# Selank

> Synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin investigated as an anxiolytic.

- Class: Cognitive
- FDA approved: No
- Canonical page: https://www.americanpeptide.com/catalog/selank

## Overview

Selank is a synthetic analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed in Russia. Reported activity includes anxiolytic effects without sedation or dependence in clinical and preclinical work.

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide based on tuftsin, an immunomodulatory peptide fragment. Like Semax, it was developed in Russia, where it is used clinically as an anxiolytic.

Research interest centers on achieving anxiolytic and mild cognitive effects without the sedation, dependence, or withdrawal associated with benzodiazepines. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of GABAergic and serotonergic signaling and inhibition of enkephalin breakdown. It is not FDA-approved.

## Mechanism

Modulation of GABAergic and serotonergic systems; enkephalinase inhibition.

## Chemistry

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Molecular formula | C33H57N11O9 |
| Molecular weight | 751.9 Da |
| CAS number | 129954-34-3 |
| PubChem CID | [11765600](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/11765600) |

## Sequence

```
TKPRPGP
```

## Research areas

Studied in: Generalized anxiety, Cognitive performance.

Guides on this site:

- [Cognition & Neuroprotection](https://www.americanpeptide.com/research-areas/cognition-neuroprotection): Nootropic and neurotrophic peptides studied for cognition and recovery.
- [Anxiety, Mood & Stress](https://www.americanpeptide.com/research-areas/anxiety-mood): Regulatory peptides studied for anxiolysis and stress-axis modulation.

## Key research

- Anxiolytic activity — clinical studies report an anxiolytic effect comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation or dependence.
- GABAergic modulation — alters expression of genes in GABAergic neurotransmission and modulates GABA-A complexes allosterically, without binding the benzodiazepine site directly (Front Pharmacol, 2017).
- Serotonergic & enkephalin effects — also modulates serotonin metabolism and inhibits enkephalin breakdown — a multi-system rather than single-receptor profile.
- Compared to Semax — the same Russian neuropeptide lineage, but Selank soothes (anxiety) where Semax sharpens (cognition).
- Evidence quality — approved and used in Russia; not FDA-approved, and Western replication is limited.

## FAQs

### What is Selank?

Selank is a synthetic tuftsin analog studied as an anxiolytic, used clinically in Russia, with reported calming effects without sedation or dependence.

### How does it differ from benzodiazepines?

Research interest is in anxiolytic effects without the sedation, tolerance, and withdrawal characteristic of benzodiazepines, via different proposed mechanisms.

### Is Selank approved?

It is approved and used in Russia but is a research compound elsewhere; it is not FDA-approved. This page is a research and educational reference.

### What is it studied for?

Generalized anxiety and cognitive performance.

## Latest research

Recent trials and publications mentioning Selank, pulled automatically from ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed (unfiltered search results, refreshed daily).

### Recent trials

- [Neural Mechanisms and Efficacy of Imagery Rescripting for Fear of Failure](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07196085) — COMPLETED · NA · NCT07196085
- [Effects of PSAPs on Speech Processing](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05076045) — COMPLETED · NA · NCT05076045
- [The Study on Effects of Acute Exposure to High Altitude Hypoxia on Cognitive Function in Lowlanders](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05411185) — COMPLETED · NCT05411185
- [The Effect of Balance Exercises on Cognitive Function](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06151093) — COMPLETED · NA · NCT06151093
- [Comparing the Efficacy of tDCS and tRNS to Improve Reading Skills in Children and Adolescents With Dyslexia](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05832060) — UNKNOWN · NA · NCT05832060
- [Double-blind, Randomized Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Brivaracetam in Adults With Partial Onset Seizures](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00464269) — COMPLETED · PHASE3 · NCT00464269

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Source: AmericanPeptide.com — https://www.americanpeptide.com/catalog/selank
Data license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Attribution: AmericanPeptide.com.
Research reference only — computational and educational content, not medical advice.