FDA Status: Research Compound (Approved in Russia)
Selank: A Comprehensive Scientific Summary
Selank (TP-7) is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is a modified analog of tuftsin, a naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide fragment of IgG. Selank was designed to combine anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects with cognitive-enhancing and immunomodulatory properties.
Mechanism of Action
Selank operates through several interconnected pathways:
- GABAergic Modulation: Enhances GABA-mediated neurotransmission, producing anxiolytic effects without sedation or cognitive impairment
- Serotonin Modulation: Influences the metabolism of serotonin and its metabolites in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus and frontal cortex
- Dopamine Effects: Modulates dopaminergic activity, contributing to improved motivation and focus
- Enkephalin Stabilization: Inhibits the breakdown of enkephalins (natural pain-relieving peptides), extending their activity
- BDNF Expression: Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression, supporting neuronal health and plasticity
- Immune Modulation: Based on tuftsin, it enhances natural killer cell activity and stimulates IL-6 and T-helper cell function
Key Distinction from Benzodiazepines
Unlike benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium), Selank:
- Does not cause sedation or drowsiness
- Does not impair motor coordination
- Does not produce tolerance or dependence
- Does not cause withdrawal symptoms
- Does not impair memory (may actually enhance it)
Research Applications
Anxiety and Stress
- Russian clinical trials showed significant reduction in anxiety scores (Hamilton Anxiety Scale)
- Comparable efficacy to medazepam (a benzodiazepine) without the side effects
- Effects observed within minutes of nasal administration
Cognitive Enhancement
- Improved attention, memory, and learning in stressed subjects
- Enhanced information processing under cognitive load
- Stabilization of memory traces (improved long-term memory formation)
Immune Support
- Increased IL-6 production and T-helper cell activation
- Enhanced natural killer cell activity
- Potential adjunct therapy for immunosuppressed individuals
Neuroprotection
- Antioxidant effects in brain tissue
- Protection against neurotoxicity in animal models
- Potential applications in neurodegenerative disease research
Dosage Information
Note: Approved dosing in Russia; not FDA-approved in the US.
Nasal Spray (Primary Route)
- Dose: 250-300 mcg per day (typically divided into 2-3 administrations)
- Duration: 2-4 week cycles
- Onset: Effects typically noticed within minutes
Subcutaneous Injection (Research)
- Dose: 250-500 mcg per day
- Frequency: Daily
- Half-life: ~2 minutes (systemic), though nasal delivery provides extended local brain exposure
Safety Profile
Selank has demonstrated a very favorable safety profile in Russian clinical studies:
Reported side effects:
- Essentially none at recommended doses
- Occasional mild nasal irritation with spray delivery
Key safety advantages:
- No sedation
- No dependence or tolerance
- No withdrawal effects
- No cognitive impairment
- No interaction with alcohol metabolism
Cautions:
- Limited Western clinical trial data
- Most research conducted in Russia — peer review standards may differ
- Long-term safety data beyond typical cycle lengths is limited
- Should not replace prescribed medications without medical guidance
Research Status
- Russia: Approved as an anxiolytic medication (nasal spray)
- United States: Not FDA-approved; available as a research peptide
- Clinical Data: Multiple Russian clinical trials with positive results
- Western Validation: Limited; more independent replication needed
Profile last updated: July 2025