Selank (also known as TP-7) is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from tuftsin, a natural immunomodulatory peptide found in the human body . Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in cooperation with the V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology (Russian Academy of Medical Sciences), Selank has completed Phase III clinical testing as a selective anxiolytic .

Unlike conventional anxiolytics (such as benzodiazepines), Selank demonstrates pronounced anxiolytic effects with minimal sedation and no reported risk of addiction or withdrawal symptoms . Its mechanism of action combines anxiolytic, nootropic (cognitive-enhancing), and neuroprotective properties, making it a unique research tool for studying anxiety, depression, cognitive function, and neuroinflammation .

Each 5mg vial contains lyophilized powder tested to ≥98% purity by HPLC, with sequence confirmed by mass spectrometry.

Best for: Anxiety disorder research, cognitive enhancement studies, neuroprotection investigations, and immune modulation research.

Key Research Applications

• Anxiety Research: Demonstrated pronounced anxiolytic effects in clinical studies of phobic-anxiety and somatoform disorders, with effects lasting up to one week after the final administration 

• Depression Research: Exhibits antidepressant-like effects by reducing immobility in forced swimming tests and counteracting anhedonia (reduced sucrose intake) in genetic models of depression (WAG/Rij rats) 

• Cognitive Enhancement (Nootropic): Enhances memory and learning in animal models through modulation of BDNF expression and neurotransmitter systems 

• Neuroprotection: Protects neurons from oxidative stress, suggesting potential research applications in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease models 

• Immune Modulation: Strengthens immune function by increasing IL-6 in blood cells and stimulating interferon release, enhancing antiviral defenses 

Mechanism of Action

Selank exerts its multifaceted biological effects through several distinct pathways:

GABAergic Modulation: Selank modulates GABAergic transmission, producing anxiolytic effects with minimal sedation — a key advantage over benzodiazepines .

Enkephalinase Inhibition: Selank dose-dependently inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes (IC50 15 μM), prolonging the activity of endogenous enkephalins. This is considered a primary mechanism underlying its anxiolytic activity . Selank is more potent than bacitracin and puromycin as an enkephalinase inhibitor .

Monoaminergic System Activation: Selank activates brain monoaminergic systems, including dopamine synthesis and turnover, and modulates tyrosine hydroxylase activity — mechanisms characteristic of both antidepressants and psychostimulants .

BDNF Expression: Selank promotes Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) expression, supporting neuronal resilience, plasticity, and cognitive function .

NMDA & GABA Receptor Modulation: Research demonstrates that the route of administration influences receptor targets. Intraperitoneal Selank increases GABA receptor binding sites in the frontal cortex, while intranasal Selank increases NMDA receptor density in the hippocampus .

Specifications

Key Research Findings

Clinical Study Data: A comparative study of Selank versus phenazepam (a benzodiazepine) in 60 patients with phobic-anxiety and somatoform disorders demonstrated :

• Pronounced anxiolytic effect comparable to phenazepam

• Mild nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) effect

• Anxiolytic effects persisted for one week after the last dose

• Positive impact on patient quality of life

Pharmacological Effects by Route of Administration:

Data from Vasil’eva et al., 2016 

Behavioral Study Observations:

• Selank (100-300 μg/kg) reduced immobility duration in forced swimming tests in BALB/c mice 

• Higher doses (1000-2000 μg/kg) counteracted depression symptoms in WAG/Rij rats, including increased immobilization and anhedonia 

• Effects were observed without changes in general locomotor activity or anxiety levels in control animals 

Reconstitution Guidance

Reconstitute Selank with sterile water or bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) for research use. Intranasal administration is commonly used in research models to achieve rapid central nervous system penetration . Direct diluent gently down the inner wall of the vial rather than onto the lyophilized cake. Swirl slowly until fully dissolved — do not shake.

Many investigators use 0.5-2 mL per vial to achieve working concentrations. For best results, aliquot the reconstituted solution into single-use tubes immediately to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Storage & Stability

Before Reconstitution: Store the unopened, lyophilized vial at −20°C in a desiccated, light-protected environment. Stable under these conditions for the shelf-life indicated on the certificate of analysis.

After Reconstitution: Store working solutions at 2–8°C for short-term use (up to 7-14 days). For long-term storage, prepare single-use aliquots and freeze at −20°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Quality Assurance

Every lot of Selank undergoes comprehensive release testing against internal specifications, including:

• HPLC for purity confirmation (≥98%)

• Mass spectrometry for identity verification

• Visual inspection of vial integrity

Each vial is coded with a lot number that links directly to release testing documentation. A lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available upon request.

Related Products from Pyrex Labs

Researchers who order Selank frequently also purchase:

• Semax – Cousin peptide developed alongside Selank; nootropic and neuroprotective 

• KPV – Anti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from α-MSH

• Noopept – Synthetic nootropic for cognitive research

• BPC-157 – For tissue repair and neuroprotection research

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Selank stand for? Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from tuftsin, a natural immunomodulatory peptide .

How is Selank different from traditional anxiolytics like benzodiazepines? Unlike benzodiazepines (e.g., phenazepam, diazepam, Xanax), Selank produces anxiolytic effects without significant sedation, cognitive impairment, or risk of addiction/dependence . Its effects also last longer, with one study showing continued benefits one week after the final dose .

What is the primary mechanism of Selank? Selank works through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes (prolonging endogenous opioid activity), modulation of GABAergic transmission, activation of monoaminergic systems (dopamine, serotonin), and promotion of BDNF expression .

Does Selank have immunomodulatory effects? Yes. As a derivative of tuftsin (an immunomodulatory peptide), Selank strengthens immune function by increasing IL-6 in blood cells and stimulating interferon release, which may help fight infections .

What route of administration is used in research? Both intranasal (i.n.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) routes have been studied. Intranasal administration allows for rapid central nervous system penetration and produces primarily nootropic effects via NMDA receptor modulation, while intraperitoneal administration produces anxiolytic effects via GABA receptor modulation .

Is Selank approved for human use? No. This product is for research purposes only and is not FDA-approved for human consumption, medical treatment, or veterinary applications.

Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis? Yes. A lot-specific COA is available upon request for every vial shipped.