Beginner view — everything explained simply.
Machine-assisted translation — the German original version is authoritative.
Cognition & Neuro
Selank
TP-7 · Tuftsin-Analogon
Selank is a synthetic analogue of the body's own tetrapeptide tuftsin. It is being researched for anxiolytic and stress-regulating effects. In the EU and the USA it is not approved as a medicine.
Regulatory status
Not approved for humans
Not approved in the EU/USA — registered as an anxiolytic in Russia.
Drug class
Neuropeptide (synthetic tuftsin analogue)
Half-life (informative)
Short; formulated intranasally.
Studied in the literature
In studies investigated intranasally. No EU/US approval.
Mechanism of action
In models, Selank modulates the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), among other things, and influences monoamine neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin). An inhibition of the breakdown of enkephalins (the body's own opioid peptides) is also described. Anxiolytic effects are derived from this — in research without the sedating or memory-impairing effect of classic benzodiazepines.
As with Semax, the intranasal administration serves the aim of allowing the peptide to act on the central nervous system.
Research history
Developed in Russia (Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry). Registered there as an anxiolytic; the body of data comes predominantly from Russian research.
Positive aspects
What the research shows that is promising
Research areas
- Anxiety and stress regulation (anxiolytic)
- Immune/cytokine modulation (IL-6)
- Neurotransmitter modulation (preclinical)
- Cognition and attention (focus, information processing; predominantly Russian research)
Documented effects (from the literature)
- Predominantly described as well tolerated in the available research.
- Anxiolytic effects primarily in Russian/preclinical studies.
Risk analysis
What to view critically and honestly
Regulatory status by region
Not an approved medicine.
Registered there as an anxiolytic — no EU/US approval.
Safety concerns & caution
- Independent, high-quality data outside Russia are limited.
- Long-term safety not comprehensively established.
Risks of gray-market purchase
- Available online as a "research" nasal spray; quality unassured.
- Self-treatment of anxiety disorders without medical evaluation is risky.
Frequently asked questions
Is Selank a substitute for anxiety medications?
No. It is not approved in the EU/USA, and anxiety disorders should be medically evaluated and treated. The research is predominantly preclinical/Russian.
How does it differ from benzodiazepines?
In studies, Selank is described as anxiolytic without the typical sedation/memory impairment of benzodiazepines — but this is not proof of approval or equivalence.
Sources
Primary and reference sources for your own reading.
Related substances
Mentioned in these guide articles
Unfamiliar terms? Look them up in the glossary or read the fundamentals.
This profile is for information and education only. It is not medical advice and deliberately contains no dosing or usage details. Decisions about use belong in a doctor’s hands.