Selank

Introduction

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences as a stable analogue of tuftsin — the natural immunomodulator C-terminal fragment of IgG. Approved in Russia for generalized anxiety disorder; investigational in the United States.

Mechanism of Action

Selank modulates GABAergic and serotonergic systems, with a non-sedating anxiolytic profile distinct from benzodiazepines. It elevates BDNF expression in hippocampus, modulates inflammatory cytokine balance (consistent with its tuftsin ancestry), and produces measurable EEG signatures of anxiolysis without sedation or motor impairment in published trials.

Research Indications

Approved abroad: generalized anxiety disorder (Russia). Research / off-label: ADHD adjunct, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression-anxiety comorbidity, cognitive performance under stress.

Reconstitution

Typical 5 mg lyophilized vial: add 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water, swirl gently. Final concentration 2000 mcg/mL (2 mg/mL) — each 0.05 mL (5 units on a U-100 insulin syringe) delivers 100 mcg.

Dosing Protocol (research literature)

Russian-approved protocol uses 300 mcg intranasally three times daily for 14 days. Research subcutaneous protocols use equivalent daily totals (300–900 mcg SC). Re-treat as needed; not designed for continuous chronic dosing.

Administration

Intranasal is the most-published route — alternating nostrils. Compounded intranasal preparations require a compounding pharmacy. Subcutaneous use into abdominal fat is also documented.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized: refrigerate (2–8°C); freeze (–20°C) for long-term storage. Reconstituted: refrigerate; stable approximately 14–21 days. Protect from light.

Side Effects

One of the better-tolerated anxiolytics in published reports: mild nasal irritation (intranasal), occasional vivid dreaming. Notably free of sedation, dependence, and withdrawal effects — the key advantages over benzodiazepines.

Contraindications

Pregnancy, lactation, untreated severe psychiatric illness, concurrent strong MAOI therapy.

Monitoring

Validated anxiety instrument (HAM-A, GAD-7) at baseline, day 7, and end-of-course. Re-evaluate 2 weeks after course completion.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and research-reference purposes only. Nothing in this document constitutes medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation from a physician. The reconstitution, dosing, and protocol information above reflects ranges commonly cited in published research and clinician-directed protocols — it is provided as reference material only, not as instructions, an endorsement of off-label use, or a substitute for individualized medical evaluation.

Customers should do their own research and consult their own physician before considering any peptide protocol. Whether a given compound is appropriate for an individual — and at what dose, for what duration, and alongside what monitoring — is a decision that only a licensed clinician with knowledge of that individual's medical history, current medications, and conditions can make.

The platform and the author make no claim that any compound described here is safe, effective, or appropriate for any particular person or purpose, and accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from self-directed use of the information.