Selank
TP-7 · Selanc
Russia's answer to anxiety. A peptide that calms without sedating, sharpens without stimulating.
What is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic analogue of the naturally-occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It has been approved as a prescription anxiolytic in Russia since 2009 — making it one of the few peptides with actual government approval for clinical use (albeit Russian, not Western).
What makes Selank fascinating is its dual action: it reduces anxiety while simultaneously enhancing cognitive function. Most anxiolytics (benzodiazepines, alcohol, etc.) calm you down by making you dumber and slower. Selank appears to do the opposite — it quiets the anxiety while leaving your cognitive edge intact, or even sharpening it.
The biohacking community has embraced Selank as a daily-use nootropic anxiolytic. Nasal spray is the standard delivery method. Users consistently describe it as a subtle but reliable reduction in background anxiety, improved verbal fluency, and better emotional regulation — without any of the fogginess or addiction potential of traditional anti-anxiety medication.
How Does It Work?
Selank modulates the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), influences GABA-ergic neurotransmission, and affects the balance of T-helper 1/T-helper 2 cytokines. It also inhibits the enzymes that break down enkephalins (your body's natural opioid-like calming peptides), allowing them to persist longer.
The anxiolytic effect appears to come from modulation of GABA and serotonin systems without directly binding to GABA receptors (unlike benzodiazepines). This is why it does not cause sedation, tolerance, or withdrawal. The cognitive enhancement likely comes from BDNF upregulation and improved monoamine balance.
What Does The Research Say?
Moderate evidence. Some human data, mostly animal studies.
Approved as a medication in Russia based on clinical trials showing efficacy for generalised anxiety disorder and neurasthenia. Russian clinical studies (many published in Russian-language journals) show reduced anxiety scores, improved cognitive function, and immunomodulatory effects.
Western research is more limited but includes studies showing Selank affects gene expression in the brain, modulates inflammatory cytokines, and influences GABA receptor subunit expression. A key finding: unlike benzodiazepines, chronic Selank use does not produce tolerance or dependence in animal models.
Reported Dosages
These are dosages reported in research literature and community reports. They are NOT medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Russian approved dose: 250-300 mcg intranasally, 3 times daily.
Community protocols: 200-600 mcg intranasally, 1-3 times daily.
Some users inject subcutaneously at similar doses.
Cycles of 2-4 weeks with breaks, or continuous low-dose use.
These reflect research and approved (in Russia) dosages.
Side Effects & Risks
Very mild side effect profile. Occasional nasal irritation (intranasal use), mild fatigue at higher doses, rare headache. No reported tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal — which is exceptional for an anxiolytic. Russian post-market surveillance has not identified significant safety concerns.
Legal Status by Country
Not approved. Available as research chemical. Not controlled.
Not FDA-approved. Available as research chemical. Not scheduled.
Not approved in EU (approved in Russia only). Research chemical.
Not approved. Research chemical.
Important Disclaimer
This profile is for educational and research purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Selank may be regulated or illegal in your jurisdiction. Do not use any compound without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. StackPedia does not sell, supply, or promote the use of any controlled substance.