For Research Use Only — Not for Human Consumption
Abstract
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) developed as a tuftsin analogue with reported anxiolytic, nootropic, and immunomodulatory properties. Preclinical and clinical research—primarily originating from Russian groups—has explored Selank’s effects on anxiety, cognitive function, cytokine regulation, and monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism. Findings indicate promising neuroprotective and anxiolytic activity in animal models and small clinical trials, though broader international clinical validation remains limited. Wikipedia+1
Introduction & Background
Selank (often referenced as Selanc or TP-7) was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences as a synthetic analogue of the endogenous immunoregulatory peptide tuftsin. The heptapeptide was designed to combine immunomodulatory activity with improved metabolic stability and central nervous system effects, making it of interest in research on anxiety, stress resilience, and cognitive function. The compound has been administered by intranasal and parenteral routes in investigational settings. Wikipedia+1
Chemical identification (research context):
- Peptide sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (TKPRPGP)
- CAS number: 129954-34-3. Wikipedia+1
Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action (Research Findings)
Selank is reported to act through several overlapping mechanisms observed in preclinical studies: immunomodulation (modifying cytokine profiles and T-helper cell balance), modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine), inhibition of enkephalin-degrading peptidases, and upregulation of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF in hippocampal tissue. Together, these actions are hypothesized to underlie Selank’s anxiolytic, anti-stress, and cognitive effects seen in animal models and early human studies. PMC+2PubMed+2
Preclinical & Clinical Evidence
- Preclinical: Rodent studies report anxiolytic-like behavior, enhanced learning and memory performance in some paradigms, stress-protective effects, modulation of cytokine responses under stress, and increased hippocampal BDNF expression after Selank administration. PMC+1
- Clinical / Human studies: Small clinical trials and open-label studies (many conducted and reported in Russian literature and some indexed in PubMed) have suggested anxiolytic efficacy comparable to benzodiazepines in certain metrics, with reportedly fewer sedative or dependency effects. However, larger randomized, placebo-controlled international trials are limited. PubMed+1
Research Applications
Selank is used in laboratory and translational research to investigate:
- Neurobiology of anxiety and stress resilience.
- Peptide-mediated modulation of cytokine networks in stress or immune models.
- Interactions between immune signaling and neurotransmitter systems.
- Potential nootropic effects—learning, memory, and attention models.
- Enkephalinase inhibition and endogenous opioid peptide regulation. PubMed+1
Formulation & Handling (Research Context)
Selank is commonly supplied as a lyophilized peptide powder (or acetate salt) for reconstitution prior to in-lab dosing. Reported experimental routes include intranasal delivery (frequent in human/clinical protocols) and parenteral administration in animal studies. Storage and handling should follow supplier specifications (typically refrigerated storage) and institutional biosafety practices. ChemicalBook+1
Safety, Limitations & Regulatory Status
Selank is not an FDA-approved therapeutic in the United States or most Western regulatory jurisdictions. Available human data are limited in scale and scope; therefore, conclusions about long-term safety, efficacy across populations, and clinical dosing remain provisional. All use should be confined to controlled laboratory and approved clinical research settings, following institutional review and applicable regulations. Wikipedia+1
Selected References (examples to consult in PubMed / NCBI)
- Volkova A, et al. Selank administration affects the expression of some genes involved in neurotransmission. (PMC article exploring gene expression changes after Selank). PMC
- Zozulia AA, et al. Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic Selank in generalized anxiety disorder. (Clinical comparisons vs medazepam). PubMed
- Vyunova TV, et al. The molecular aspects of heptapeptide Selank biological activity. (Review of mechanisms and experimental findings). PubMed
- Leonidovna YA, et al. Influence of Selank on cytokine levels under social stress. (Animal model cytokine modulation). PubMed
- Panikratova YR, et al. Functional connectomic approach to studying Selank and Semax. (fMRI connectivity study in healthy participants). PubMed
Disclaimer
This document and the information herein are provided for laboratory research purposes only. Selank is not approved for human therapeutic, diagnostic, or veterinary use in most regulatory jurisdictions. It is not intended for self-administration. All experimental use must be conducted by qualified personnel under institutional approvals and with appropriate safety procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro), a tuftsin analogue developed for investigational anxiolytic and nootropic research. Wikipedia
2. What is the CAS number for Selank?
The commonly cited CAS number for Selank is 129954-34-3. Wikipedia
3. How does Selank work (mechanistically) in research models?
Research suggests Selank modulates cytokine expression, influences monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism, inhibits some peptidases that degrade endogenous regulatory peptides, and can increase hippocampal BDNF—mechanisms thought to contribute to anxiolytic and cognitive effects. PMC+1
4. What routes of administration are used in studies?
Intranasal administration is commonly reported in human investigational protocols; parenteral (e.g., IV or subcutaneous) routes are used in animal studies. InvivoChem
5. Has Selank been tested in humans?
Yes—small clinical trials and open studies (primarily reported in Russian literature) have examined Selank for anxiety and related endpoints; however, large-scale, multi-center randomized controlled trials are limited. PubMed+1
6. What effects have been reported in animal studies?
Animal studies report anxiolytic-like behavior, stress protection, modulation of cytokines under stress, improved learning/memory in some models, and changes in neurotrophic factor expression. PMC+1
7. Is Selank approved by regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA)?
No. Selank is not approved by the FDA for clinical use; it is considered an investigational research peptide outside approved therapeutic frameworks in most countries. Wikipedia
8. What are the major research limitations?
Limitations include relatively small clinical study sizes, geographic concentration of research, variability in formulations/dosing, and limited long-term safety data. Broader, well-powered trials are needed. PubMed+1
9. How should Selank be stored and handled in the lab?
Follow supplier specifications—typically refrigerated or frozen storage for lyophilized peptide and protection from repeated freeze–thaw cycles—and apply institutional biosafety procedures and PPE. ChemicalBook+1
10. Where can I find peer-reviewed studies on Selank?
Search PubMed/NCBI for terms “Selank”, “Selanc”, and related authors (Russian institutes) and consult review articles and PMC papers for mechanistic summaries and clinical trial reports.
