Selank

clinical trials

Also known as: TP-7, N-Acetyl Selank

**Mechanism of Action** Selank (TP-7) is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin, modified with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro sequence. Its primary mechanisms involve modulation of the GABAergic system, particularly enhancing GABA-A receptor sensitivity, and stabilization of endogenous enkephalins by inhibiting their enzymatic degradation. This dual action reduces anxiety-like behaviors without sedation and supports cognitive processes such as learning and memory. Additionally, Selank influences serotonin and dopamine turnover in limbic structures, contributing to its anxiolytic and nootropic profile. **Key Research Findings** Clinical trials and preclinical studies (68 PubMed-indexed references) demonstrate Selank’s efficacy in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and asthenic conditions, with rapid onset and minimal side effects compared to benzodiazepines. It improves attention, working memory, and stress resilience in healthy volunteers and patients with cognitive decline. Animal models show neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation, with modulation of cytokine levels (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α). Selank also exhibits immunomodulatory properties, enhancing T-cell activity and antibody production, though its clinical significance in immune disorders remains under investigation. **Clinical Relevance** Selank is approved in Russia for anxiety disorders and asthenia, with ongoing trials exploring its use in cognitive impairment, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic fatigue syndrome. Its favorable safety profile—lacking sedation, dependence, or withdrawal—positions it as a potential alternative to conventional anxiolytics. However, regulatory status outside Russia remains limited, and further large-scale trials are needed to confirm efficacy in broader populations. For research purposes only — not medical advice.

Key data

Category
Cognitive & Neuroprotective
Molecular weight
751.9 g/mol
Molecular formula
C33H57N11O9
CAS number
129954-34-3
Administration
intranasal
Research status
clinical trials
References
68
Tags
anxiolytic, nootropic, tuftsin

Research & studies

Selank, a Peptide Analog of Tuftsin, Attenuates Aversive Signs of Morphine Withdrawal in Rats
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2022 · PubMed

Selank reduced the total morphine withdrawal index by 39.6%.; It significantly attenuated convulsions, ptosis, and posture disorders.; Selank increased the tactile sensitivity threshold 9-fold in morphine-dependent rats.; Diazepam (2 mg/kg) showed a 49.3% reduction in withdrawal index and a 13-fold increase in sensitivity threshold.

The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of "Social" Stress
Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology · 2021 · PubMed
Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects
Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections · 2020 · PubMed
Selank, Peptide Analogue of Tuftsin, Protects Against Ethanol-Induced Memory Impairment by Regulating of BDNF Content in the Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex in Rats
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2019 · PubMed
Effect of Selank on Morphological Parameters of Rat Liver in Chronic Foot-Shock Stress
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2019 · PubMed

Chronic foot-shock stress caused hydropic degeneration, increased nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, focal necroses, and lymphohistiocyte infiltration in rat liver.; Selank at all tested doses reduced the intensity of stress-induced degenerative changes.; Doses of 300 and 1000 μg/kg restored the nucleus/cytoplasm ratio in hepatocytes.; The maximum stress-limiting effect was observed with 300 μg/kg Selank.

Peptide-based Anxiolytics: The Molecular Aspects of Heptapeptide Selank Biological Activity
Protein and peptide letters · 2018 · PubMed
Tuftsin - Properties and Analogs
Current medicinal chemistry · 2017 · PubMed

Tuftsin and its analogs show anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities.; Many tuftsin-based compounds may be useful in vaccine development.; Tuftsin can serve as a carrier for biologically active substances and in fusion proteins for cancer treatment.

GABA, Selank, and Olanzapine Affect the Expression of Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission in IMR-32 Cells
Frontiers in pharmacology · 2017 · PubMed

Frequently asked questions

What is Selank?

**Mechanism of Action** Selank (TP-7) is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin, modified with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro sequence. Its primary mechanisms involve modulation of the GABAergic system, particularly enhancing GABA-A receptor sensitivity, and stabilization of endogenou

How does Selank work?

Tuftsin-derived heptapeptide with anxiolytic and nootropic effects via GABAergic modulation and enkephalin stabilization.

What is the research status of Selank?

Selank is currently classified as clinical trials, with 68 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.

What is the molecular weight of Selank?

Selank has a molecular weight of approximately 751.9 g/mol (formula C33H57N11O9).

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