Selank

Selank (TP-7) is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics (IHF) of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences in Moscow under the leadership of Nikolai Myasoedov. The peptide is based on the sequence of Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), a naturally occurring immunomodulatory tetrapeptide first identified in 1970 by Victor Najjar at Tufts University. The additional D-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension to Tuftsin significantly increases the molecule's metabolic stability and extends the biological half-life from a few minutes to several hours. Selank's mechanism of action is multimodal and encompasses three central pathways: First, Selank modulates the GABAergic system by influencing GABA-A receptor subunit expression, producing anxiolytic action without sedative effects — a fundamental difference from benzodiazepines, which act directly as GABA-A agonists. Second, Selank influences expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, promoting neuroplastic processes. Third, Selank acts via regulation of enkephalin degradation through inhibition of enkephalinase (neprilysin), modulating endogenous opioid signaling. Clinical studies at IHF (Zozulya et al., Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2008) with over 300 subjects show significant anxiolytic properties in standardized tests (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Spielberger STAI) without sedative action, cognitive impairment or dependence potential. Additionally, studies by Ershov et al. (Doklady Biological Sciences, 2009) document immunomodulatory effects via regulation of IL-6 and interferon gene expression, with Selank significantly modulating the expression of 38 immune-system genes. In Russia, Selank has been approved as an intranasal medicinal product since 2008.