What is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, designed as an extended analogue of tuftsin — a naturally occurring tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) produced by enzymatic cleavage of the Fc fragment of IgG and known for its immunostimulatory properties. Like its counterpart Semax, Selank was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, where both peptides have been studied since the 1990s.
The C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension shared with Semax confers enhanced resistance to enzymatic degradation compared to tuftsin itself, improving metabolic stability in biological systems. Selank has been studied in preclinical models for two primary research areas: anxiolytic activity involving modulation of the GABAergic system, and immunomodulation involving effects on cytokine profiles and immune cell activity.
ClaraScience supplies Selank in 5mg lyophilised vials independently HPLC-tested to ≥99.0% purity (99.1% verified this batch). For laboratory research use only.
Origin. Tuftsin analogue — extended from the naturally occurring IgG-derived tetrapeptide Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg with Pro-Gly-Pro stabilising tail.
Research focus. Anxiolytic (GABA-A modulation), immunomodulation (cytokine profiling), BDNF expression in preclinical models.
Status. Registered pharmaceutical in Russia. No Western regulatory approval. Research use only.
Research Background
The foundational preclinical characterisation of Selank was conducted by Seredenin et al., with published work in Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine (1998) establishing its anxiolytic properties in rodent models using conflict tests, elevated plus maze, and open field behavioural paradigms. Compared to classical anxiolytics, Selank was noted in preclinical studies for producing anxiolytic effects without the sedation, muscle relaxation, and potential for dependence observed with benzodiazepine compounds in animal models.
The proposed mechanism of Selank's anxiolytic activity involves modulation of GABA-A receptor function — the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor system that is also the target of benzodiazepines — through a mechanism that may be distinct from classical benzodiazepine binding. Additionally, Selank has been studied for effects on BDNF expression in the hippocampus, serotonin transporter system dynamics, and IL-6/TNF-α cytokine profiles in immune cell culture models.
The immunomodulatory arm of Selank research is particularly interesting given its tuftsin-derived structure. Tuftsin is known to activate macrophages and natural killer cells through interactions with neuropilin-1 and related receptors; the extended Selank sequence is studied for whether similar immunological signalling is retained or modified by the Pro-Gly-Pro extension.
Key citation Seredenin SB et al. "Pharmacological activity of Selank." Bull Exp Biol Med. 1998;126(5):443–445.
Compound Specifications
| Common Name |
Selank (Tuftsin analogue) |
| Sequence |
Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Molecular Weight |
751.88 g/mol |
| Purity (HPLC) |
≥99.0% (99.1% verified this batch) |
| Vial Size |
5mg lyophilised powder |
| Storage |
2–8°C (short-term) · −20°C (long-term) |
| Primary Reference |
Seredenin SB et al., Bull Exp Biol Med 1998 |
Storage & Handling
- Unopened vial: 2–8°C for regular use; −20°C for longer-term storage.
- After reconstitution: 2–8°C, use within 28 days. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
- Reconstitution: Sterile bacteriostatic water or saline. Use our free reconstitution calculator.
Full protocols: Storage & Handling Guide.
Ordering & Pricing — Australia
| Quantity |
Price per vial |
Saving |
| 1–4 vials |
$54.95 AUD |
— |
| 5–9 vials |
$49.95 AUD |
Save 9% |
| 10+ vials |
$44.95 AUD |
Save 18% |
Free priority tracked shipping on orders over $250 AUD. Dispatched within 24 hours. Wholesale enquiries welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide tuftsin analogue (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences. It has been studied in preclinical models for anxiolytic activity, GABA-A modulation, immunomodulatory effects, and BDNF expression. For laboratory research use only.
What is tuftsin?
Tuftsin is a naturally occurring tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) produced by enzymatic cleavage of the Fc region of immunoglobulin G. It has known immunostimulatory properties including macrophage and NK cell activation. Selank is an extended version of tuftsin with improved metabolic stability and additional neurological research activity.
What is the difference between Selank and Semax?
Semax is an ACTH(4-10) analogue studied primarily for nootropic and neuroprotective effects and BDNF upregulation. Selank is a tuftsin analogue studied primarily for anxiolytic and immunomodulatory effects. Both come from the Russian Academy research tradition and are frequently co-studied in cognitive research programmes.
Is Selank available in Australia?
ClaraScience stocks Selank in our Australian warehouse. 5mg vials, research-grade, dispatched within 24 hours. For laboratory research use only.
What purity is your Selank?
≥99.0% HPLC-verified at a WHO/GMP-certified laboratory. Full COA with chromatogram and mass spectrometry identity confirmation with every batch.
