Key Statistics
| Statistic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Target | GABA | GABAergic system modulation |
| Approved | Russia | Clinical use since 2000s |
| Heptapeptide | 7 AA | Tuftsin analog |
| Primary Effect | Anxiolytic | Comparable to benzodiazepines |
| Dependence | 0% | No withdrawal or tolerance |
Mechanism of Action
GABAergic Modulation
Selank is a synthetic analog of the natural immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension for enhanced stability. It modulates the GABAergic system and influences serotonergic signaling, producing anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation or dependence.
Biological Pathways
GABAergic System (Primary)
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Modulation
- Enhances GABA signaling
- Anxiolytic effects without sedation
- No tolerance or dependence
Serotonergic System (Moderate)
Serotonin Pathway Modulation
- Influences serotonin metabolism
- Mood regulation effects
- Complements GABAergic action
Immune Modulation (Moderate)
Immunomodulatory Effects
- Tuftsin-derived immune effects
- Modulates cytokine expression
- Supports immune homeostasis
Key Mechanism
Anxiolytic Without Sedation
Selank produces anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines through GABAergic modulation, but without the sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence associated with benzodiazepine use.
Source: Russian Academy of Sciences
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Anxiolytic Effect | Comparable to benzos |
| Sedation | None observed |
| Dependence Risk | None reported |
| Cognitive Impact | Enhancement (not impairment) |
Clinical Findings
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety Reduction | Significant | Comparable to benzodiazepines |
| Cognitive Enhancement | Improved | Memory and attention |
| Immune Modulation | Confirmed | Cytokine regulation |
Selank has been approved in Russia for generalized anxiety disorder and is used clinically as a nasal spray formulation.
Preclinical Effects
| Effect | Model | Value |
|---|---|---|
| GABAergic Enhancement | Anxiolytic models | GABA↑ |
| Serotonin Modulation | Mood regulation studies | 5-HT↑ |
| Cytokine Regulation | Immune models | IL-6↓ |
| Dependence | No withdrawal observed | 0% |
Research Areas
Anxiety Research — Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Selank has shown anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines in clinical studies, without sedation or dependence.
Source: Russian clinical trials
Cognitive Enhancement — Nootropic Effects
Selank enhances memory, attention, and learning through combined GABAergic and serotonergic modulation.
Immune Modulation — Tuftsin-Derived Effects
As a tuftsin analog, Selank modulates immune function including cytokine expression and immune cell activity.
Neuroprotection — Neuronal Support
Selank demonstrates neuroprotective properties in preclinical models of oxidative stress and neurodegeneration.
Dosing Protocols
Standard Anxiolytic Protocol
Dose: 250-500 mcg | Frequency: 2-3x daily intranasal | Duration: 14-day cycles
- 0.15% nasal spray formulation
- Total daily dose: 500-1,500 mcg
- Cycles may be repeated after break
- Russian approved protocol
Research Protocol
Dose: 200-500 mcg | Frequency: 1-2x daily | Duration: Variable
- Subcutaneous or intranasal
- Intranasal preferred for CNS effects
- No tolerance development reported
Pharmacokinetics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Half-Life | Short (minutes as native tuftsin) |
| Peak Concentration | Rapid onset intranasal |
| Bioavailability | Intranasal preferred, poor oral |
| Stability | PGP extension extends duration |
| Excretion | Peptide degradation |
| Metabolism | Several hours effect duration |
Safety Profile
| Issue | Incidence | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal Irritation | 5% | mild |
| Mild Fatigue | 3% | mild |
| Headache | 2% | mild |
- No sedation unlike benzodiazepines
- No dependence or withdrawal symptoms
- No cognitive impairment — enhances cognition
- Well-tolerated in clinical use in Russia
Compound Information
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Synthetic heptapeptide |
| CAS Number | 129954-34-3 |
| Molecular Weight | 751.9 g/mol |
| Amino Acids | 7 residues |
| Sequence | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Formula | C33H57N11O9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Selank?
A: Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin, a naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide. It was developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension for enhanced stability. Selank produces anxiolytic effects through GABAergic modulation without the sedation or dependence of benzodiazepines.
Q: How does Selank differ from Semax?
A: Selank is a tuftsin analog primarily targeting the GABAergic system for anxiolytic effects. Semax is an ACTH analog targeting BDNF/TrkB pathways for cognitive enhancement. Selank is more anxiolytic, Semax is more nootropic. Both are approved in Russia and can be complementary.
Q: Is Selank addictive?
A: No. Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank has not shown any dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms in clinical use. This is one of its primary advantages over traditional anxiolytic medications.
Q: Is Selank approved for medical use?
A: Selank is approved in Russia for generalized anxiety disorder. It is not FDA-approved in the United States and remains a research compound in most Western countries.
References
- Zozulya AA, Sizov OB, et al. (2008) “Anxiolytic activity of selank peptide” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
- Kozlovskii II, Danchev ND (2010) “Selank and short peptides of the tuftsin family in the regulation of adaptive behavior” Regulatory Peptides
- Multiple authors (2009) “Clinical efficacy of selank in anxiety disorders” Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii