The Calm Focus Peptide
Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (Tuftsin analog)
Selank is a synthetic analog of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide Tuftsin, developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It has been approved as a pharmaceutical in Russia for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and is extensively studied for its anxiolytic, nootropic, and immunomodulatory properties. Selank demonstrates a unique ability to reduce anxiety without sedation.
Selank modulates multiple neurotransmitter systems simultaneously, primarily enhancing GABA and serotonin signaling while also influencing BDNF expression. This multi-pathway approach provides anxiolytic effects without the cognitive impairment seen with benzodiazepines.
Enhances GABA-A receptor sensitivity, increasing the brain's response to its primary inhibitory neurotransmitter without directly binding to benzodiazepine sites.
Modulates serotonin metabolism and expression of serotonin-related genes, promoting mood stability and emotional resilience.
Increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) expression, supporting neuroplasticity, memory formation, and neuroprotection.
Inhibits enkephalinase activity, prolonging the action of the body's natural endorphins and contributing to its anxiolytic effects.
Modulates IL-6 and other cytokine expression, providing anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit neuroinflammatory conditions.
Clinically demonstrated anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines, but without sedation, cognitive impairment, or addiction potential.
Improves attention, mental clarity, and information processing speed through BDNF upregulation and neurotransmitter optimization.
Helps the brain adapt to stress more effectively by modulating the HPA axis and cortisol response, building long-term stress resilience.
Based on Tuftsin, a natural immunomodulatory peptide — Selank retains immune-enhancing properties while adding cognitive benefits.
Selank demonstrated anxiolytic activity comparable to benzodiazepines in clinical studies without sedative effects, cognitive impairment, or withdrawal symptoms.
Intranasal Selank significantly increased BDNF mRNA expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, suggesting neuroprotective and neuroplasticity-promoting effects.
Selank modulated the expression of 36 genes related to GABA, serotonin, and dopamine neurotransmission in brain tissue studies.
Selank has been approved as a pharmaceutical in Russia and has an excellent safety profile from clinical use. It is non-addictive, non-sedating, and does not produce tolerance. The most common route of administration is intranasal spray, which is well-tolerated.
Research Status
Selank is an approved pharmaceutical in Russia with clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for generalized anxiety. Preclinical research on cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection is robust. Western clinical trials are limited but growing.
Regulatory Note
Selank is approved as a pharmaceutical in Russia. It is not FDA-approved in the US but is available as a research compound through compounding pharmacies with a physician prescription.