Selank

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (a tetrapeptide derived from IgG). Developed alongside Semax at the Institute of Molecular Genetics (Russian Academy of Sciences), it combines anxiolytic properties with cognitive enhancement and immunomodulation — without the sedation, dependency, or cognitive impairment of benzodiazepines.

Inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, increasing endogenous opioid peptide levels that modulate anxiety. Enhances GABA-ergic neurotransmission without directly binding GABA receptors (no sedation/dependence). Modulates serotonin metabolism and IL-6 expression. Increases BDNF expression in the hippocampus. The tuftsin backbone provides T-cell and macrophage activation, linking immune and neural effects.

Intranasal half-life approximately 30 minutes. Anxiolytic effects onset within 10–15 minutes and persist 3–4 hours. N-Acetyl Selank has extended half-life of ~3 hours. BDNF and gene expression effects persist well beyond plasma clearance. Typical dose: 250–500 mcg intranasally.

Generalized anxiety disorder, cognitive function under stress, immunomodulation, neuroprotection, GABA-ergic modulation, stabilizing enkephalin metabolism.

Approved in Russia as a prescription anxiolytic (2009). Multiple Russian clinical trials for anxiety and neurasthenia. No Western clinical trials. Used off-label globally as a nootropic anxiolytic. Safety profile favorable in published data.

• Selank anxiolytic properties — Bull. Exp. Bio. Med. · doi.org
• Selank gene expression profiling — Zhurnal Nevrologii · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Tuftsin-derived peptides and immune function · doi.org
• Selank metabolic stability · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov