CalcMyPeptide
Cognitive & NootropicAlso known as: TP-7

Selank

Selank is a precision-engineered heptapeptide analog of the natural immunomodulator Tuftsin, developed extensively by the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics. Striking a flawless balance between profound anxiolysis (anxiety reduction) and severe mental clarity, it operates entirely without the lethal addiction profiles, sedation, or cognitive dulling associated with clinical benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax). Administered intranasally, it is an elite tool for crushing acute stress responses while actively improving memory acquisition.

Reviewed by CalcMyPeptide Editorial Team
Last updated: April 2026Evidence: Moderate3 peer-reviewed citations

Quick Stats

Half-Life~3 minutes (parent); active metabolites persist longer
Dose Range250-750 mcg/day (intranasal)
Frequency1-3× daily (intranasal)
Vial Sizes5 mg
BioavailabilityIntranasal ~100% CNS delivery
Year Developed1980s

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
C33H57N11O9
Molecular Weight
751.87 g/mol
CAS Number
Developer
Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences

Mechanism of Action

Selank (TP-7) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. It has both anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) properties. Selank modulates multiple neurotransmitter systems simultaneously: GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. It also enhances BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) expression.

Selank is approved in Russia as a prescription medication for anxiety and cognitive disorders. Its extremely short half-life (~3 minutes for the parent compound) necessitates intranasal administration for clinical use, where it achieves rapid CNS delivery.

Source: PMID: 18577768

Background & History

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the endogenous immunomodulatory tetrapeptide Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1990s. By adding three additional amino acids (Pro-Gly-Pro), its stability and CNS penetration were significantly enhanced. It has been approved in Russia for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and as a nootropic since 2009. Over 30 clinical trials have been conducted. Its anxiolytic mechanism differs from benzodiazepines — no GABA-A modulation — acting instead via enkephalin system and BDNF upregulation.

Research Use Cases

  • Generalized anxiety disorder without sedation or dependence
  • Cognitive enhancement: focus, memory consolidation, learning
  • Stress-induced immune suppression reversal
  • PTSD and fear extinction support
  • Nootropic protocol for mental performance under stress

Dosing Protocol

Typical Dose250-750 mcg/day (intranasal)
Frequency1-3× daily (intranasal)
Half-Life~3 minutes (rapid metabolism)
Common Vial Sizes5 mg

Dosing Protocols

Standard Protocol

Dose
250 - 750 mcg
Frequency
Daily intranasal (1-3 doses)
Note: Approved prescription medication in Russia. Research chemical in most Western countries.

Body-Weight Dosing Reference

Estimated doses extrapolated from the published research range of 250750 mcg/day (referenced to 70 kg / 154 lb). These are approximations — consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

WeightLowTargetHigh
120 lb(54 kg)193 mcg386 mcg579 mcg
140 lb(63 kg)225 mcg450 mcg675 mcg
160 lb(73 kg)261 mcg521 mcg782 mcg
180 lb(82 kg)293 mcg586 mcg879 mcg
200 lb(91 kg)325 mcg650 mcg975 mcg
220 lb(100 kg)357 mcg714 mcg1071 mcg
250 lb(113 kg)404 mcg807 mcg1211 mcg

💉 For exact syringe units based on your vial concentration, use the Selank Reconstitution Calculator →

Administration

Route
Intranasal spray
Timing
Morning and/or afternoon. Avoid late evening (may affect sleep patterns).
Fasting Required?
No — food timing not critical

Expected Timeline

Minutes to hours
Anxiolytic effects onset rapidly. Mild cognitive clarity enhancement.
Week 2-4
Sustained anxiety reduction. BDNF upregulation supports cognitive improvements.

Who Is It For?

Anxiety / Stress Reduction

High

Approved anxiolytic in Russia. Modulates GABA, serotonin, dopamine simultaneously without sedation.

Cognitive Enhancement

Moderate

BDNF upregulation supports memory and learning. Nootropic properties alongside anxiolytic effect.

Reconstitution Example

Vial
5 mg
Water
5 mL
Concentration
1 mg/mL
Per Unit (100u syringe)
10 mcg
Dose of 250 mcg = 25 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe

Safety & Considerations

Approved prescription medication in Russia. Good safety profile. Primary route is intranasal. Mild drowsiness possible. No significant side effects at standard doses.

Regulatory & Legal Status

FDA Status (US)
Research Only

Approved in Russia as a nasal spray; not FDA-approved

WADA Status (2026)
Not Listed

Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change — verify before competition.

Classification

Research Chemical

US Compounding: Not eligible / not available

⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.

Interactions & Contraindications

No significant drug interactions documented. Do not combine with benzodiazepines without tapering assessment. MAO inhibitors may interact with enkephalin metabolism. Intranasal administration preferred for CNS bioavailability.

Synergies & Common Stacks

Selank reduces anxiety via enkephalin pathways; Semax enhances cognition via BDNF and ACTH. Together they create an anxiolytic + cognitive enhancement stack without sedation.

Selank reduces daytime anxiety; DSIP supports slow-wave sleep restoration at night. Comprehensive stress and sleep protocol.

Selank vs. Semax

AttributeSelankSemax
ClassAnxiolytic neuropeptide (Tuftsin analog)ACTH analog neuropeptide
Primary EffectsAnxiolytic, anti-stress, mild cognitiveStimulant, cognitive enhancer, BDNF booster
Energy EffectCalming without sedationStimulating (energizing)
Best ForAnxiety, stress, calm focusEnergy, memory, BDNF-driven learning
AdministrationIntranasal (nasal drop)Intranasal (nasal drop)
ApprovalRussia (Selank nasal spray)Russia (Semax nasal spray)

Verdict: Selank is the calming, anxiolytic choice; Semax is the stimulating, cognitive-enhancement choice. Many users stack both — Selank in the PM for de-stress, Semax in the AM for drive and focus.

Dosing Quick Reference

Selank— Dosing Guide
Dose Range
250-750 mcg/day (intranasal)
Half-Life
~3 minutes (rapid metabolism)
Frequency
1-3× daily (intranasal)
Route
Subcutaneous
5 mg vial
💧 5 mL BAC water📐 1 mg/mL concentration💉 10 mcg/unit (100u syringe)
Cognitive & Nootropiccalcmypeptide.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Selank administered?
Primarily as intranasal spray at 250-750 mcg/day, 1-3 doses. The ~3-minute half-life makes SC injection impractical — intranasal provides direct CNS access.
Does Selank require a prescription?
Approved prescription medication in Russia. Available as a research peptide in most Western countries.

References

  1. Semenova TP et al. "Selank (TP-7), a synthetic peptide with anxiolytic activity".” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine (2010). PMID: 21161046

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