Selank was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow as a stabilised analogue of tuftsin, an endogenous immunomodulatory tetrapeptide, extended with a proline-glycine-proline sequence to resist enzymatic degradation. It is registered as a medicine in Russia for anxiety disorders, where the clinical case advanced for it is anxiolytic activity comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation, cognitive impairment, tolerance or withdrawal. The supporting trials were conducted within the Russian regulatory system and have not been replicated by independent groups or submitted to Western regulators, which is the central limitation to bear in mind when weighing the evidence. It holds no authorisation in the UK, EU or US. PHI supplies Selank for clinician-directed use.
Active Compound: Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, tuftsin analogue)
Permitted Claim GuidelinesA peptide registered as a medicine in Russia and studied for its effects on anxiety and cognition. Used under practitioner supervision. Not authorised in this market.
Mechanism of ActionNot fully characterised. Reported to modulate the balance of monoamines and to influence the expression of GABA-A receptor subunits without acting as a direct GABAergic agonist, which would account for anxiolysis without sedation or dependence. Also reported to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and to modulate enkephalin degradation and interleukin-6 balance.
Evidence Grade: B/C - Registered medicine in Russia with national trial data; not independently replicated
Clinical Evidence BaseClinical trials conducted in Russia report anxiolytic efficacy in generalised anxiety disorder and neurasthenia, supporting national registration. These have not been independently replicated outside Russia and are not available in the form Western regulators would require. No UK, EU or US authorisation.
Literature & ReferencesZozulya AA et al. Bull Exp Biol Med, 2008 - efficacy and safety of Selank in generalised anxiety disorder. | Kolomin T et al. J Biomed Sci, 2013 - Selank and gene expression in the brain. | Volkova A et al. Front Pharmacol, 2016 - Selank administration and BDNF expression.
Safety & PrecautionsReported as well tolerated in Russian clinical use, without the sedation, tolerance or withdrawal associated with benzodiazepines. Independent long-term safety data are not available. Because the mechanism touches GABAergic and monoaminergic systems, interaction with psychotropic medication cannot be excluded and concurrent use should be reviewed. Not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients with a diagnosed anxiety disorder should remain under appropriate clinical care.
ContraindicationsPregnancy and breastfeeding; concurrent psychotropic therapy without review; known hypersensitivity.
Storage & HandlingStore lyophilised vial at 2-8 C, protected from light. Nasal presentation: store per device specification.
Regulatory StatusRegistered as a medicine in the Russian Federation. Not authorised in the UK, EU or US. Supplied only through appropriate professional, prescription-led channels.