Selank
Also known as: TP-7, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
Grey-Market Compound. This compound is not approved by the FDA or any major regulatory authority. No established regimen exists. Products available outside of regulated channels lack standardized manufacturing, quality control, and potency verification. Consult a qualified clinician. Research-only risks apply.
Overview
Clinical Summary
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the endogenous tetrapeptide tuftsin with a Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension. Like Semax, it was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is approved in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic. It is administered intranasally and has a unique profile combining anxiolytic effects without sedation with cognitive enhancement.
Plain Language Summary
Selank is a lab-made peptide based on a natural immune peptide called tuftsin, developed in Russia where it is approved for anxiety and cognitive support. It is given as a nasal spray and is notable for reducing anxiety without causing drowsiness or sedation. It is not approved in Western countries but is available in the grey market.
Mechanism of Action
Selank modulates the GABAergic system, increasing the expression of GABA-A receptor delta subunits, which are associated with tonic inhibition and anxiolytic effects. It also modulates serotonin metabolism, inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes (thereby increasing endogenous opioid peptide activity), and influences BDNF expression. Its anxiolytic effect is thought to be mediated primarily through GABA and serotonin pathway modulation, while nootropic effects may relate to BDNF upregulation and cholinergic facilitation. As a tuftsin analogue, it also has immunomodulatory properties.
Evidence Summary
Russian clinical studies have demonstrated anxiolytic efficacy comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence. Controlled trials in generalized anxiety disorder showed significant improvement in anxiety scores. Cognitive enhancement effects (improved attention, memory) have been reported in clinical studies of patients with anxiety disorders. Russian regulatory approval was based on these trials. As with Semax, these studies have not been replicated under Western trial standards. Preclinical evidence for GABA modulation and BDNF effects is published in international journals.
Safety Profile
Selank has been reported to have a favorable safety profile in Russian clinical use. No dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal effects have been reported, distinguishing it from benzodiazepines. Adverse events are rare and mild. However, Western pharmacovigilance data do not exist.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient data)
Adverse Events
- Nasal irritation
- Mild fatigue (rare)
- Light-headedness (rare)
Interactions
- Theoretical additive effect with other GABAergic drugs (benzodiazepines, barbiturates)
- No formal Western interaction studies
Regulatory Notes
Selank is approved in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic. It is not approved by the FDA, EMA, or other Western agencies. Available in the grey market internationally. No established regimen by Western standards; consult clinician; research-only risks apply.
Monitoring Considerations
No established Western monitoring protocols. Anxiety symptom assessment and cognitive evaluation may be useful. Monitor for excessive sedation if combined with other CNS-active substances.
These are general considerations for clinical awareness and do not constitute prescriptive monitoring recommendations for any individual patient.
Stability and Handling Notes
Nasal spray formulation. Store refrigerated. Grey-market products vary in quality and formulation.
References
- 1RCT
Anxiolytic Activity of Selank in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Zozulya AA, Kost NV, et al. (2008). Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
Key findings: Selank showed anxiolytic efficacy comparable to medazepam (benzodiazepine) without sedation or dependence in a controlled trial of GAD patients.
Limitations: Russian study. Small sample. Comparator was a less commonly used benzodiazepine.
- 2preclinical
Selank Enhances GABA-A Receptor Delta Subunit Expression
Kasian A, Kolomin T, et al. (2017). SpringerPlus
Key findings: Selank increased expression of the GABA-A receptor delta subunit associated with tonic inhibition and anxiolytic effects.
Limitations: In vitro / animal data. Mechanism not confirmed in human studies.
Last reviewed: 2024-10-15 | Version: 1 | Status: Published
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