Selank
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed in Russia as a non-sedating anxiolytic and nootropic, modeled on the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin; research protocols typically use 250 mcg subcutaneously once daily in the morning (up to 1000 mcg).
Best for
Adults with anxiety symptoms or stress-reactivity concerns who want non-sedating support that preserves cognitive function
What to expect
Anxiolytic effects often noticeable within the first week of consistent use
Pairs with
Frequently combined with Semax for cognitive-plus-mood support; otherwise standalone
Subcutaneous injection, typically 1× daily in the morning. Common research dose 0.3-0.9 mg per administration.
- How often
- Daily
- When
- Morning
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Vial & water
- 10 mg vial in 3 mL = 3.33 mg/mL · 250 mcg = 7.5 units on a U-100 syringe
- Cycle
- Often cycled (e.g. 10–14 days on, short break) but can run continuously — adjust to goals.
The same numbers the goodtides app and the Dose Calc use — a research reference, not a prescription. Responses are individual; research protocols start at the low end.
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide originally developed in Russia in the 1990s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, modeled on tuftsin, a naturally-occurring immunomodulatory peptide. It's approved as a prescription anxiolytic in Russia under its trade name and has been studied for decades in Russian populations for generalized anxiety, asthenic disorders, and stress adaptation.
Not FDA-approved in the United States; available through compounding pharmacies for research use.
Research suggests it acts through a complex mechanism involving GABA receptor modulation (without binding to the benzodiazepine site, which is why it avoids sedation and dependence risk), BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) upregulation, serotonin pathway modulation, and effects on enkephalin metabolism. Distinctively, Selank's anxiolytic effects appear without the cognitive impairment, sedation, or withdrawal syndromes characteristic of benzodiazepines, making it a research-interest compound for anxiety with preserved cognitive function.
The peptide has an unusual stability profile for its size, with effective intranasal delivery (the heptapeptide structure with proline residues resists rapid degradation by nasal proteases). Modern research is investigating its potential applications in ADHD, depression, and stress-related cognitive impairment, as well as combination protocols with Semax for amplified cognitive-mood effects.
- Half-life
- ~30-60 min
- Peak
- ~30 min post-SC
- Absorption
- SC well-absorbed; CNS-active analog of tuftsin
- Bioavailability
- SC ~70-80%
References3
- Zozulia AA et al. Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia (Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova)
- Volkova A et al. Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission (Front Pharmacol) (rat model)
- Kolomin T et al. Peptide-based Anxiolytics: The Molecular Aspects of Heptapeptide Selank Biological Activity (Protein Pept Lett)
Log every dose, count every vial, and verify your batches — free in the goodtides app.
This page is educational reference material about compounds studied in research settings. It is not medical advice, and nothing here is a recommendation to buy, possess, or use any compound. Research findings described are from published literature; individual compounds may not be approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician about anything that affects your health.