Selank

Synthetic tuftsin-derived neuropeptide · Also known as TP-7, Selank heptapeptide

What is selank?

A synthetic anxiolytic peptide derived from the immunoregulatory peptide tuftsin, developed in Russia for anxiety and cognitive support. It modulates GABA, serotonin, and BDNF without the sedation or dependence associated with benzodiazepines.

Selank was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences and is approved in Russia as an anxiolytic. Its structure is based on tuftsin (an endogenous immunostimulatory peptide) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension that increases metabolic stability. Clinical studies in Russia demonstrated anxiolytic effects comparable to low-dose benzodiazepines, without sedation, amnesia, withdrawal, or dependence. It also has immunomodulatory properties inherited from its tuftsin backbone.

Key takeaway: Selank offers benzodiazepine-like anxiety relief without the sedation, cognitive impairment, or addiction risk, plus additional immune-modulating and nootropic benefits.

Benefits & evidence

Anxiety reduction Moderate confidence
Cognitive enhancement Moderate confidence
Immune modulation Moderate confidence
BDNF elevation Preliminary confidence
Mood stabilization Preliminary confidence

How it works

Selank modulates GABAergic neurotransmission through allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors, producing anxiolytic effects similar to benzodiazepines. This is supported by studies showing changes in the expression of genes involved in GABAergic signaling after administration.

Beyond GABA, Selank influences serotonin metabolism, increases BDNF expression in the hippocampus, and modulates dopaminergic pathways. Its tuftsin backbone also provides immunomodulatory effects, influencing the expression of interleukins and other immune mediators. This dual action on both the nervous and immune systems makes it unique among anxiolytic compounds.

Dosing information

Typical dosing protocol
Starting dose

150-250 mcg subcutaneous daily, or 400-600 mcg intranasal daily

Weeks 1-2
Maintenance dose

250-300 mcg subcutaneous daily, or 600-900 mcg intranasal daily

14-day cycles

Intranasal doses are higher due to lower bioavailability. Cycle 2 weeks on, 1 week off to avoid GABA receptor desensitization. Can be used during the day without sedation. Consult your healthcare provider.

Side effects

Most side effects tend to improve as your body adjusts.

Nasal irritation (intranasal route) Common
Mild injection site reaction Common
Fatigue Uncommon
Headache Uncommon

Research (10 studies)

Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews · 2026
Hepatoprotective Effects of Thymogen Analogues in Hydrazine Hepatopathy in Rats. Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2025
The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of "Social" Stress. Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology · 2021
Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects. Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections · 2020