What Is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (7 amino acids) developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics at the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is an analog of tuftsin — an immunomodulatory peptide naturally produced from the cleavage of IgG antibodies — with a stabilizing Pro-Gly-Pro sequence added to extend its biological half-life.
Selank is approved as a prescription anxiolytic in Russia (marketed as a nasal spray), making it one of the few research peptides with formal regulatory approval in any country. It is not FDA-approved in the United States.
Quick Facts
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Amino Acids | 7 |
| Molecular Weight | ~751 Da |
| Sequence | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Origin | Synthetic analog of tuftsin + PGP stabilizer |
| Regulatory Status | Approved in Russia; not FDA-approved in the US |
| Common Pairing | Semax (complementary nootropic mechanisms) |
Research Areas of Interest
Selank has been studied across multiple research domains, primarily in Russian and European literature:
- Anxiolytic effects — the most-studied application; shown to reduce anxiety markers in both animal and human studies without sedation
- Cognitive function — research suggests improvements in learning, memory, and attention
- Immunomodulation — derived from tuftsin, retains immune-modulating properties including effects on cytokine expression
- Neuroprotection — may support neuronal survival under stress conditions
- Gene expression — studies have shown Selank influences the expression of 36+ genes related to neurotransmission and inflammation
- BDNF modulation — some research indicates upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor
The Selank + Semax Stack
This is one of the most common nootropic peptide combinations:
| Peptide | Primary Mechanism | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Selank | GABAergic modulation, anxiolytic | Calm focus, anxiety reduction |
| Semax | BDNF upregulation, stimulatory | Cognitive enhancement, motivation |
| Combined | Balanced nootropic effects | Anxiety reduction + mental clarity |
How It's Sold
| Source | Form | Prescription? | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Vendors | Lyophilized powder (5mg vial) | No | $25-60/vial |
| Research Vendors | Lyophilized powder (10mg vial) | No | $40-100/vial |
| Research Vendors | Pre-made nasal spray | No | $35-80/bottle |
| Compounding Pharmacy | Nasal spray | Yes | $80-200/month |
| Compounding Pharmacy | Injectable (subcutaneous) | Yes | $100-250/month |
Selank is notable for being one of the few peptides commonly available in nasal spray form from research vendors, which mirrors its approved delivery method in Russia.
What to Look For on the COA
A legitimate Certificate of Analysis for Selank should include:
- HPLC purity — minimum 95% for research grade, 98%+ for premium
- Mass spectrometry — confirmed molecular weight of ~751 Da
- Endotoxin testing — important for injectable forms
- Amino acid analysis — confirms the correct Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro sequence
- Batch/lot number — must match the label on your product
For nasal spray formulations, also look for sterility testing and preservative identification. Pre-made solutions have a higher contamination risk than lyophilized powder.
Storage Guide
- Lyophilized (powder): White to off-white powder. Store at 2-8°C for best stability; -20°C for long-term storage
- Reconstituted / nasal spray: Refrigerate at 2-8°C. Use within 28-30 days
- All forms: Protect from light and avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles. Selank is relatively stable as a small peptide but still degrades in solution over time
Key Sourcing Tips
- Always request and verify the COA — batch numbers must match your product label
- If purchasing nasal spray form, verify sterility testing and preservative content on the COA
- Selank is a small, relatively inexpensive peptide to synthesize — be wary of dramatically high markups
- Compare pricing across vendors, but prioritize third-party testing from named labs over lowest price
- For personal use: work with a licensed provider and compounding pharmacy
- Be cautious of vendors stacking Selank with other compounds in pre-made blends — verify each ingredient is tested individually
- Avoid any source making specific mental health treatment claims — Selank is not an FDA-approved medication in the US