Synthetic heptapeptide tuftsin analogue with Pro-Gly-Pro stabilisation. Studied for anxiolytic activity via IL-6 modulation, BDNF elevation, and serotonin/dopamine balancing — without benzodiazepine-class receptor binding.
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics (Russian Academy of Sciences). It is built by appending the stabilising Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide to the C-terminus of tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) — the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide derived from IgG processing. The C-terminal extension dramatically extends biological half-life while preserving CNS-active behavioural effects.
The N-terminal TKPR sequence engages tuftsin receptors on immune cells and CNS targets, modulating innate immune signalling and providing the foundation of Selank's anxiolytic profile.
The C-terminal PGP extension resists proteolytic cleavage by aminopeptidases, dramatically extending functional half-life beyond the seconds-to-minutes range of native tuftsin.
Selank does not bind GABA-A receptors directly. Instead, it indirectly modulates GABAergic tone via cytokine-mediated signalling and modulation of monoamine inputs to GABA-releasing interneurons.
Rodent studies using elevated plus-maze, open field, and Vogel conflict tests demonstrate Selank produces clear anxiolytic-like behavioural changes. The effects develop within 30–60 minutes of intranasal administration and persist for hours — without sedation, motor impairment, or amnestic effects characteristic of benzodiazepines.
Refs: Kozlovskaya MM et al., Eksp Klin Farmakol (2002); Vyunova TV et al., J Neurochem (2018)
Selank shows positive effects on attention and short-term memory in passive-avoidance and Morris water-maze paradigms. Unlike many anxiolytics, it lacks the amnestic profile — and may produce mild cognitive enhancement at standard research doses via hippocampal BDNF upregulation.
Refs: Semenova TP et al., Bull Exp Biol Med (2007)
Each batch is independently tested by a third-party ISO-accredited laboratory. The analysis below reflects Batch AV-2025-SEL-022, tested 20 February 2025.
| Test Parameter | Method | Specification | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identity | ESI-MS | Matches theoretical m/z | Confirmed (751.9 Da) | PASS |
| Purity (HPLC) | RP-HPLC C18, 210nm | ≥98.0% | 99.3% | PASS |
| Water content | Karl Fischer | ≤8.0% | 4.8% | PASS |
| Heavy metals | ICP-MS | ≤10 ppm | <2 ppm | PASS |
| Endotoxins | LAL chromogenic | ≤10 EU/mg | <1 EU/mg | PASS |
| Form | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilised powder | −20°C (preferred) | 24 months |
| Nasal spray (formulated) | 2–8°C | ≤90 days |
| Reconstituted (BAC water) | 2–8°C | ≤28 days |
Wipe vial with 70% IPA.
For 5 mg vial, add 2.5 mL BAC water → 2 mg/mL stock.
Swirl gently — Selank is highly water-soluble.
For nasal spray research, isotonic saline is preferred vehicle. Typical concentration: 0.15% w/v.
Both are heptapeptides developed by the same Russian research programme with PGP C-terminal stabilisation, but their cores are different. Semax is built on the ACTH(4-7) fragment and primarily drives BDNF upregulation via cAMP-CREB signalling. Selank is built on tuftsin (TKPR) and primarily acts via cytokine modulation (IL-6) with secondary BDNF effects. Behaviourally, Selank is more anxiolytic-leaning; Semax is more cognitive/neuroprotective.
Published research data show no sedation, motor impairment, or amnestic effects at standard doses — distinguishing Selank from benzodiazepines. Dependence and withdrawal phenomena have not been documented in preclinical models, consistent with the lack of direct GABA-A receptor binding.
Intranasal delivery bypasses the blood-brain barrier via olfactory and trigeminal pathways, achieving disproportionate CNS concentrations relative to systemic plasma levels. This is particularly relevant for neuropeptides like Selank that target central rather than peripheral receptors.
Standard research models evaluate doses from 250 mcg to 500 mcg per application, administered 1–3 times daily via intranasal or subcutaneous routes. Duration of administration varies by paradigm — acute studies use single doses, chronic anxiolytic research employs 14–28 day protocols.
Independently verified by third-party ISO-accredited laboratory. Available as lyophilised powder or pre-formulated intranasal spray.
View Selank in Store → Reconstitution Protocol Guide