What Is Selank? A Research Overview

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the endogenous immunopeptide tuftsin, studied in preclinical and in-vitro models as a candidate anxiolytic and nootropic research compound. It is supplied strictly for laboratory research use only (RUO) and is not approved for human or veterinary use.

Quick facts

• Class: synthetic tuftsin analogue; heptapeptide (Thr–Lys–Pro–Arg–Pro–Gly–Pro)
• Research focus: anxiolytic, GABAergic, and BDNF-related mechanisms in cell and animal models
• Form: lyophilized powder, ≥99% HPLC purity, third-party tested, USA-lyophilized

What is Selank?

Selank is a short peptide derived from tuftsin, a naturally occurring fragment of the heavy chain of human immunoglobulin G. To improve metabolic stability in experimental systems, the parent sequence is elongated at the C-terminus with a Pro–Gly–Pro tripeptide. The resulting heptapeptide has been investigated in a range of preclinical neuropharmacology studies and is typically handled as a lyophilized powder reconstituted for in-vitro and in-vivo experiments.

What does the research show?

Published work on Selank is preclinical — in cultured cells and animal models, not approved human therapy. Investigators have examined how the peptide influences gene expression linked to GABAergic neurotransmission; in one study, administration to rat frontal cortex changed the expression of numerous neurotransmission-related genes, with effects correlating with those of GABA itself (Volkova et al., 2016). A related in-vitro study in IMR-32 cells reported that Selank modulated GABA-driven gene expression (Filatova et al., 2017). Separately, researchers reported that Selank attenuated aversive signs of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal in rats (Konstantinopolsky et al., 2022). These findings describe observations in laboratory models only.

Mechanisms studied in the lab

• GABAergic modulation: investigated as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA signaling in cell and rodent models.
• BDNF expression: animal work has reported changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in hippocampal tissue.
• Monoaminergic signaling: studied for possible effects on serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission.
• Immunomodulation: reported to influence interferon and cytokine gene expression in preclinical models.

Research status and safety

Selank is an investigational compound in the preclinical literature. It is not approved by the FDA, is not a medicine, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease in humans or animals. It is offered solely as a research chemical for qualified researchers in controlled laboratory settings.

Handling

Selank ships as a lyophilized powder and should be stored cold and protected from light and moisture until use. For reconstitution guidance, see our guide on how to reconstitute a research peptide, and browse related cognitive research peptides. To view specifications and availability, see Selank — ≥99% pure, third-party tested.

FAQ

How does Selank differ from Semax?

Both are short synthetic peptides studied in neuropharmacology research, but they derive from different parent molecules. Selank is an analogue of the immunopeptide tuftsin and is most often studied for anxiolytic- and GABA-related effects, whereas Semax derives from a fragment of ACTH and is more commonly investigated for nootropic and neuroprotective endpoints. Read about Semax.

Is Selank approved for human use?

No. In the United States, Selank is not FDA-approved and is sold only as a research chemical for laboratory use. It is not for human or veterinary consumption.

References

1. Volkova A, et al. Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission. Front Pharmacol. 2016.
2. Filatova E, et al. GABA, Selank, and Olanzapine Affect the Expression of Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission in IMR-32 Cells. Front Pharmacol. 2017.
3. Konstantinopolsky MA, et al. Selank Attenuates Aversive Signs of Morphine Withdrawal in Rats. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2022.

For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.