Selank
Selank (Tuftsin Analog with Pro-Gly-Pro)
The anxiolytic peptide
A synthetic heptapeptide derived from the immunopeptide tuftsin, with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension for enzymatic stability. Developed alongside Semax at the Russian Academy of Sciences. Selank modulates GABA-ergic and serotonergic systems to reduce anxiety without sedation, while providing mild cognitive enhancement and immune modulation.
Key Benefits
Anxiety reduction without sedation, tolerance, or cognitive blunting
Mood stabilization through serotonin system modulation
Improved stress resilience and emotional regulation
Mild cognitive enhancement (memory and information processing)
Immune system modulation via tuftsin-derived pathways
Mechanism of Action
How Selank works
Selank reduces anxiety and supports cognition through inhibitory neurotransmitter modulation:
- GABA-ergic modulation — enhances GABA-A receptor sensitivity and increases GABA availability in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, producing anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation, tolerance, or dependence
- Serotonin metabolism — modulates serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite 5-HIAA in the hypothalamus and midbrain. Stabilizes serotonergic tone rather than simply increasing levels, providing mood stability
- Enkephalin system — influences endogenous opioid peptide (enkephalin) expression, contributing to emotional regulation and stress resilience without euphoria or addiction potential
- Immune modulation (tuftsin heritage) — retains some immunomodulatory properties from its parent molecule tuftsin, including monocyte activation and IL-6 regulation, bridging cognitive and immune benefits
Your Genetics & Selank
Genetic variants that affect your response
These SNPs determine how effectively Selank works for you specifically. A genetic peptide report identifies your variants before you start.
Met/Met carriers (worrier phenotype) have higher baseline anxiety due to elevated prefrontal catecholamines and may be the strongest responders to Selank's anxiolytic effects. Val/Val carriers (warrior phenotype) may notice more subtle benefits, primarily in stress resilience.
Determines serotonin reuptake efficiency. The low-expressing S/Lg alleles reduce serotonin clearance and increase anxiety susceptibility. Selank's serotonin-stabilizing effect may be especially valuable for carriers of low-function transporter variants.
GABRA2 variants affect GABA-A receptor composition and sensitivity in the amygdala. Since Selank works partly through GABA-A enhancement, receptor subunit variants determine anxiolytic response magnitude and may explain inter-individual efficacy differences.
FKBP5 regulates glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity, shaping HPA axis stress response. T-allele carriers have prolonged cortisol elevation after stress. Selank's stress-resilience effects may be particularly beneficial for these individuals.
Which variants do you carry?
Upload your DNA data or order a kit to find out.
Evidence & Research
30+
Published studies
Animal studies and in vitro data with promising but limited clinical validation
Common Stacks
Selank is commonly combined with:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Selank used for?
Selank is used for anxiety reduction, mood stabilization, and mild cognitive enhancement. It modulates GABA and serotonin systems to reduce anxiety without the sedation, tolerance, or dependence associated with benzodiazepines. In Russia, it is approved for generalized anxiety disorder. Elsewhere, it is used as a research peptide.
How does Selank compare to benzodiazepines?
Selank produces anxiolytic effects through GABA-A modulation similar to benzodiazepines, but without sedation, cognitive impairment, tolerance buildup, or dependence risk. It enhances GABA receptor sensitivity rather than directly forcing the channel open, producing a gentler, more physiological anxiolytic effect.
Does genetics affect Selank response?
Yes. COMT Val158Met determines baseline anxiety tendency — Met/Met carriers typically respond most strongly. SLC6A4 (serotonin transporter) variants affect the serotonergic pathway Selank modulates. GABRA2 variants influence GABA-A receptor sensitivity. A genetic report identifies your likely response profile before starting.
Learn More About Selank
Personalize your protocol
Does Selank match your DNA?
Upload your existing genetic data or order a kit. Your report scores Selank against your unique genetic profile — CYP metabolism, receptor variants, pathway markers — in minutes.