Selank

What Is Selank?

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the endogenous tetrapeptide tuftsin. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences. Approved in Russia for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and phobia. It demonstrates anxiolytic effects without the sedation, dependence, or withdrawal of benzodiazepines.

Key Mechanisms

• GABA-A modulation — enhances GABAergic tone without direct benzodiazepine site binding
• BDNF upregulation — increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor; neuroprotective and neuroplasticity effects
• IL-6 modulation — anti-inflammatory effects in CNS; reduces neuroinflammatory markers
• Enkephalin metabolism regulation — prolongs endogenous opioid peptide activity

Key References

1. Zozulia AA et al. “Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders.” Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im SS Korsakova, 2008;108(4):38–48.