Tuftsin-derived heptapeptide
Selank
EmergingA Russian anxiolytic peptide with no sedation on the label.
- Cited sources
- 1
- Human-tested claims
- 0 of 1
- Best evidence
- Tier 4 · Emerging
- Status
- Approved abroad
A synthetic analog of the immunopeptide tuftsin, developed in Russia as an anxiolytic and studied for anxiety and cognition. It is a registered prescription drug in its home market; rigorous international trial data is scarce.
How it works
Selank extends the natural tetrapeptide tuftsin with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail that makes it more stable. It is reported to influence GABA/serotonin signaling and enkephalin turnover, producing anxiety relief without the sedation associated with benzodiazepines — chiefly in Russian studies.
Sequence: TKPRPGPTuftsin (TKPR) plus a stabilizing Pro-Gly-Pro tail. Widely reported but secondary-sourced.
What it's studied for
One claim per card, each with its own tier and source. Tiers 1 and 2 are human data. Tiers 3 and 4 are not yet.
- [1]Zozulia et al., 2008 (Selank in GAD, PubMed)(opens in a new tab)
Comparable anxiolytic effect to a benzodiazepine, with added anti-asthenic effects, in a small Russian study of generalized anxiety and neurasthenia.
Emerging
Regulatory & legal status
Registered as a prescription anxiolytic in Russia. Not approved by the FDA or EMA.
[1]Zozulia et al., 2008 (Selank in GAD, PubMed)(opens in a new tab)Frequently asked
Is Selank proven to treat anxiety?
It is used clinically in Russia and small studies there report anxiolytic effects, but it has not been validated in large independent Western trials.
References
Written by Twenty Residues editorial. Medical review: pending; a named reviewer is being assigned.
Last updated September 19, 2026.
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Update history
- 2026-09-19 — Sourced review — every claim checked against primary literature; sequence, regulatory status, safety, and FAQs added.