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Product description
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in cooperation with the W.W. Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology. The peptide is a modified analog of the naturally occurring tuftsin – the tetrapeptide fragment (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) of the heavy chain of human immunoglobulin G (IgG).
Like Semax, Selank was modified by the addition of the C-terminal tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro (PGP), which increases metabolic stability and prolongs the duration of action. While native tuftsin has mainly immunomodulatory functions, the modified Selank analog also shows pronounced anxiolytic and nootropic properties.
In Russia, Selank is a registered drug used as an anti-anxiety and adaptogenic agent. The peptide is available as a nasal solution (0.15%) and shows effects comparable to benzodiazepines, but without their typical side effects (sedation, memory impairment, dependence).
The mechanism of action of Selank is multifaceted and includes modulation of the GABAergic system, effects on monoaminergic neurotransmitters, and immunomodulatory activity:
GABA_A receptor modulation – Selank acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA_A receptors, increasing [³H]GABA binding in a concentration-dependent manner. This mechanism is similar to that of classical benzodiazepines, but Selank does not bind to the same sites as diazepam – it may block the modulatory action of diazepam and olanzapine, suggesting partial overlap but not identity of binding sites.
Effects on the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems – Selank normalizes serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, which may contribute to its antidepressant and mood-stabilizing effects. Studies have shown activation of Drd5 gene expression (dopamine D5 receptor) only by Selank, which may be related to learning and memory processes.
Increase in BDNF levels – Like Semax, Selank increases expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supporting neuroplasticity and nerve regeneration.
Modulation of the enkephalinergic system – Selank inhibits enzymes that degrade enkephalins (endogenous opioid peptides), increasing their levels and potentially contributing to anxiolytic effects and improved mood. Clinical studies in patients with GAD and neurasthenia observed reduced tau(1/2) leu-enkephalin levels, which increased during treatment with Selank.
Immunomodulatory activity – As a tuftsin analog, Selank retains immunomodulatory properties by affecting the expression of chemokine, cytokine, and receptor genes. The peptide inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and may support the immune response.
Regulation of GABAergic gene expression – Transcriptomic studies have shown that Selank affects the expression of genes encoding GABA receptor subunits, GABA transporters, and ion channels associated with GABAergic neurotransmission. After Selank administration, activation of Slc6a13 expression (GAT-2 transporter) was observed, suggesting an alternative pathway of action on peripheral GABA distribution.
Selank is the subject of clinical and preclinical research, mainly in Russia, in the areas of anxiety disorders, cognitive function, and immunomodulation.
Research in anxiety disorders
The key clinical study by Zozulia et al. (2008) compared Selank with medazepam (a benzodiazepine) in 62 patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neurasthenia. The results showed:
Studies in animal models of anxiety
In studies on inbred Balb/c mice (genetically high anxiety, „passive” type of stress response) and C57BL/6 mice (low anxiety, „active” type), Selank administered intraperitoneally at doses of 200-3000 µg/kg prevented signs of anxiety in the Balb/c strain without changing behavior in C57BL/6. The effect was comparable to low doses of benzodiazepines, but without an inhibitory effect on behavior even at high doses.
Studies under chronic stress conditions
The Kasian et al. (2017) study evaluated the effects of Selank and diazepam in rats under chronic unpredictable mild stress (UCMS) using the elevated plus maze test. The results showed:
Nootropic studies
Selank shows nootropic activity by improving learning and memory processes. In rat studies, the peptide increased cognitive motivation and the number of conditioned avoidance responses. The mechanism involves effects on the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems (D5 receptor).
Immunological studies
Because of its tuftsin origin, Selank is being studied for immunomodulatory effects. Studies have shown that the peptide (and its fragments, including Gly-Pro) affects the expression of chemokine, cytokine, and receptor genes in the mouse spleen. Gly-Pro has been proposed as the minimal Selank fragment with antiviral activity (pharmacophore).
Molecular mechanism studies
A transcriptomic analysis in the IMR-32 neuroblastoma cell line compared the effects of Selank, GABA, and olanzapine on the expression of 84 genes associated with the GABAergic system and neurotransmission. The results confirmed that the molecular mechanism of Selank is linked to the GABAergic system, although it is not identical to the action of GABA or olanzapine.
Selank represents a new approach to the pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders – a regulatory peptide with a mechanism of action similar to benzodiazepines, but without their key drawbacks: sedation, memory impairment, tolerance, and dependence.
Comparison with classic anxiolytics:
Selank and Semax are often compared as the two main Russian neurotropic peptides:
In research practice, both peptides are sometimes used together to obtain complementary effects on cognitive function and mood regulation.
Selank shows an exceptionally favorable safety profile in published studies:
Key safety features:
Reported adverse events (rare and mild):
Potential interactions:
As with Semax, most data come from Russian studies, and international validation and long-term safety data are limited.
