Selank

A synthetic heptapeptide analogue of Tuftsin developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics alongside Semax. Researched as an anxiolytic without the sedation, respiratory depression or dependency characteristics seen in classical benzodiazepines.

Indirect modulation of GABA-A receptors without direct agonism, avoiding the sedation and tolerance of benzodiazepines. Inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes extending natural calming opioid peptide activity. Modulates serotonin 5-HT transport. Retains Tuftsin-derived immunomodulatory properties via NK cell and macrophage activation.

Benzodiazepines flood the brain's braking system. They calm anxiety but sedate, impair memory and create physical dependency. Selank touches similar calming pathways indirectly without triggering the mechanisms that cause sedation or addiction. Soviet clinical practice used it as an anxiolytic that left patients fully functional.

• Elevated plus maze and open field anxiety scoring
• GABA-A receptor expression
• Enkephalin degradation rate
• NK cell and macrophage activity
• Serotonin transporter binding
• Memory consolidation performance

• Anxiety and stress, elevated plus maze and open field models
• GABA-A modulation without direct agonism
• Enkephalin system and natural opioid peptide activity
• NK cell and macrophage immune modulation
• Memory consolidation and learning
• Depression models, forced swim test
• Serotonin transporter interaction

Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow by Seredenin, Voronin and Zozulya, extending Tuftsin from 4 to 7 amino acids to increase CNS stability. Registered as a prescription anxiolytic in Russia in the 1990s.

Men and women 25-60 dealing with anxiety, stress and mood, wanting focus without sedation or alternatives to benzodiazepines.

• Prepare as an intranasal solution.
• Reconstitute with sterile saline, preferred over bacteriostatic water.
• Short half-life demands consistent timed administration.
• Store lyophilised at -20C, nasal solution at 4C up to 14 days.
• Use low-protein-binding polypropylene vials.

• Indirect GABA modulation, distinct from the benzodiazepine mechanism.
• No sedation or respiratory depression in any animal model study.
• Immune function from the Tuftsin backbone is unique in the anxiolytic class.
• Frequently paired with Semax.