A 7-amino-acid synthetic peptide based on the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with an added Pro-Gly-Pro sequence for metabolic stability. Developed in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic. Approved in Russia for anxiety and neurasthenia.
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 based on tuftsin, a naturally occurring tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) that is an immunomodulatory fragment of IgG.
The addition of Pro-Gly-Pro to tuftsin's C-terminus significantly increases metabolic stability (resistance to proteases) and adds CNS activity. Selank is approved in Russia as a nasal spray for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia, and is widely used in the Russian nootropics community.
Selank was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences and is approved as a prescription medication in Russia and several CIS countries. It is classified as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) peptide, but unlike benzodiazepines, it does not cause sedation, cognitive impairment, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms. This non-sedating anxiolytic profile has made it attractive to clinicians seeking alternatives to traditional anti-anxiety medications.
The peptide works by modulating the balance of monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) and by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression — a protein critical for neuronal survival, growth, and synaptic plasticity. BDNF upregulation is associated with improved cognitive function, enhanced learning and memory, and antidepressant effects.
Selank is among the approximately 14 peptides expected to return to Category 1 compounding status in the United States following the February 2026 HHS announcement. It was previously placed on the Category 2 restricted list in late 2023. For the latest regulatory status, see our March 2026 briefing.
Selank's anxiolytic effect appears to work through multiple complementary pathways rather than a single receptor target. It enhances GABAergic transmission (without direct GABA-A binding), modulates enkephalin metabolism (affecting endogenous opioid tone), and increases BDNF expression — a neurotrophic factor critical for synaptic plasticity and memory.
| Pathway | Effect | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| GABA modulation | Enhances GABA-A receptor sensitivity to endogenous GABA | Anxiolytic effect without sedation or dependence |
| BDNF upregulation | Increases BDNF expression in hippocampus and cortex | Promotes synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory |
| Enkephalin metabolism | Inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes | Increases endogenous opioid tone (mild anxiolytic and analgesic) |
| Serotonin effects | Modulates serotonin turnover in hypothalamus | May contribute to mood-stabilizing effects |
| Immune modulation | Tuftsin-derived immunostimulatory effects | Enhances phagocyte activity and cytokine balance |
| Study | Design | Findings | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generalized anxiety | Russian clinical trials | Significant reduction in anxiety scores (Hamilton Anxiety Scale) comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation | Level II (Russian) |
| Cognitive enhancement | Clinical + preclinical | Improved memory and attention in anxiety patients; enhanced learning in animal models | Level II-III |
| BDNF increase | Preclinical + biomarker studies | Measurable increase in serum BDNF after 10-day intranasal course | Level II-III |
| Gene expression | Genomic studies | Selank modulates expression of 84 genes, including those involved in inflammation, apoptosis, and neuroplasticity | Preclinical |
Excellent tolerability: In Russian clinical studies and over a decade of prescription use, Selank has demonstrated an excellent safety profile. No serious adverse events, dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms have been reported — a stark contrast to benzodiazepines and other conventional anxiolytics.
No sedation or cognitive impairment: Unlike most anti-anxiety medications, Selank does not impair alertness, reaction time, or cognitive function. In fact, its BDNF-enhancing properties may produce modest cognitive enhancement, making it suitable for use during activities requiring mental clarity.
Nasal administration: Selank is typically administered intranasally (nasal spray), with standard doses of 200-300 μg per nostril, 2-3 times daily. The nasal route provides rapid absorption and bypasses hepatic first-pass metabolism. Intranasal administration is well-tolerated with minimal local irritation reported.
Limited Western clinical data: While Selank has substantial clinical use data from Russia, most published studies are in Russian-language journals and may not meet Western standards for clinical trial methodology. Independent replication in Western research settings is limited.
| Jurisdiction | Status |
|---|---|
| Russia | Approved as anxiolytic nasal spray (0.15% solution) |
| FDA | Not approved. Not reviewed. |
| International | Available as a research peptide in many countries |