Peptide Name
Selank
Updated March 2026
Selank Dosing Protocol
Comprehensive Selank research protocol reference covering daily titration (250-500 mcg), reconstitution math, side effect profile, and Russian clinical trial evidence.
Half-life
~2-10 minutes plasma; 12-24 hour effects
Dose range
250-500 mcg/day SubQ
Status
Approved in Russia; not FDA-approved
Category
Tuftsin analogue nootropic/anxiolytic peptide
Need to calculate reconstitution and dosing units? Use the Pep Pal calculator.
Quick Reference Card
Use Case
Research users commonly explore Selank for anxiolytic and stress-regulation nootropic protocols.
Aliases
TP-7, Selanc, L-threonyl-L-lysyl-L-prolyl-L-arginyl-L-prolylglycyl-L-proline
Category / Class
Nootropic / Anxiolytic Peptide (Tuftsin Analogue)
Half-Life
~2-10 minutes (plasma); functional effects persist 12-24 hours
Dosing Frequency
Once daily (subcutaneous) or 2-3x daily (intranasal)
Dose Range
250-500 mcg/day (subcutaneous); 600-2,700 mcg/day (intranasal)
Common Vial Sizes
5 mg, 10 mg
Route of Administration
Subcutaneous injection or intranasal spray
Regulatory Status
Approved in Russia for anxiety disorders and neurasthenia; not FDA-approved
Developer
Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences / V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology
Key Stat
Anxiolytic efficacy comparable to benzodiazepines (medazepam, phenazepam) without sedation, dependence, or cognitive impairment in Russian clinical trials (n = 60-62 patients).
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What Is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide anxiolytic and nootropic peptide developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in collaboration with the V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology. Also known as TP-7, Selank is a structural analogue of tuftsin - a naturally occurring tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) found in the heavy chain of human immunoglobulin G - that has been engineered for enhanced metabolic stability and CNS activity. Selank has drawn significant interest in neuropsychopharmacology for its demonstrated ability to reduce anxiety without causing the sedation, dependence, or cognitive impairment associated with benzodiazepine medications.
Selank Overview Image Placeholder
Structurally, Selank is a seven-amino-acid peptide with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro. The C-terminal tripeptide extension (Pro-Gly-Pro) was added to the native tuftsin fragment to increase metabolic stability and prolong the duration of action. Despite a short plasma half-life of approximately 2-10 minutes, Selank's functional effects - including anxiolytic and nootropic activity - persist for 12-24 hours, likely due to downstream gene expression changes and sustained modulation of neurotransmitter systems after initial receptor engagement.
Selank is approved in Russia for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neurasthenia, where it is available as an intranasal formulation. Russian clinical trials in patients with anxiety-spectrum disorders have demonstrated anxiolytic effects comparable to low doses of benzodiazepine tranquilizers, with additional anti-asthenic (energy-boosting) and mild nootropic properties not seen with benzodiazepines. Selank has been in clinical use in Russia since the 1990s and is listed as an approved pharmaceutical product there.
This compound is not FDA-approved. All information on this page is for educational and research reference purposes only.
How Selank Works: GABAergic, Serotonergic & Immunomodulatory Pathways
Selank's mechanism spans GABAergic signaling, monoamine modulation, neurotrophic support, enkephalin stability, and immune cytokine effects. Together these pathways create an anxiolytic-nootropic profile that differs from single-mechanism anxiolytics.
Mechanistic domains mapped from published Selank literature
Selank Mechanism Infographic Placeholder
GABAergic System Modulation
Selank's primary anxiolytic mechanism operates through the GABAergic neurotransmitter system, the brain's main inhibitory network. Research demonstrates that Selank modulates the binding properties of GABA to GABA-A receptors and influences receptor function in a manner pharmacologically similar to benzodiazepines. Rat frontal-cortex gene-expression studies show changes in 45 genes within the first hour, including GABA receptor subunits, transporters, and ion channels, with meaningful overlap to the expression profile produced by GABA itself.
Monoamine Neurotransmitter Modulation
Selank influences serotonin metabolism and affects dopamine and norepinephrine concentrations. Serotonin modulation supports mood stabilization and emotional regulation, while dopaminergic and noradrenergic effects contribute to improved attention, motivation, and learning capacity.
BDNF Upregulation
Intranasal administration of Selank rapidly elevates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus. BDNF is a key mediator of neuronal growth, synaptic plasticity, memory consolidation, and stress resilience, offering a mechanistic basis for reported cognitive benefits.
Enkephalin Degradation Inhibition
Selank inhibits enzymes responsible for enkephalin breakdown. In BALB/c mice, Selank at 100 mcg/kg increased the half-life of plasma leu-enkephalin and produced anxiolytic effects in behavioral testing.
Immunomodulatory Activity
As a tuftsin analogue, Selank retains immunomodulatory properties. It modulates IL-6 expression and influences Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. Human studies in anxiety-spectrum populations reported cytokine-shift effects during 14-day treatment courses.
Across these pathways, Selank demonstrates benzodiazepine-comparable anxiolysis with added cognitive and immune-modulating effects and without the typical sedative-dependence profile observed in conventional benzodiazepine pharmacology.
Tools for this Protocol
- peptide reconstitution calculator for reconstitution and units.
- dose to units converter to lock in syringe draw volume.
Selank Dosing Protocol & Titration Schedule
SubQ Initiation
Weeks 1-2
250-300 mcg
Once daily to assess baseline tolerance and anxiolytic response.
SubQ Maintenance
Weeks 3-4
400-500 mcg
Once daily if initiation dose is well tolerated and added effect is needed.
SubQ Cycle Off
Weeks 5-8
0 mcg
Four-week rest period used in community protocols to reduce desensitization risk.
SubQ Repeat
Weeks 9-12
300-500 mcg
Resume at previously effective once-daily dose.
Intranasal Standard Course
14-21 days
600-2,700 mcg/day
Split into 2-3 daily doses based on Russian clinical-reference protocols.
Intranasal Washout
1-3 weeks
0 mcg
Rest period before repeating the intranasal course.
Titration Notes
Why titration pacing matters: Selank has a favorable safety profile, but lower initial doses help identify individual response. Some subjects report optimal effects at 250-300 mcg with no added benefit from higher doses, while others require 500 mcg for noticeable anxiolysis.
Dose flexibility: Dr. William Seeds has documented injectable Selank doses of 100-300 mcg/day as appropriate and well tolerated in most subjects. Intranasal protocols require higher daily doses due to route-specific absorption differences.
Missed dose guidance: If a dose is missed, resume at the next scheduled time and do not double-dose. Selank's effects are cumulative across multi-day protocols.
Cycling rationale: The 4-weeks-on, 4-weeks-off pattern is a community-derived precaution for potential GABAergic desensitization. Russian trials used 14-21 day continuous courses followed by washout periods.
5-on-2-off alternative: Some protocols use five dosing days per week with two off-days to reduce exposure while maintaining continuity.
Selank Reconstitution Guide
Vial Size: 5 mg
BAC Water: 2 mL
Concentration: 2,500 mcg/mL (2.5 mg/mL)
250 mcg: 0.10 mL (10 units)
300 mcg: 0.12 mL (12 units)
500 mcg: 0.20 mL (20 units)
Vial Size: 5 mg
BAC Water: 3 mL
Concentration: 1,667 mcg/mL (1.67 mg/mL)
250 mcg: 0.15 mL (15 units)
300 mcg: 0.18 mL (18 units)
500 mcg: 0.30 mL (30 units)
Vial Size: 10 mg
BAC Water: 2 mL
Concentration: 5,000 mcg/mL (5 mg/mL)
250 mcg: 0.05 mL (5 units)
300 mcg: 0.06 mL (6 units)
500 mcg: 0.10 mL (10 units)
Vial Size: 10 mg
BAC Water: 3 mL
Concentration: 3,333 mcg/mL (3.33 mg/mL)
250 mcg: 0.075 mL (7.5 units)
300 mcg: 0.09 mL (9 units)
500 mcg: 0.15 mL (15 units)
Reconstitution Steps
Selank Reconstitution Visual Placeholder
- Gather supplies: lyophilized Selank vial, bacteriostatic water, sterile insulin syringe (U-100), alcohol swabs, and a sharps container.
- Clean the vial stoppers with separate alcohol swabs and allow to air dry.
- Draw the target bacteriostatic water volume (2 mL or 3 mL) using a sterile syringe.
- Inject water slowly along the inner vial wall and avoid blasting directly onto powder.
- Allow the vial to sit for 1-2 minutes.
- Gently roll between palms until fully dissolved; do not shake vigorously.
- Label date and concentration, then refrigerate immediately at 2-8C.
Selank Side Effects - What Clinical Trials Show
Russian clinical trials comparing Selank to benzodiazepines report a favorable tolerability profile. Unlike benzodiazepine comparators, Selank was not associated with sedation, dependence, amnesia, tolerance, or withdrawal syndrome in published trial reports.
Injection site reactions: Subcutaneous administration may cause mild transient redness or irritation. Rotating injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) helps reduce local irritation.
Nasal irritation (intranasal route): Some users report mild stinging or dryness when using intranasal formulations. Alternating nostrils and using saline moisturization may reduce irritation.
Headache: Mild headaches may occur during the first few dosing days and often resolve with continued use or dose reduction.
FDA immunogenicity warning: The FDA has flagged a theoretical immunogenicity risk for compounded Selank in certain administration contexts due to limited FDA-regulated human safety data. This warning reflects evidence gaps rather than a documented Russian clinical safety signal.
Discontinuation profile: Published Russian clinical data do not report meaningful discontinuation rates due to adverse effects and describe Selank as well tolerated.
Evidence quality note: Most safety evidence comes from Russian clinical studies; large Western trials with FDA-standard long-term safety reporting are still absent.
Selank Clinical Trial Results
Zozulia et al., 2008 (Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr)
Clinical study • 14 days
62 patients (GAD + neurasthenia): 30 Selank vs 32 medazepam
Anxiolytic effects were comparable to medazepam, while Selank also showed anti-asthenic and psychostimulant effects.
Seredenin et al., 2014 (Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr)
Comparative clinical study • Not specified
60 patients with phobic-anxiety and somatoform disorders
Selank showed pronounced anxiolytic and mild nootropic effects, with reported anxiolytic persistence for about one week after final dosing.
Seredenin et al., 2015 (Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr)
Comparative clinical study • Not specified
70 patients with anxiety disorders
Selank plus phenazepam produced earlier response and reduced phenazepam-associated side effects vs phenazepam monotherapy.
Uchakina et al., 2008 (Bull Exp Biol Med)
Clinical study • 14 days
Patients with GAD and neurasthenia
Immunomodulatory effects were observed, including shifts in Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and IL-6 changes.
Bakhmet et al., 2020 (Bull Exp Biol Med)
fMRI study • Single dose
Healthy volunteers (Selank vs Semax vs placebo)
Selank produced specific functional-connectivity changes between right amygdala and temporal cortex at 5 and 20 minutes post-injection.
Selank Clinical Evidence Chart Placeholder
Selank's clinical development has been conducted within the Russian pharmaceutical research system, with multiple human studies across generalized anxiety disorder, neurasthenia, phobic-anxiety disorders, and somatoform disorders. Published data consistently report anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepine references without the standard sedation-dependence profile. Selank has been approved for Russian clinical use since the 1990s. As of March 2026, no ClinicalTrials.gov-registered FDA-style phase 1-3 development program exists, and the absence of Western clinical validation remains the main evidence limitation.
Storage & Handling
Lyophilized (powder)
-20C (-4F) long-term; 2-8C short-term
Several months to 2+ years frozen
Reconstituted
2-8C (35.6-46.4F)
Approximately 3-4 weeks
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles of reconstituted solution, protect vials from light, and let vials briefly return to room temperature before opening to reduce moisture uptake.
Selank vs. Semax vs. Diazepam
Peptide Class
Selank: Tuftsin analogue (heptapeptide)
Semax: ACTH(4-10) analogue (heptapeptide)
Diazepam (Benzodiazepine Reference): Benzodiazepine (small molecule)
Primary Mechanism
Selank: GABAergic modulation, serotonin modulation, enkephalin stabilization
Semax: BDNF/NGF upregulation, dopaminergic/serotonergic modulation, melanocortin receptor activity
Diazepam (Benzodiazepine Reference): GABA-A positive allosteric modulation at benzodiazepine site
Half-Life
Selank: ~2-10 min plasma; 12-24 hr functional duration
Semax: ~3-5 min plasma; 20-24 hr functional duration
Diazepam (Benzodiazepine Reference): 20-100 hours
Primary Indication
Selank: Anxiolytic / Nootropic
Semax: Nootropic / Neuroprotective
Diazepam (Benzodiazepine Reference): Anxiolytic / Sedative / Anticonvulsant
Dosing Frequency
Selank: Once daily (SC) or 2-3x daily (IN)
Semax: Once daily (SC) or 2-3x daily (IN)
Diazepam (Benzodiazepine Reference): 2-4x daily (oral)
Dose Range
Selank: 250-500 mcg/day (SC)
Semax: 300-800 mcg/day (SC)
Diazepam (Benzodiazepine Reference): 2-10 mg/day (oral)
FDA Status
Selank: Not approved
Semax: Not approved
Diazepam (Benzodiazepine Reference): FDA-approved
Dependence Risk
Selank: None reported
Semax: None reported
Diazepam (Benzodiazepine Reference): Significant (Schedule IV)
Cognitive Effects
Selank: Nootropic (improves memory, attention)
Semax: Nootropic (improves memory, learning, focus)
Diazepam (Benzodiazepine Reference): Impairs memory and cognition
Key Differentiator
Selank: Anxiolysis without sedation; dual anxiolytic + nootropic profile
Semax: Strong neuroprotection and BDNF elevation in nootropic protocols
Diazepam (Benzodiazepine Reference): Established rapid anxiolysis with sedation and dependence risks
Selank, Semax, and benzodiazepines target overlapping but distinct pharmacologic pathways for anxiety and cognitive function.
Selank is often paired with Semax in Russian nootropic protocols because anxiolytic-first and cognition-first mechanisms can be complementary.
These compounds are not interchangeable: reconstitution math, dose ranges, and therapeutic targets differ.
See the Semax protocol page for compound-specific guides.
Stacking Protocols
Community Stack
Russian Nootropic Stack (Selank + Semax)
Selank is most commonly stacked with Semax in nootropic communities. The pairing combines Selank's GABAergic anxiolytic support with Semax-driven BDNF and dopaminergic cognitive support.
Community protocols often start low (for example, 250 mcg Selank + 300 mcg Semax daily) and titrate compounds independently.
No published combination clinical trials currently validate this stack.
See the compound-specific Russian Nootropic Stack Page for additional context.
View Russian Nootropic StackCommunity Stack
Selank + BPC-157
Anecdotal protocols pair Selank with BPC-157 for combined anxiety and gut-recovery support across CNS and tissue-repair pathways.
Evidence for this pairing is community-derived only and lacks controlled combination trials.
See the compound-specific BPC-157 protocol for additional context.
View BPC-157 protocolCommunity Stack
Selank + Epithalon
Some longevity-focused users report combining Selank with Epithalon for cognitive support plus anti-aging protocol goals.
No controlled combination data currently exists for this pairing.
View Epithalon protocolFrequently Asked Questions - Selank
Q1: What is the starting dose of Selank?
The recommended starting dose for subcutaneous Selank is 250-300 mcg once daily. Dr. William Seeds has documented injectable doses of 100-300 mcg daily as appropriate and well tolerated by most individuals. For intranasal administration, starting doses are typically around 600 mcg/day split into 2-3 administrations. Start at the low end for 1-2 weeks, then increase to 400-500 mcg/day if tolerated and needed.
Q2: What is Selank's half-life?
Selank has a short plasma half-life of approximately 2-10 minutes. Functional anxiolytic and nootropic effects can persist for 12-24 hours after administration, likely due to downstream gene-expression effects and persistent neurotransmitter modulation. The primary metabolite is the tetrapeptide Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg (tuftsin), which retains activity.
Q3: What results can be expected from Selank?
Russian clinical trials report anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines (medazepam, phenazepam) in anxiety-spectrum populations, with additional anti-asthenic and mild nootropic effects not seen in benzodiazepine comparators. Effects generally emerge over 3-7 days of daily use. Community users often report reduced anxiety, improved stress tolerance, and improved focus.
Q4: How do you reconstitute Selank?
Add bacteriostatic water to a lyophilized Selank vial using sterile technique. For a 5 mg vial plus 2 mL, concentration is 2,500 mcg/mL and 0.10 mL (10 units) equals 250 mcg. For a 10 mg vial plus 3 mL, concentration is 3,333 mcg/mL. Inject water along the vial wall, let stand 1-2 minutes, then gently roll until dissolved. Do not shake. For custom math, use https://www.peppal.app/calculator.
Q5: Is Selank FDA-approved?
Selank is not FDA-approved in the United States and has not completed an FDA-standard phase 1-3 program. It is approved in Russia, where it has been used clinically for anxiety disorders and neurasthenia since the 1990s.
Q6: What are the most common side effects of Selank?
Published Russian trial reports describe a favorable safety profile without sedation, dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, or cognitive impairment. The most common reported adverse effects are mild injection-site irritation (SubQ), mild nasal irritation (intranasal), and occasional mild headache.
Q7: How does Selank compare to Semax?
Selank is generally anxiolytic-first, acting through GABAergic and serotonin-related pathways, while Semax is generally cognition-first and neuroprotective, with BDNF and dopaminergic emphasis. They are often paired in community nootropic protocols due to complementary profiles.
Q8: What vial sizes are available for Selank?
Selank is commonly available in 5 mg and 10 mg lyophilized vials. The 10 mg vial is often more cost-efficient per milligram, while 5 mg vials may be preferred for shorter cycles.
Q9: How much bacteriostatic water should be added to Selank?
For a 5 mg vial, 2 mL yields 2,500 mcg/mL and 3 mL yields 1,667 mcg/mL. For a 10 mg vial, 2 mL yields 5,000 mcg/mL and 3 mL yields 3,333 mcg/mL. The 3 mL setup often makes syringe measurements easier, while 2 mL minimizes injection volume.
Q10: What is the maximum dose of Selank studied?
Russian intranasal clinical protocols have used doses up to 2,700 mcg/day (split dosing over 21 days). Community subcutaneous protocols commonly cap around 500 mcg/day, though some sources discuss up to 1,000 mcg/day.
Q11: How should reconstituted Selank be stored?
Store reconstituted Selank at 2-8C and protect from light; typical stability is about 3-4 weeks. Do not freeze reconstituted solution. Lyophilized Selank is typically stored at -20C long-term or 2-8C short-term.
Q12: What clinical trials have been conducted on Selank?
Selank has been evaluated in multiple Russian human studies, including comparative trials against medazepam and phenazepam and an fMRI study demonstrating Selank-specific amygdala-temporal connectivity effects. As of March 2026, no ClinicalTrials.gov-registered Western phase 1-3 development program exists.
Sources & Research
- Zozulia AA, et al. "Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia." Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 2008 PMID: 18454096.
- Seredenin SB, et al. "A comparison of the anxiolytic effect and tolerability of selank and phenazepam in the treatment of anxiety disorders." Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 2014 PMID: 25176261.
- Seredenin SB, et al. "Optimization of the treatment of anxiety disorders with selank." Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 2015 PMID: 26356395.
- Uchakina ON, et al. "Immunomodulatory effects of selank in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders." Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2008 PMID: 18577961.
- Volkova A, et al. "Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission." Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2016 PMC4757669.
- Filatova E, et al. "GABA, Selank, and Olanzapine Affect the Expression of Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission in IMR-32 Cells." Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017 DOI.
- Kasian A, et al. "Peptide Selank Enhances the Effect of Diazepam in Reducing Anxiety in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Conditions in Rats." BioMed Research International, 2017 PMC5322660.
- Bakhmet AA, et al. "Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects." Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2020 PMID: 32342318.
- Kozlovskii II, Danchev ND. "The optimizing action of the synthetic peptide Selank on a conditioned active avoidance reflex in rats." Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 2003.
- Kolik LG, et al. "Selank, peptide analogue of tuftsin, protects against ethanol-induced memory impairment by regulating of BDNF content in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in rats." Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2019.
- Wikipedia - Selank. Link.
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View protocolConvert this protocol into exact units and save it in Pep Pal with the calculate injection units.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational and research reference purposes only. Selank is approved in Russia for anxiety disorders and neurasthenia but is not FDA-approved in the United States. No compounds discussed on this site are intended for unsupervised human consumption. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any peptide protocol.
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