Selank
Also called TP-7; Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
A seven-amino-acid peptide studied mainly for anxiety in small Russian trials. It is not an FDA-approved anxiety medicine, and claims of "no side effects" or "non-addictive" go beyond the evidence.
Overview
What it is
A synthetic analogue of tuftsin, a natural immune peptide, with three amino acids added.
How it works
In rat brain tissue, it produced gene-expression patterns overlapping with GABA, the main calming neurotransmitter. In human-derived cells, Selank alone did not change those genes. It also slows enzymes that break down enkephalins in serum samples.
What the research shows
Small Russian studies compared Selank with benzodiazepines (medazepam, phenazepam) in anxiety disorders and reported similar effects. Large placebo-controlled trials are lacking.
Studied for
- Generalized anxiety and neurastheniasmall human studies
- GABA-related gene expressionrats, cells
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
Long-term safety is incomplete. FDA flags immune and impurity concerns for compounded Selank acetate. No reliable interaction data with antidepressants, sleep medicines or alcohol. Never stop a prescribed benzodiazepine abruptly; tapering needs medical supervision.
Regulatory status
Not FDA approved. On FDA's list of compounding substances with potential safety risks.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Selank 5 mg Dosage Chart and Protocol
- Vial
- 5 mg Selank
- Add diluent
- 5 mL or 10 mL measured nasal solution
- Concentration
- 1 mg/mL (5 mL) or 0.5 mg/mL (10 mL)
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 100 mcg (5 mL) or 50 mcg (10 mL) per 0.10 mL spray
- Route
- Intranasal
- 5 mL final volume
- 1 mg/mL 100 mcg per verified 0.10 mL spray, and 50 nominal sprays.
- 10 mL final volume
- 0.5 mg/mL 50 mcg per verified 0.10 mL spray, and 100 nominal sprays.
- Primary human research route
- Intranasal drops or measured intranasal solution.
Selank 5 mg Nasal Spray Calculations
| Measured Final Volume | Vehicle Added After Transfer | Final Concentration | Per Verified 0.10 mL Spray |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 mL | About 2.0 mL | 1,000 mcg/mL | 100 mcg50 nominal sprays |
| 10.0 mL | About 7.0 mL | 500 mcg/mL | 50 mcg100 nominal sprays |
| 3.33 mL (registered-product concentration reference) | About 0.33 mL | 1,500 mcg/mL | 150 mcg33.3 nominal sprays |
Reference Schedule
| Period | Amount | Spray Volume | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1–14 | 300 mcg per administration (900 mcg/day) | 0.20 mL at 1.5 mg/mL (2 verified 0.10 mL sprays) | 3 times daily |
Mathematical Actuator Equivalents
| Literature Amount | 5 mL Option100 mcg per Spray | 10 mL Option50 mcg per Spray |
|---|---|---|
| 300 mcg | 3 sprays | 6 sprays |
| 900 mcg | 9 sprays | 18 sprays |
| 2,700 mcg | 27 sprays | 54 sprays |
Published Human Intranasal Selank Research
| Source | Research Context | Published Intranasal Amount and Formulation |
|---|---|---|
| Zozulia et al., 2008 | 62 adults with generalized anxiety disorder or neurasthenia | Selank 0.15% nasal drops at 2.7 mg per day, reported as 36 drops divided across three administrations, with outcomes followed through day 14. |
| Syunyakov et al., 2012 | 20 adults with generalized anxiety disorder | 2,700 mcg per day intranasally. The pharmaco-EEG analysis also examined a single 900 mcg exposure. |
| Panikratova et al., 2020 | Healthy-volunteer functional connectivity study | One intranasal exposure using 0.15% Selank solution, 60 microliters per nostril, described as a 0.2 mg total amount. |
Core Formula
| Verified Actuator Output | 5 mL Option1,000 mcg/mL | 10 mL Option500 mcg/mL |
|---|---|---|
| 0.05 mL | 50 mcg | 25 mcg |
| 0.10 mL | 100 mcg | 50 mcg |
| 0.13 mL | 130 mcg | 65 mcg |
How to mix
- Confirm the 5 mg vial, selected sterile research vehicle, actuator bottle capacity, and documented pump output.
- Add 3.0 mL of compatible sterile vehicle to the vial with aseptic transfer technique.
- Gently swirl until the contents are dissolved. Do not shake.
- Transfer the complete 3.0 mL solution into a sterile 5 mL or 10 mL nasal actuator bottle.
- Add enough vehicle to reach a measured final volume of exactly 5.0 mL or 10.0 mL. The theoretical additions are approximately 2.0 mL and 7.0 mL.
- Secure the pump and label the bottle with the peptide amount, final volume, concentration, pump output, and preparation date.
- Prime the pump according to the actuator instructions and record the priming sprays in the research log.
Dosing details
- The 2008 comparative study reported similar anxiety-related effects for Selank and medazepam, with additional anti-asthenic and psychostimulant observations in the Selank group.
- In the 2012 GAD report, 40% of participants were classified as rapid responders during days 1 to 3, while 60% showed a gradual response pattern through day 14.
- The 2014 comparison reported anxiolytic and mild nootropic findings, but the study was small and does not establish a universal protocol.
- The healthy-volunteer neuroimaging study examined a single intranasal exposure and functional connectivity rather than a repeated clinical course.
- A 2021 clinical-pharmacology review characterized Selank as poorly studied and emphasized the need for more safety evaluation.
Storage
- Storage depends on the complete formulation, container, and handling method.
- Registered 0.15% product: Protected from light, stored at no more than 10 degrees C, and not frozen.
- Opened registered product: Follow that finished product’s manufacturer instructions; its labeled conditions do not apply to a custom research preparation.
- Custom research preparation: Use formulation-specific stability and microbiological controls rather than transferring the finished-product shelf life.
- Labeling: Record preparation date, final volume, concentration, vehicle, and storage conditions.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Does Selank help anxiety?
Small studies are encouraging but not conclusive. Established treatments include CBT and medication.
Is Selank non-addictive?
The evidence does not support a blanket guarantee.
Is it the same as Semax?
No. They are different peptides.
Found in these blends
Related in Brain and Cognitive Health
Sources and further reading (6)
- Zozulia AA, et al. Selank in generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia, 2008.
- Medvedev VE, et al. Selank vs phenazepam in anxiety disorders, 2014.
- Volkova A, et al. Selank and GABAergic gene expression. Front Pharmacol, 2016.
- FDA. Bulk drug substances that may present significant safety risks: Selank acetate.
- NIMH. Generalized anxiety disorder.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Laboratory research material: Selank Research Use Only