What it is
A synthetic heptapeptide analog of the human tetrapeptide tuftsin (an immunomodulatory fragment of IgG), developed by the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences.
How it works
Proposed to modulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and to enhance GABAergic and serotonergic signalling; preclinical work also reports an enkephalinase-inhibition / endogenous-opioid potentiation effect, hypothesized to underlie the anxiolytic profile.
Where it's used
Approved in Russia for generalized anxiety; outside Russia it is used off-label / as a research peptide. ROUTES: most commonly self-administered as an intranasal spray (typically 200-300 mcg per nostril, 1-3x/day) — research literature also describes subcutaneous injection at similar microgram doses, and sublingual oral dosing has been reported anecdotally with reduced bioavailability.
Regulatory status
Not FDA-approved; research compound in the US.
Reconstitution
Lyophilized vials reconstitute with bacteriostatic water (typically 2-3 mL per 5 mg vial → easy 100-200 mcg microdrops). Pre-mixed nasal sprays are also sold; for injection use, the same reconstitution applies.
Tracking it
As a nasal spray, Selank is easy to lose count of — logging each administration keeps the daily total honest.
Source
Russian State Pharmacopoeia; published preclinical literature
Last reviewed 2026-06-11