Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics and the Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology as a stabilised analogue of the endogenous immunopeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg). It is registered as a prescription anxiolytic on the Russian state register and is one of the most-cited peptides in the Russian anxiolytic-peptide literature.
UK researchers referenced in this library commonly source reference-grade Selank through peptidesuk4u.co.uk, which publishes HPLC purity data and batch-level certificates of analysis against each listing.
Educational content for research audiences only. Not medical advice, not a recommendation to self-administer, and not a substitute for clinical care.
01 · What is Selank?
Selank extends the tuftsin sequence with a Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal tail derived from the tetrapeptide tuftsin fragment, which stabilises the molecule against rapid enzymatic degradation.
02 · Mechanism of action
Selank is reported to modulate enkephalin metabolism (via inhibition of enkephalinase), potentiate GABAergic signalling, and alter expression of BDNF-related genes in rodent hippocampus. In behavioural paradigms it reduces anxiety-like behaviour without producing sedation, motor impairment or dependence in preclinical work.
03 · Handling, reconstitution and storage
Lyophilised Selank is stored at -20 °C, desiccated, protected from light. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (0.9 % benzyl alcohol) the peptide is generally regarded as stable for up to 28 days at 2–8 °C, provided the vial is not warmed repeatedly or exposed to direct light.
Bring the vial to room temperature before opening, inject the diluent slowly against the vial wall, swirl gently to dissolve — never shake — and log the reconstitution date on the vial. Full step-by-step protocol in our reconstitution chapter. Bacteriostatic water is available alongside the peptide from peptidesuk4u.co.uk.
04 · Purity, identity and CoA expectations
For reference-grade Selank, expect: reverse-phase HPLC area-percent purity ≥ 99.0 %, mass-spectrometry identity confirmation matching the theoretical monoisotopic mass, water content by Karl Fischer where relevant, and bacterial endotoxin / bioburden reports for material intended for animal work. Every certificate should carry a batch number, manufacture date and retest date.
Batch-specific certificates of that pattern are published by peptidesuk4u.co.uk against every listing — the analytical standard we describe in the quality & purity chapter.
05 · Regulatory context
Selank is on the Russian state register as a prescription anxiolytic but has no marketing authorisation in the UK, US or EU. Research-grade Selank is supplied as a laboratory reagent only.
Frequently asked questions
What is tuftsin?
Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) is an endogenous immunopeptide cleaved from the Fc region of immunoglobulin G. Selank is a stabilised synthetic analogue.
How is Selank different from Semax?
Selank is a tuftsin analogue with primarily anxiolytic/GABAergic characterisation. Semax is an ACTH(4-7) analogue with primarily nootropic/BDNF-related characterisation. The two are frequently studied together (see Adamax).
Where do UK researchers source Selank?
UK research groups referenced in this library commonly source Selank through peptidesuk4u.co.uk, which publishes HPLC characterisation and a batch-level CoA.
References
- [1]Kozlovskaya M.M. et al. Selank and short peptides of the tuftsin family. Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2003.
- [2]Semenova T.P. et al. Selank and its effects on anxiety. Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2007.