Selank

Selank (TP-7)

Evidence & Status

  • Moderate Evidence
  • Moderate

At a Glance

A synthetic tuftsin-derived peptide studied primarily for anxiety, stress, and cognitive-related effects. Small human studies have reported anxiolytic effects, while much of the detailed mechanism research remains preclinical. Most of the published human evidence comes from Russian research groups.

Plain English

Selank is studied because early human research suggests calming effects without the heavy sedation associated with some traditional anxiety medications. Researchers are also interested in possible cognitive effects and its interaction with brain-signaling systems such as GABA. Some of the more detailed claims about BDNF and gene expression come from animal and laboratory research rather than controlled human trials.

Overview

A synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the endogenous peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg). Developed and studied primarily in Russia for anxiety-related and cognitive effects. Human studies have reported anxiolytic effects, while mechanistic research suggests activity involving GABAergic and other neuropeptide pathways. BDNF-related findings are primarily preclinical.

Research Summary

Selank has been evaluated in several small human studies, including research in generalized anxiety disorder, neurasthenia, phobic-anxiety and somatoform disorders. These studies reported anxiolytic effects and some cognitive-related findings. Human research has also examined immune signaling and brain functional connectivity. Mechanistic studies suggest effects involving GABAergic signaling, neurotransmission-related gene expression, and BDNF-related pathways, although much of this mechanistic work is preclinical. The main limitation is the relatively small and geographically concentrated human evidence base, with limited large-scale independent replication.

Research Areas

  • Anxiety & stress
  • Cognitive enhancement
  • Depression
  • Immune modulation
  • BDNF & neuroplasticity research

Safety & Risks

Serious Risks

  • No well-defined serious adverse-event profile has been established in controlled human trials. FDA has identified potential immunogenicity concerns for compounded Selank acetate related to aggregation and peptide impurities and notes that important human safety information is lacking.

Reported Side Effects

  • Mild nasal irritation and temporary fatigue have been reported; controlled human safety data remain limited
United States
Not FDA-approved for medical use; FDA has identified safety concerns regarding compounded Selank acetate.
United Kingdom
Research only
Australia
Research only
Canada
Not authorized by Health Canada; Selank has been specifically named in Health Canada advisories involving unauthorized injectable peptide products.

Citations & Sources