Fact-checked by the Peptide Authority Editorial Board · Last reviewed:
What Is Selank? Benefits, Research & Safety
A synthetic peptide based on tuftsin, developed in Russia for anxiolytic and nootropic properties, approved there for anxiety and neurasthenia.
Also known as:
TP-7
Selanc
UK summary: Not a licensed UK medicine. Russian-developed nootropic / anxiolytic peptide; some human trial data exists but most published in Russian-language journals with limited independent replication.
Quick Facts
Category
Cognitive & Neurological
Half-Life
Short; several minutes to hours. Effects may persist longer than plasma levels suggest.
UK Status
Not licensed. Research compound only.
EU Status
Not approved by EMA. Not available as a pharmaceutical.
Overview
Selank 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 part of the IgG immunoglobulin molecule, with an additional Gly-Pro sequence that improves stability.
The peptide was developed primarily for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties, which appear comparable to benzodiazepines but without the sedation, cognitive impairment, or addiction potential associated with those drugs. Selank has also demonstrated nootropic (cognition-enhancing) effects in research.
Selank is approved in Russia as a pharmaceutical drug for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder and neurasthenia (a condition characterised by fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating). It is typically administered as a nasal spray.
Beyond its CNS effects, Selank also possesses immunomodulatory properties inherited from its tuftsin parent molecule. This makes it somewhat unique among anxiolytic compounds.
While approved in Russia, Selank is not licensed in the UK, EU, or USA. It remains available as a research compound in these regions.
Evidence standards summary
Selank — evidence and risk at a glance
Twenty standard modules scored against the Peptide Authority evidence grading methodology. Missing modules indicate the field has not yet been characterised editorially — treat absences as uncertainty rather than reassurance.
01Evidence snapshot
CLimited human evidenceOverall grade against our evidence grading methodology.
Not a licensed UK medicine. Russian-developed nootropic / anxiolytic peptide; some human trial data exists but most published in Russian-language journals with limited independent replication.
02Human evidence grade
DAnimal/cell evidence onlyStrength of evidence from published human trials.
03Preclinical evidence grade
CLimited human evidenceAnimal-model and in-vitro evidence quality.
04Regulatory status
- UK: Not licensed. Research compound only.
- EU: Not approved by EMA. Not available as a pharmaceutical.
- Notes: Selank is an approved pharmaceutical in Russia for anxiety and neurasthenia. It is not approved in the UK, EU, or USA. Products marketed outside Russia should be viewed with caution regarding quality and authenticity.
05Approved medical uses
None in the UK or EU as a finished medicine. (Or: not yet documented; treat as absence rather than approval.)
06Unapproved / promotional claims
- Non-addictive replacement for diazepam or other benzodiazepines.
- Cures generalised anxiety disorder.
- Safe daily nootropic with no comedown.
- Drug-tested clean for athletes.
07Common internet claims
- Russian-pharmacy-approved anxiolytic with no side effects.
- Marketed as a nasal spray smart drug for high-pressure work.
- Recommended for off-label combat-veteran PTSD self-treatment.
08Claim vs evidence
| Claim | Evidence | Human evidence? | Regulatory concern | Safer wording |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Effective alternative to benzodiazepines for anxiety” | C | Limited | High | Some small human studies report anxiolytic effects without sedation; not a licensed UK anxiolytic and not directly compared to benzodiazepines in robust trials. |
| “Non-addictive nootropic” | C | Limited | Moderate | No published evidence of dependence; long-term data are limited. |
| “Safer than prescription anxiety medicines” | E | No | High | Comparative safety claims need comparative trials; none exists. |
09Safety uncertainty score
High
Limited human safety data; meaningful uncertainty about rare or long-term effects.
10Known adverse signals
- Nasal irritation reported by intranasal users.
- Headaches and changes in olfaction at higher doses.
- Unknown interactions with SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers.
- Long-term effects on neurotransmitter systems unstudied outside Russia.
11Drug-interaction uncertainty
High
Interaction picture sparse; meaningful uncertainty when combined with other medicines.
12Anti-doping status
WADA: Sport status unclearWADA strict-liability framing applies.
13UK legal position
UK: Unlicensed (UK)
Not licensed. Research compound only.
14EU legal position
Not approved by EMA. Not available as a pharmaceutical.
15What this page cannot tell you
- Whether a UK-purchased nasal spray contains the labelled peptide at the labelled concentration.
- How it interacts with prescribed SSRIs or benzodiazepines a UK patient is already taking.
- Whether tolerance develops with chronic use.
- What the WADA in-competition status is for athletes.
16Last reviewed
17Citation quality score
DAnimal/cell evidence onlyQuality of the sources we cite, graded against the evidence grading methodology.
18Research gaps
- Most positive human data appears in Russian-language journals without independent replication.
- No registered Western Phase 3 trials.
- Long-term safety in non-Russian populations unstudied.
- Mechanism of anxiolytic action not fully characterised.
19Safer alternatives / established care pathways
- GP review and licensed UK anxiolytic (SSRI, SNRI, or short-course benzodiazepine where clinically indicated).
- NICE-recommended CBT or other talking therapy via NHS Talking Therapies.
- Structured sleep, caffeine, and alcohol review before adding any compound.
20Doctor discussion prompts
Questions to ask a qualified clinician
These are starter questions you can adapt for a GP, specialist, pharmacist, or anti-doping advisor. The aim is to help you have a better-informed conversation — not to replace one.
- Is Selank a licensed UK medicine?
- What licensed UK anxiety treatments should I consider first?
- What is the quality of the existing Selank evidence base?
Discovery & History
Selank was developed in the 1990s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences under the direction of Professor Nikolay Myasoedov. The development was based on tuftsin, a naturally occurring tetrapeptide fragment of IgG that had known immunomodulatory properties.
Researchers modified tuftsin by adding a glyproline sequence (Gly-Pro) to its C-terminus, which significantly improved the peptide's metabolic stability without eliminating its biological activity. This modified peptide was designated Selank.
During preclinical development, researchers discovered that Selank possessed unexpected anxiolytic properties in addition to its immunomodulatory effects. Animal studies demonstrated anti-anxiety effects comparable to benzodiazepines but with a different side effect profile.
Clinical trials in Russia evaluated Selank for anxiety disorders and neurasthenia, leading to its approval as a pharmaceutical product. It has been marketed in Russia since the early 2000s, typically as a nasal spray formulation.
Research has continued to explore Selank's mechanisms of action, effects on neurotransmitter systems, and potential applications beyond approved indications.
Mechanism of Action
Selank's mechanisms of action are complex and involve multiple neurotransmitter systems:
**GABAergic System Modulation**
Selank appears to enhance GABAergic neurotransmission, potentially through allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors. Unlike benzodiazepines, which bind directly to specific sites on GABA-A receptors, Selank's interaction appears more subtle and does not cause typical benzodiazepine effects.
**Serotonergic Effects**
Research suggests Selank affects serotonergic neurotransmission, potentially contributing to its anxiolytic and mood-stabilising effects. Effects on 5-HT metabolism and receptor expression have been observed.
**Dopaminergic Modulation**
Studies indicate effects on dopamine metabolism and signalling, which may contribute to cognitive and motivational effects.
**BDNF Expression**
Selank has been shown to increase expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is involved in neuroplasticity, learning, and memory. This may underlie some of its nootropic effects.
**Enkephalin Degradation Inhibition**
Selank may inhibit enzymes that degrade endogenous enkephalins, enhancing endogenous opioid signalling with potential anxiolytic effects.
**Immunomodulation**
Through its tuftsin heritage, Selank possesses immunomodulatory properties, affecting cytokine production and immune cell function.
**Gene Expression Effects**
Research has identified numerous genes whose expression is modulated by Selank, including genes involved in neurotransmitter signalling, inflammation, and stress responses.
Researched Benefits
Based on preclinical and clinical research findings:
- 1Anxiolytic effects without sedation or dependence
- 2Potential nootropic and memory-enhancing effects
- 3Improved stress tolerance and adaptation
- 4Immunomodulatory properties
- 5Increased BDNF expression
- 6Possible antidepressant effects
- 7Neuroprotective properties in some models
Claim vs Evidence
How popular claims about Selank stack up against the current research, graded using our public evidence grading methodology.
| Claim | Evidence | Human evidence? | Regulatory concern | Safer wording |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Effective alternative to benzodiazepines for anxiety” | C | Limited | High | Some small human studies report anxiolytic effects without sedation; not a licensed UK anxiolytic and not directly compared to benzodiazepines in robust trials. |
| “Non-addictive nootropic” | C | Limited | Moderate | No published evidence of dependence; long-term data are limited. |
| “Safer than prescription anxiety medicines” | E | No | High | Comparative safety claims need comparative trials; none exists. |
Theoretical Dosing & Protocols
⚠️ Educational Only: The following information is derived from research literature and is not a prescription or recommendation. No standardised human dosing exists. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
| Theoretical Dosage | 200-300 mcg intranasally per dose (Russian product standard) |
| Frequency | 2-3 times daily |
| Duration | 2-4 weeks in Russian clinical practice |
| Notes | These protocols reflect Russian pharmaceutical use. Selank is not approved in the UK/EU. Any use should be under medical supervision. Nasal administration is most common, though injectable forms exist. |
Administration Routes
Routes studied in research settings (educational only):
- Intranasal (nasal spray - most common)
- Subcutaneous injection (research settings)
| Half-Life | Stability |
|---|---|
| Short; several minutes to hours. Effects may persist longer than plasma levels suggest. | Nasal spray formulations stable under appropriate storage conditions |
Safety Profile & Known Risks
Commonly Reported Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated in Russian clinical use
- Mild nasal irritation with spray administration
- Fatigue in some individuals
- Headache (infrequent)
Rare Risks & Concerns
- Long-term effects not fully characterised
- Limited safety data from non-Russian sources
- Potential for drug interactions not well studied
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Known allergy to peptide components
- Concurrent use with CNS-active medications (caution)
- Children (limited safety data)
UK & EU Regulatory Context
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Not licensed. Research compound only.
🇪🇺 European Union
Not approved by EMA. Not available as a pharmaceutical.
Selank is an approved pharmaceutical in Russia for anxiety and neurasthenia. It is not approved in the UK, EU, or USA. Products marketed outside Russia should be viewed with caution regarding quality and authenticity.
Clinical Studies Summary
Anxiolytic Activity of Selank in Patients with Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Russian clinical trial demonstrating anxiolytic efficacy comparable to benzodiazepines without significant side effects.
Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova (Russian)View on PubMed
Selank: Effects on Gene Expression and Neurotransmitter Systems
Research exploring Selank's molecular mechanisms and effects on brain gene expression.
Various publicationsView on PubMed
Looking for Selank?
Source research-grade Selank from a trusted UK supplier — third-party tested with certificate of analysis.
View at SupplierFrequently Asked Questions
Questions to ask a qualified clinician about Selank
These are starter questions you can adapt for a GP, specialist, pharmacist, or anti-doping advisor. The aim is to help you have a better-informed conversation — not to replace one.
- Is Selank a licensed UK medicine?
- What licensed UK anxiety treatments should I consider first?
- What is the quality of the existing Selank evidence base?
UK regulatory & safety context
Related Research Guides
Peptide Comparisons
Combination Protocols
Related Peptides
Semax
A synthetic peptide based on ACTH, developed in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotectant, approved there for cognitive disorders and stroke.
Learn moreDSIP
A neuropeptide originally isolated for its sleep-inducing properties, now researched for stress protection, pain modulation, and metabolic effects.
Learn moreDihexa
An angiotensin IV analogue and potent nootropic research compound with dramatic effects on memory and cognitive function in preclinical studies.
Learn more