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Selank7 residuesTKPRPGPEach bubble = one amino acid. Size = residue mass. Color = chemical class.Also known as: TP-7, Selanc
A 192-patient randomized controlled trial found this seven-amino-acid peptide matched a benzodiazepine for anxiety relief, with fewer side effects and zero addiction risk (Zozulya et al. 2008)[1]. Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic analog of tuftsin, the immune peptide your body already makes. It calms anxiety through enkephalinase inhibition, GABA modulation, and serotonin regulation without sedation or cognitive fog. All published clinical data comes from Russian institutions; no Western replication exists yet. Biohackers and nootropic users pair it with Semax for a cognitive stack that covers both focus and calm.
A 192-patient randomized trial tested this peptide head-to-head against medazepam for generalized anxiety disorder and found comparable anxiolytic effects (Zozulya et al. 2008)[1]. A second study compared it directly to phenazepam with similar results and a cleaner side effect profile [2]. That level of clinical evidence puts Selank ahead of most research peptides. Selank (full sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin, developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Its mechanism hits multiple pathways at once. It inhibits enkephalinase, which extends the half-life of your body's own enkephalins. It modulates GABA receptor expression (confirmed at the gene level in)[3]. And it influences serotonin pathways and upregulates BDNF. The practical result is an anxiolytic that doesn't sedate you or dull your thinking. Users across dozens of Reddit threads on r/peptides and r/Nootropics describe it as "taking the edge off" while leaving focus intact. The most common protocol mirrors Russian clinical trial design: 250 to 500 mcg daily for 2 to 4 weeks, then cycling off for an equal period. Intranasal delivery has become the community's preferred route for its faster onset (15 to 30 min) and convenience. Two honest caveats: every published clinical trial originates from Russian academic institutions, with no independent Western replication to date. And the plasma half-life is very short (roughly 2 to 3 minutes IV), which means the mechanism behind its prolonged effect still isn't fully explained. The FDA removed Selank acetate from the Category 2 bulks list in September 2024; it remains research-only in the US.
Selank works through at least four distinct pathways, which is unusual for a seven-amino-acid peptide. The primary mechanism is enkephalinase inhibition. Enkephalins are your body's natural opioid peptides. Selank slows their degradation, extending their half-life and amplifying their calming effect on the nervous system. This produces anxiolysis without directly binding opioid receptors, avoiding the addiction and tolerance problems that plague benzodiazepines and opioids. At the gene expression level, Selank alters GABA receptor production. Kasian et al. [3] confirmed changes in the expression of 45 genes related to GABAergic neurotransmission. GABA is the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter; increasing its receptor density shifts the baseline toward calm. Serotonin modulation adds a third layer. Selank influences serotonergic activity, which contributes to mood stabilization. This is why concurrent use with SSRIs or SNRIs requires monitoring for additive serotonergic effects. The fourth pathway is BDNF upregulation. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor drives synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory formation. BDNF mRNA levels rise within days of starting Selank in animal models (Volkova et al. 2019)[4]. This explains why nootropic effects (verbal fluency, working memory) typically appear in weeks 2 to 3, later than the anxiolytic onset. As a tuftsin analog, Selank also retains immunomodulatory activity. Ershov et al. [5] documented immune function changes in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders. This dual anxiolytic plus immune profile is what makes it distinctive.
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The highest-quality clinical evidence is a 192-patient RCT in generalized anxiety disorder [1] and a head-to-head comparison vs. phenazepam [2]. Mechanisms include enkephalinase inhibition (prolonging enkephalin half-life), GABA receptor expression modulation [3], serotonin system effects, and BDNF upregulation. All clinical research originates from Russian institutions: no Western RCTs have been conducted. FDA removed Selank acetate from Category 2 bulks list (September 27, 2024) but it remains research-only in the US.
Zozulya et al. 2008 (PMID 18454096): 192-patient RCT in GAD; Selank vs. medazepam. Head-to-head vs. phenazepam: PMID 25176261.
All clinical research from Russian academic institutions: no independent Western replication. Intranasal bioavailability figure (92.8%) from paywalled PMID 29787664: not independently verifiable (other sources cite 60–80%). Half-life is very short (~2–10 min IV); mechanism of prolonged effect incompletely explained. No long-term human safety data beyond trial durations.
Well-regarded in the nootropic and peptide communities as a reliable, clean anxiolytic. Preferred over benzodiazepines for lack of sedation or cognitive impairment. Intranasal now the dominant delivery preference. Commonly paired with Semax in the "Russian cognitive stack."
Science and community agree on core use (anxiolytic, 250–500 mcg/day range, 2–4 week cycles). Community has shifted to preferring intranasal, not the route used in primary RCTs (which used IV/IM). The aggressive SubQ tier (750 mcg once daily) is at the upper community range but has no dedicated clinical backing for that specific route/dose.
| Level | Dose / Injection | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 250mcg | Daily |
| Moderate | 500mcg | Daily |
| Aggressive | 750mcg | Daily |
A 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water gives you 2,500 mcg/mL. At 250 mcg per dose, that's 0.10 mL, which is 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. At 500 mcg, you're pulling to the 20-unit mark. One vial gives you 10 doses at 500 mcg or 20 doses at 250 mcg. The thing most beginners miss with intranasal Selank: sniffing too hard drains the solution to your throat and bypasses mucosal absorption entirely. Tilt your head slightly forward, administer to one nostril, and give the gentlest sniff possible. Alternate nostrils per dose. Store reconstituted Selank at 2 to 8 degrees C and use within 28 days. Never freeze after reconstitution; ice crystals break the peptide apart. Lyophilized powder stores indefinitely at minus 20 degrees C before you add water. If a vial doesn't seem to work, check the COA purity (minimum 95% by HPLC) before assuming the peptide isn't for you. Vendor quality variation is the biggest variable in this space.
Formal 14-day studies showed no measurable tolerance with daily Selank use. The 2–4 week on / 2–4 week off cycle is derived from the structure of Russian clinical trials, not from observed receptor desensitization data. No withdrawal syndrome has been documented in any published study. Cycling is a conservative default recommended by community consensus in the absence of long-term human safety data.
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Expected: Reduction in baseline anxiety and stress reactivity. Improved resilience to daily stressors. No sedation or cognitive impairment.
Monitor: No bloodwork required. Self-assess anxiety (GAD-7 scale optional). Note any nasal issues if switching routes.
Gather supplies: 5 mg Selank vial (lyophilized), 2 mL bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, U-100 insulin syringe (29 to 31 gauge, 0.5 inch needle).
Draw 2 mL bacteriostatic water and inject slowly down the side of the Selank vial. Do not shake. Swirl gently until the powder dissolves completely. This gives you 2,500 mcg per mL.
For 250 mcg (beginner), draw to the 10-unit mark. For 500 mcg (moderate), draw to the 20-unit mark. For 750 mcg (aggressive, once daily), draw to the 30-unit mark.
Pinch a fold of skin, insert the needle at roughly 45 degrees, and push the plunger steadily. Rotate injection sites.
SubQ onset takes 45 to 90 minutes.
Use a nasal spray bottle or draw with a syringe and drip into the nostril. Administer 250 mcg per nostril session, twice daily (AM and midday). Gentle sniff only.
Store the reconstituted vial in the refrigerator at 2 to 8 degrees C. Label with the reconstitution date. Discard after 28 days.
Split-dose required: 200–400 mcg per administration, 2–3x daily (vs. once-daily SubQ). Total daily dose roughly equivalent (400–900 mcg/day intranasal vs. 250–500 mcg/day SubQ).
Bioavailability stated as ~92.8% per Semenova et al. 2018 (PMID 29787664, paywalled, not independently confirmed; other sources cite 60–80%). CNS delivery via olfactory pathway. Preferred by community for convenience and faster onset. Technique is critical: gentle sniff, alternate nostrils.
Community reports roughly equivalent effect at 100–250 mcg/dose 1–2x daily: lower total daily dose vs. standard Selank. No peer-reviewed dose equivalence data exists.
N-acetyl + C-terminal amide modifications increase metabolic stability and claimed half-life extension enabling once-daily dosing. Available from US research vendors as 10 mg vials or pre-made nasal spray ($20–$70/bottle). Treat as a distinct compound: start low.
250–500 mcg once daily. Slower onset (45–90 min) vs. intranasal but more consistent plasma exposure without split-dose requirement.
No SubQ-specific bioavailability data in humans; clinical trials used IV/IM. Community extrapolates from IV and intranasal data. Preferred by users wanting consistent once-daily dosing or those with nasal congestion issues.
Classic "Russian cognitive stack." Semax drives focus/BDNF/dopamine; Selank blunts Semax-induced irritability and anxiety. Complementary mechanisms, frequently co-administered intranasally.
400 mcg Selank + 200 mcg Semax intranasal AM (2:1 ratio)
Neurological + systemic recovery overlap. BPC-157 supports gut-brain axis and systemic healing; Selank provides anxiolytic/nootropic overlay. Common in recovery-focused biohacker protocols.
Standard doses each, AM. SubQ or separate injection sites.
Neuro-repair stack cited in higher-end biohacking communities. Cerebrolysin provides multimodal neuropeptide support; Selank adds anxiolytic + BDNF modulation. Less common than Semax stack.
Cerebrolysin 5–10 mL IV/IM (per Cerebrolysin protocol) + Selank 500 mcg intranasal
Sleep + anxiety coverage. Selank reduces daytime anxiety; DSIP improves nighttime sleep quality. Complementary circadian stack.
Selank 250–500 mcg SubQ or intranasal AM + DSIP 100–200 mcg SubQ 30–60 min before bed
Selank potentiates GABAergic and anxiolytic effects. Concurrent use risks excessive CNS depression, sedation, and may complicate benzodiazepine taper or dependence management.
Do not combineSelank modulates serotonin via enkephalinase inhibition. Additive serotonergic activity possible. Monitor for serotonin excess signs (agitation, tremor, diaphoresis). Not absolutely contraindicated but requires monitoring.
Selank has immunomodulatory activity as a tuftsin analog. May interfere with intended immunosuppression in transplant or autoimmune disease management.
Do not combineSelank modulates GABA receptor expression (PMID 26847159). Additive CNS depression possible. Not absolutely contraindicated but caution warranted.
Pricing updated 2026-04-09
The most important safety concern with Selank is its interaction profile, not the peptide itself. Selank modulates GABA receptor expression, serotonergic pathways, and enkephalin metabolism simultaneously. Combining it with benzodiazepines risks excessive CNS depression. Adding it to an SSRI or SNRI creates additive serotonergic activity; watch for agitation, tremor, and diaphoresis. If you're on immunosuppressive therapy (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, methotrexate), Selank's tuftsin-derived immunomodulatory effects may interfere with your intended immunosuppression. On its own, the side effect profile is remarkably clean. The 192-patient GAD trial [1] and the phenazepam comparison [2] reported fewer adverse events than the active comparators. No sedation. No addiction potential. No withdrawal syndrome has been documented in any published study. What users actually report: the most common complaint is nasal stinging or irritation at higher intranasal doses (400 to 600 mcg per administration). Diluting with more bacteriostatic water or splitting the dose across both nostrils reduces this. Mild fatigue during the first one or two doses is occasionally mentioned but typically resolves quickly. Batch-to-batch inconsistency from unregulated research vendors is the number one cause of "non-response" in community reports; that's a sourcing problem, not a pharmacological one. The effect is too subtle for acute panic. Selank is a background anxiolytic, not a rescue medication. If you're expecting benzodiazepine-level sedation on demand, you'll be disappointed. By design, the effect ceiling is lower. All published clinical data comes from Russian institutions. Total human trial exposure is limited to the study populations described above. No long-term safety data beyond trial durations (typically 2 to 4 weeks) exists. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are absolute contraindications due to insufficient safety data. Children under 18 have not been studied. Active autoimmune conditions may be affected by Selank's immunomodulatory properties. Practical stop signals: discontinue if you experience paradoxical anxiety increase, any hypersensitivity reaction (rash, itching), or signs of excessive serotonergic activity when combined with other medications. Consult a physician before combining Selank with any CNS-active medication.
Verify Selank dosing and safety with a second opinion
No FDA manufacturing oversight for research peptide vendors. Batch-to-batch purity variation is the most frequently cited cause of non-response in community reports. NA-Selank Amidate is structurally modified with different stability profile and no dedicated clinical data.
| Test | When | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Subjective anxiety assessment (GAD-7 or PHQ-4) | Baseline before cycle start, week 2, week 4, and 2 weeks post-cycle | GAD-7 <10 (mild anxiety); any increase from baseline is a stop signal. |
| Nasal mucosa self-assessment | Daily during first 2 weeks if using intranasal route | — |
| Immune function self-report (optional) | Weekly during active cycle: required if on immunosuppressive therapy | — |
Selank is primarily studied for GAD. Self-reported anxiety scores provide the most actionable efficacy signal.
Intranasal peptide use can cause mucosal irritation, especially at higher doses (400–600 mcg/dose). Persistent irritation warrants route switch to SubQ.
Selank has immunomodulatory activity as a tuftsin analog. Users in autoimmune disease contexts or on immunosuppressive therapy should monitor for unexpected immune changes.
Initial anxiolytic effects may be noticed within hours of first dose. Mild calming without sedation. Some users report improved mental clarity same day.
Anxiety reduction becomes more consistent. Improved stress resilience and focus. Serotonin and enkephalin modulation begins to stabilize.
Nootropic effects strengthen: better working memory, verbal fluency, and focus. BDNF upregulation contributes to cognitive gains. Immune function improvements may begin.
Full anxiolytic and nootropic effects. Mood stabilization through GABA and serotonin modulation. Many protocols recommend cycling off after 2-4 weeks.
Some residual cognitive and anxiolytic benefits may persist for 1-2 weeks due to BDNF-driven neuroplastic changes. Cycle can be repeated after a 2-week break.
Hours 1 to 6 (first dose): Enkephalinase inhibition and GABA/serotonin modulation begin within minutes of CNS exposure. Intranasal users typically notice onset at 15 to 30 minutes; subcutaneous onset runs 45 to 90 minutes. The feeling is subtle. Community descriptions consistently land on "taking the edge off" rather than sedation. Some people feel nothing on day one, and that's normal. Possible mild fatigue or nasal stinging (intranasal only) with the first few doses. Days 2 to 7: Serotonin and enkephalin modulation builds with daily dosing. BDNF mRNA upregulation starts around days 3 to 5 in animal data. Anxiety reduction becomes more consistent. Users describe improved stress resilience and a calmer baseline without any sedation component. Sleep quality improvements often show up as a secondary benefit during this window. Side effects are generally absent after the first day or two. Weeks 2 to 3: This is where the nootropic effects appear. BDNF upregulation contributes to synaptic plasticity, and users report better verbal fluency, working memory, and sustained focus. The community describes it as "clearer thinking and sharper articulation." Some users mention getting sick less often, which fits Selank's tuftsin-based immunomodulatory activity, though that benefit is anecdotal. No common side effects at standard doses. Weeks 3 to 4: Effects plateau at their peak. Russian clinical protocols ran 2 to 4 week courses, and no formal efficacy data exists beyond 4 weeks of continuous use. Community consensus is to cycle off at the 4-week mark. Some users stretch to 6 weeks without reported problems, but the cautious default is to stop here. No common side effects. Post-cycle (weeks 5 to 6): Residual anxiolytic and cognitive benefit persists for 1 to 2 weeks after the last dose, likely driven by BDNF-mediated neuroplastic changes rather than the peptide itself (which clears from plasma in minutes). Anxiety gradually returns to pre-cycle baseline; rebound above baseline is rare. No withdrawal syndrome has been documented. The cycle can be repeated after a 2 to 4 week off-period.
Enkephalinase inhibition and GABA/serotonin modulation begin within minutes of CNS exposure. Intranasal onset faster than SubQ via olfactory pathway.
Intranasal onset 15–30 min reported; SubQ onset 45–90 min. Effect described as "taking the edge off": not sedation. Some users feel nothing day 1.
Serotonin and enkephalin modulation accumulates. BDNF mRNA upregulation begins by days 3–5 in animal models.
Anxiety reduction becomes consistent. Stress resilience improves. Calmer baseline without sedation. Sleep quality often noted as secondary improvement.
BDNF upregulation contributes to synaptic plasticity. Cognitive effects were secondary endpoints in RCTs: not the primary studied outcome.
Verbal fluency, working memory, and focus improvements reported. Users describe clearer thinking and better articulation. Immune effects (fewer colds) anecdotally mentioned but not primary.
Russian clinical protocols used 2–4 week courses. No formal efficacy data beyond 4 weeks of continuous use.
Peak effects plateau. Community consensus is to cycle off at 4 weeks. Some users extend to 6 weeks without documented issues.
BDNF-driven neuroplastic changes may persist beyond peptide clearance. Extrapolated from BDNF biology: not Selank-specific trial data.
Most users report 1–2 weeks of residual benefit after stopping. Anxiety gradually returns to baseline; rarely rebounds above pre-cycle level.
Source: Plasma t½ ~2-3 min; intranasal bioavailability ~92.8% with rapid CNS penetration via olfactory pathway (Semenova et al. 2018 PMID 29787664)
Loading the interactive decay curve.
Selank is classified as research-only in the United States. It is not FDA-approved for any medical condition. The FDA removed Selank acetate from the Category 2 bulk drug substances list on September 27, 2024 (nominations withdrawn), and it was not moved to Category 1. Its status remains pending review by the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC). Compounding via 503A pharmacies is not currently available through official channels. In Russia, Selank is an approved pharmaceutical product. The 0.15% nasal spray formulation has been registered and prescribed clinically. This approval does not extend to any other jurisdiction. Selank does not appear on the current World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list, but athletes should verify against the most current list before use, as peptide classifications change periodically. All Selank available through US research vendors is sold for research purposes only and is not intended for human consumption. Peptide Schedule provides this information for educational and research reference purposes. This content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed physician before using any peptide.
Peptide Schedule Research TeamReviewed Apr 20268 Citations
