Selank

What is Selank?

Selank is a synthetic peptide anxiolytic (anti-anxiety compound) developed in Russia at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is based on the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, with an additional modified amino acid sequence that provides enhanced neurological effects.

Selank is one of the few peptides to receive regulatory approval for clinical use, having been approved in Russia for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and as a nootropic (cognitive enhancer). It is notable for producing anxiolytic effects without sedation or the addictive potential associated with benzodiazepines.

Note: Selank is approved in Russia but not by the FDA. This information is for educational purposes regarding its research profile.

Development and Background

Origins

Selank was developed through systematic modification of tuftsin, an immunomodulatory peptide fragment of immunoglobulin G (IgG). Researchers added the amino acid sequence Pro-Gly-Pro to tuftsin to create a compound with enhanced neurological properties.

Development Timeline

• 1990s: Development begins at Institute of Molecular Genetics, Moscow
• 2000s: Extensive preclinical and clinical studies in Russia
• 2009: Approved in Russia for anxiety and asthenic disorders
• Present: Approved in Russia; researched internationally

Regulatory Status

In Russia:

• Approved prescription medication
• Available as nasal spray (Selanc)
• Indicated for anxiety and cognitive enhancement
• Over a decade of clinical use data

Internationally:

• Not FDA approved in United States
• Not approved by EMA in Europe
• Available as research peptide
• Academic interest in anxiolytic mechanisms

Molecular Profile

Chemical Structure

Selank is a heptapeptide:

Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro

Combining:

• Tuftsin sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg
• Glyproline addition: Pro-Gly-Pro

Molecular Data

Structural Significance

Tuftsin Base:

• Natural immunomodulatory fragment
• Active in immune cell regulation
• Provides baseline activity

Glyproline Extension:

• Enhances stability
• Extends duration of action
• Provides neuroprotective properties
• Enhances CNS penetration

Mechanism of Action

GABAergic Modulation

Selank influences the GABA system without direct receptor binding:

Effects:

• Modulates allosteric GABA-A receptor sites
• Enhances GABA inhibitory action
• Does NOT directly activate benzodiazepine sites
• No tolerance or dependence observed

Monoamine Effects

Selank influences multiple neurotransmitter systems:

Serotonin:

• Affects serotonin metabolism
• May influence 5-HT receptors
• Contributes to anxiolytic effects

Dopamine:

• Modulates dopaminergic activity
• May affect motivation and reward
• Contributes to anti-anxiety effects

Norepinephrine:

• Influences noradrenergic signaling
• May reduce stress-related norepinephrine surges

Neurotrophic Effects

Research suggests neurotrophic properties:

• Increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)
• Enhances NGF (nerve growth factor)
• May support neuroplasticity
• Potential neuroprotective effects

Gene Expression

Selank affects expression of numerous genes:

Upregulated:

• Genes involved in GABA transmission
• Neurotrophic factor genes
• Immune-related genes

Downregulated:

• Stress response genes
• Inflammatory mediator genes

Research Applications

Anxiety Research

The primary focus of Selank research:

Clinical Studies (Russia):

• Demonstrated efficacy in GAD
• Comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation
• No withdrawal symptoms observed
• No cognitive impairment

Comparison with Benzodiazepines:

Cognitive Enhancement

Studies on nootropic effects:

Observed Effects:

• Improved memory consolidation
• Enhanced learning processes
• Better attention and focus
• Improved cognitive flexibility

Mechanisms:

• BDNF enhancement
• Neurotransmitter modulation
• Reduced anxiety-related cognitive interference

Immunomodulation

Inherited from tuftsin parent compound:

• Modulates immune cell activity
• May enhance immune function
• Anti-inflammatory potential
• Balances immune response

Neuroprotection

Research explores protective effects:

• Protection against stress-induced damage
• Potential in neurodegenerative models
• Antioxidant-related mechanisms
• Preservation of cognitive function

Comparison: Selank vs Semax

Both are Russian-developed peptides often compared:

Complementary Use

Some research explores combining both:

• Selank for anxiety reduction
• Semax for cognitive enhancement
• Different primary mechanisms
• Potentially synergistic

Administration

Primary Route: Intranasal

Standard Administration:

• Nasal spray (approved form in Russia)
• Direct CNS access via olfactory route
• Bypasses first-pass metabolism
• Rapid onset of action

Research Routes

In research settings:

• Subcutaneous injection
• Intravenous (clinical studies)
• Intranasal (most common)

Typical Research Protocols

Published research has used various protocols:

• Multiple daily administrations
• Treatment periods from days to weeks
• Often studied at different dose ranges

Safety and Side Effects

Safety Profile

Based on Russian clinical data and research:

Generally Reported:

• Well-tolerated
• Minimal side effects
• No significant adverse events in trials
• Wide safety margin

Reported Side Effects

Uncommon:

• Nasal irritation (nasal route)
• Mild fatigue (rare)
• Headache (rare)

Safety Advantages

Compared to conventional anxiolytics:

1. No sedation: Can be used during daily activities
2. No dependence: Does not produce addiction
3. No withdrawal: Can be stopped without tapering
4. No cognitive impairment: May actually enhance cognition
5. No respiratory depression: Safe with regard to breathing

Gene Expression Studies

Transcriptomic Research

Selank's effects on gene expression are extensive:

Categories Affected:

• GABAergic transmission genes
• Serotonergic system genes
• Immune response genes
• Neurotrophic factor genes
• Inflammatory pathway genes

Key Findings

Research identified over 100 genes affected:

• Mostly anxiety and stress-related pathways
• Strong effects on GABA-A receptor subunits
• Modulation of inflammatory mediators
• Changes in neurotrophic factor expression

This broad gene modulation may explain the compound's diverse effects without the specific receptor targeting of traditional drugs.

Research Status

Russian Clinical Experience

Over a decade of clinical use provides:

• Extensive safety data
• Real-world efficacy information
• Long-term use observations
• Combination therapy data

International Research

Outside Russia:

• Academic research continues
• Not in FDA clinical trials
• Available for research purposes
• Growing scientific interest

Future Directions

Areas of ongoing research:

• Detailed mechanism elucidation
• Comparison with Western anxiolytics
• Potential in specific anxiety subtypes
• Combination therapy optimization

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Selank differ from benzodiazepines?

Selank works through different mechanisms than benzodiazepines. While benzodiazepines directly activate GABA-A receptors at specific sites, Selank modulates GABA transmission more broadly without direct binding. This results in anxiolytic effects without sedation, dependence, or cognitive impairment.

Can Selank be used long-term?

Russian clinical experience suggests it can be used for extended periods without developing tolerance or dependence. However, long-term data from Western-style clinical trials is limited.

Is Selank effective for all types of anxiety?

Russian approval is for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Its effectiveness for other anxiety conditions (panic, social anxiety, PTSD) is less established, though some research suggests broader applications.

How quickly does Selank work?

Anxiolytic effects may begin within days of starting treatment, though full effects often develop over 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Acute effects have also been studied.

Can Selank be combined with other medications?

Information on drug interactions is limited. Russian clinical practice includes combination use, but those seeking to combine medications should consult healthcare providers.

Key Research References

1. Zozulya, A.A., et al. (2001). "The inhibitory effect of Selank on enkephalin-degrading enzymes as a possible mechanism of its anxiolytic activity." Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 131(4), 315-317.

2. Semenova, T.P., et al. (2010). "Selank reverses age-related changes in hippocampal structure and increases expression of key genes." Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 150(1), 69-71.

3. Kolik, L.G., et al. (2008). "Selank inhibits the expression of genes encoding hepatic cytochrome P450 in rats." Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 146(5), 622-625.

4. Volkova, A., et al. (2016). "Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission." Frontiers in Pharmacology, 7, 31.

5. Kasian, A., et al. (2017). "Influence of Selank on expression of genes for neurotransmitter and neuropeptide receptors." Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 47(2), 143-148.

Summary

Selank represents a unique approach to anxiety treatment—a peptide that provides anxiolytic effects without the sedation, dependence, and cognitive impairment associated with conventional medications. Its development from the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin has resulted in a compound with multiple mechanisms of action.

Key Points:

• Classification: Synthetic anxiolytic peptide
• Structure: Tuftsin + Glyproline extension
• Primary Effect: Anxiety reduction without sedation
• Mechanism: GABA modulation, neurotrophic effects, gene expression changes
• Administration: Primarily intranasal
• Status: Approved in Russia; research compound elsewhere

The extensive Russian clinical experience and growing international research interest suggest Selank may represent an important development in anxiety treatment, offering efficacy without the side effect burden of traditional anxiolytics.