Selank
What it is
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from tuftsin, a naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide fragment of immunoglobulin G. The tuftsin sequence was extended with additional amino acid residues to slow enzymatic breakdown, giving Selank greater metabolic stability than the parent molecule.
Research context and categorization
Selank is generally grouped with cognitive and mood research peptides, and because of its tuftsin lineage it also carries an immune or immunomodulatory character. It was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences together with the V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology.
In neutral research-framed terms, Selank is commonly discussed in relation to anxiety and stress modulation and is investigated for possible effects on cognition and attention. It is also studied in the context of GABAergic and monoaminergic neurotransmission and of changes in cytokine and interleukin expression patterns, which some researchers connect to its immunomodulatory heritage. Outside of its Russian approval, these uses remain investigational. In the United States and most other jurisdictions they are not confirmed or approved benefits, and the available evidence base is drawn largely from Russian research institutions with limited independent international replication.
Status
- Regulatory status: Not FDA-approved in the United States, where it is research-only and investigational. As of 2026 it has been identified by the FDA as a Category 2 bulk drug substance, meaning compounding pharmacies cannot use it while review continues. Selank is approved in Russia and some neighboring states as a prescription or over-the-counter anxiolytic.
- Sport status: Not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List. However, because Selank lacks approval from major Western regulatory authorities for human therapeutic use, it may fall under the S0 Non-Approved Substances catch-all category, which prohibits substances with no current governmental health-authority approval. Athletes subject to testing should treat it with caution.
Reconstitution notes (general)
For lyophilized peptides supplied as a powder, concentration equals the milligrams in the vial divided by the millilitres of bacteriostatic water added. For example, 5 mg in 2 mL gives 2.5 mg/mL, and 10 mg in 2 mL gives 5 mg/mL. You can work out volumes and concentrations with the calculator at our reconstitution and blend calculators.
Dilution and handling notes (compound-specific)
Selank is a short, water-soluble peptide and reconstitutes readily. Typical reference concentrations fall in the range of about 1 to 5 mg/mL. As practical examples, a 5 mg vial is often brought up with 2 to 3 mL of bacteriostatic water (roughly 2.5 mg/mL down to about 1.67 mg/mL) and a 10 mg vial with 2 to 3 mL (about 5 mg/mL down to roughly 3.33 mg/mL). Lower concentrations make small measured volumes easier to read.
Because Selank dissolves easily, it does not tend to gel or form a stubborn precipitate the way some longer or more hydrophobic peptides can. It can still foam if the water is added too fast. Add the bacteriostatic water slowly, letting it run down the inside wall of the vial rather than jetting directly onto the powder, then swirl or gently roll the vial rather than shaking. Excessive shaking introduces air and foam and can stress the peptide. The solution should end up clear and colorless. Note that in its Russian clinical form Selank is delivered as an intranasal spray rather than an injectable, so reconstitution practices vary with the intended research format.
Handling and storage
Store reconstituted Selank refrigerated at 2 to 8 C and keep it out of direct light. Wipe the stopper with an alcohol swab before drawing, and label the vial with the mix date. Reconstituted solution is generally referenced with an approximately 4-week refrigerated window. Discard the vial if the contents become cloudy or discolored or if any floaters or particulates appear.
Related reading
Tools and supplies
- Reconstitution & blend calculators
- Bacteriostatic Water 30 ml
- Gansulin Metal Reusable Pen
- 3 ml Glass Cartridges (10-pack)
- Complete Starter Kit
For laboratory and research reference only. Educational content, not medical, dosing, injection, or therapeutic guidance, and not intended for human or animal use. Any research uses described are investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Confirm anything involving health with a licensed professional. References linked above.