Selank
Approved in Russia. Human evidence consists of small Russian studies with little independent replication.
At a glance. A calming peptide used as a nasal spray, registered as a medicine in Russia and almost unstudied elsewhere.
Written and maintained by the AVERON Research Desk · Last reviewed September 2026
What it is
Selank is a synthetic peptide of seven amino acids. It was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, based on tuftsin, a natural immune-modulating peptide, with an added three-amino-acid tail that makes it more stable in the body.
It is registered as a medicine in Russia, where it is used as nasal drops for anxiety.
What researchers study it for
Generalised anxiety, stress, and effects on memory and attention.
What the research shows
Russian clinical studies, including a trial by Zozulia and colleagues published in 2008, compared Selank with a conventional anti-anxiety medicine in people with generalised anxiety disorder and neurasthenia, and reported similar anti-anxiety effects with less sedation.
Laboratory research suggests Selank influences several brain signalling systems, including the GABA system that many anti-anxiety drugs act on, and the expression of genes involved in inflammation and nerve function.
The research has almost all been conducted in Russia, published largely in Russian-language journals, and has not been independently replicated in controlled trials elsewhere.
What it does not do, and what is not known
- It is not a sedative and is not reported to cause drowsiness in the way benzodiazepines do.
- It is not a stimulant. If you want drive and focus, that is more often associated with Semax.
- Its evidence base is small, mostly Russian, and largely unreplicated.
- Its effects are reported to be subtle.
- It is not approved outside Russia.
Adverse effects reported in research
The Russian studies reported it as well tolerated, with few adverse effects. When used as a nasal spray, nasal irritation can occur. The small size of the studies means rarer effects may not have been detected.
If you have a diagnosed mental health condition or take any psychiatric medication, speak to your doctor before any use. We do not sell Selank without that conversation having taken place.
Regulatory and anti-doping status
Regulatory: Registered as a medicine in Russia. Not approved in the United States, the European Union or Indonesia.
Anti-doping: Not named on WADA's Prohibited List. Because it holds an approval in Russia, it is not generally treated as falling under category S0. Athletes should confirm with their anti-doping organisation.
At AVERON
Supplied as research-grade material, Selank 10 mg, and as ready-to-use nasal sprays.
Independent lab report: 106895_XU9KS1PTHRA3
Frequently asked questions
Doses mentioned on this page are the arms of published studies or the terms of an approved product, given to describe the evidence. They are not guidance.
Sources
- Zozulia AA, Neznamov GG, Siuniakov TS, et al.. Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia. Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova, 2008;108(4):38–48. Link
- World Anti-Doping Agency. The Prohibited List. WADA. Link