Part of the Peptivitalis Compound Index.
Statements under Research findings describe published research on the molecule. They are not statements about the properties, effects or suitability of anything Peptivitalis supplies, and they are not guidance for use in humans or animals. Every finding names the model system it came from, and the limits of the evidence are stated alongside it.
Selank
Identity
| Class | Synthetic tuftsin analogue |
| Sequence | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Molecular weight | Approximately 751 Da |
| CAS number | To be confirmed against the certificate of analysis |
Identity note. Selank is tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), a fragment of the immunoglobulin G heavy chain, extended with the same Pro-Gly-Pro tail used across this peptide family to confer resistance to proteases.
Research findings
- In a randomised comparison in generalised anxiety disorder and neurasthenia involving 62 patients, the anxiolytic effect was reported as comparable to that of the benzodiazepine medazepam, with additional antiasthenic effects not observed in the comparator arm [1]
- In rodent studies, changes in GABA-A receptor subunit gene expression have been reported. The mechanistic claim made consistently in this literature is that Selank acts on GABAergic signalling without binding the benzodiazepine site [2]
- What the evidence does not cover: as with Semax, essentially all clinical work originates from Russian-affiliated groups and no independent replication outside that setting has been identified. Two separate 2008 publications by the same group circulate under conflicting database identifiers, so the first citation below is given without one
Research focus
- GABA-A receptor subunit gene expression
- Anxiety and stress models
- Tuftsin-derived immunomodulation
- Glyproline chemistry and peptide stability
Regulatory status
Selank is registered as a medicine in the Russian Federation as an anxiolytic. It holds no United Kingdom or United States marketing authorisation.
Availability and handling
Lyophilised powder. Assayed to ≥98% purity by RP-HPLC, with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry and residual water content checked by Karl Fischer titration. Stored at 2°C – 8°C, protected from light.
Supplied as Selank 10 mg, catalogue number SK10.
Literature
- [1] Zozulya AA, Neznamov GG, Siuniakov TS, et al. Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic Selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2008;108(4):38–48
- [2] Volkova A, Shadrina M, Kolomin T, et al. Selank administration affects the expression of some genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission. Front Pharmacol 2016;7:31. PMC4757669