Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia, it has been extensively studied for its anxiolytic and nootropic properties in preclinical research. This profile covers its mechanism, key research areas and sourcing considerations.
What is Selank?
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic analogue of tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), a naturally occurring tetrapeptide fragment of IgG that is involved in immune regulation. The additional Pro-Gly-Pro sequence in Selank was added to improve metabolic stability. Like Semax, Selank was developed in the Soviet Union and has been the subject of ongoing Russian pharmacological research since the 1990s.
Mechanism of action
Selank's primary research interest is its interaction with the GABAergic system. It has been studied as a modulator of GABA-A receptor activity, producing anxiolytic effects in animal models without the sedative or amnesic effects associated with benzodiazepines. This GABAergic profile, combined with its peptide structure, makes it a useful research tool for studying anxiety-related pathways without the confounds of classical GABA-A modulators. Selank has also been studied for interactions with the serotonergic system and for upregulation of BDNF, overlapping with the neurotrophic research areas of Semax.
Research areas
Anxiety and stress research has been the primary focus of the Selank literature, with consistent anxiolytic findings in rodent models across multiple research groups. Immune modulation research has studied its effects on cytokine profiles, reflecting its tuftsin origin. Cognitive research has examined its influence on learning and memory consolidation. Its combination of anxiolytic and nootropic properties in animal models has made it a subject of interest for researchers studying the intersection of stress, mood and cognition.
Selank and Semax in combined protocols
Selank is frequently paired with Semax in neurological research protocols. Semax is primarily studied for stimulatory and neurotrophic effects; Selank for anxiolytic and GABAergic modulation. The complementary mechanisms make combined use common in research designs examining multiple neurological endpoints simultaneously.
Purity requirements
As with all peptide research compounds, impurity profiles matter for reproducible results. Every Selank batch Pepreta supplies is characterised by RP-HPLC to ≥99% purity, ESI-MS identity confirmation and LAL endotoxin screening, with a batch Certificate of Analysis available.
Sourcing Selank for research
Pepreta supplies Selank as HPLC-verified lyophilised powder in 10mg vials, dispatched from Sydney and Melbourne. For reconstitution guidance see our reconstitution guide. Supplied for laboratory and research use only — not for human or animal consumption.