied for influence on sleep architecture and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (stress-axis) modulation; its precise receptor targets remain incompletely characterized. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| PE-22-28 | A synthetic heptapeptide (GVSWGLR) derived from the sortilin propeptide that acts as a selective antagonist of TREK-1 potassium channels, a mechanism studied for mood regulation and neuroplasticity. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| Semaglutide | Activates GLP-1 receptors to increase insulin secretion, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite through central mechanisms. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| Sermorelin | Binds to GHRH receptors to stimulate pulsatile GH release, mimicking natural patterns. Preserves feedback mechanisms. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
Attributes shown for research comparison only; not a statement of efficacy or therapeutic equivalence.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Selank is a Russian-developed peptide studied for anxiety relief and mild focus support. It is also called TP-7 and is a synthetic analogue of tuftsin, an immune-related molecule the body makes naturally. Selank is approved in Russia for anxiety disorders and neurasthenia but is not FDA-approved.
Subcutaneous research-use protocols use 250-500 mcg per day, usually starting at 250-300 mcg for 1-2 weeks before stepping up. Russian intranasal clinical protocols use 600-2,700 mcg per day, split into 2-3 sprays across a 14-21 day course. Pick one route per cycle and keep the math simple.
The plasma half-life is short — about 2-10 minutes — but the calming and focus-related effects last 12-24 hours. The lasting effect comes from changes in brain chemistry that continue after the molecule itself is cleared. When Selank breaks down, one of its byproducts is tuftsin, which still has biological activity.
Add bacteriostatic water to the 30 mg lyophilized vial using sterile technique. A 30 mg vial with 6 mL gives 5,000 mcg/mL, which means 0.05 mL (5 units on a U-100 syringe) equals 250 mcg. A 30 mg vial with 10 mL gives 3,000 mcg/mL, so 0.10 mL (10 units) equals 300 mcg. Aim the water at the inside of the vial wall, let it sit 1-2 minutes, then gently roll the vial — never shake. For custom math, use https://www.peppal.app/calculator .
In Russia, Selank is sold as a prescription nasal spray for anxiety disorders. Outside Russia, research-use Selank is most often supplied as a lyophilized powder for either subcutaneous injection or for users who prepare their own intranasal solution. Both routes are described above.
No. Selank is not FDA-approved as of June 2026. It has not completed an FDA-style Phase 1-3 development program. It is approved in Russia and has been in clinical use there since the 1990s.
Russian trial reports describe a mild safety profile — no sedation, dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal reported. The most common observed effects are mild injection-site irritation (SubQ), mild nasal stinging or dryness (intranasal), and occasional mild headache during the first few days.
Selank is anxiety-first. It works mainly through GABA and serotonin pathways. Semax is focus-first. It works mainly through BDNF and dopamine pathways. They are often paired together as the Russian Nootropic Stack because their profiles complement each other. See the Semax protocol page for full details.
Yes — the combination is called the Russian Nootropic Stack and is one of the most common community pairings. Community protocols typically start at 250 mcg Selank plus 300 mcg Semax per day and titrate each compound independently. There are no published combination clinical trials. See the Russian Nootropic Stack page for stack-specific dosing.
This page now plans around a 30 mg lyophilized Selank vial. One 30 mg vial covers most 4-week and 8-week SubQ planning ranges, while higher-dose 12-week planning may require a second vial.
Store the reconstituted liquid at 35.6-46.4F (2-8C) and protect it from light. Typical stability is about 3-4 weeks. Do not freeze the liquid. Lyophilized (powder) Selank is stored at -4F (-20C) long-term or at 35.6-46.4F (2-8C) short-term.
Russian intranasal clinical protocols have used up to 2,700 mcg per day, split across 2-3 sprays for up to 21 days. Community subcutaneous protocols typically cap around 500 mcg per day, though some sources discuss up to 1,000 mcg per day. Higher doses are not better and have not been validated in registered trials.
Use the PepPal calculator for exact dose-to-unit conversions. Plug in the vial size, BAC water volume, and target dose, and it returns the syringe units for any U-100 syringe.
No. This page is an educational research reference. It is not medical advice and is not a treatment plan. Selank is not FDA-approved and is not intended for unsupervised human use. Always work with a qualified clinician before considering any peptide protocol.
Research-use notice
Research Use Only. This educational content and calculation support is intended for private research documentation. It does not provide medical advice, human-use directions, or claims of safety or effectiveness.