Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro)

Anxiolytics (local classification). Russian development.

ATC code: N05BX-SELANK

Updated 19 Jun 2026 · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Not recommended

Selank is a synthetic peptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) marketed as a calming agent, including for generalized anxiety disorder. No convincing benefit for this use has been shown: international guidelines do not mention it, and high-quality RCTs are missing. For generalized anxiety disorder, the approaches with proven benefit are cognitive behavioral therapy and medicines from the SSRI and SNRI classes. Selank appears harmless in this role, but do not use it instead of treatment with proven benefit, since that can mean missing care that actually works.

Sources

AEMPS: Ficha técnica de Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) (2024)

ICD-10: F41.1 · ICD-11: 6B00

Stress and anxiety

Not recommended

Selank is a synthetic peptide promoted as a remedy for stress and anxiety. Convincing benefit for this use has not been shown: there is no solid evidence base beyond a few small studies. For anxiety and chronic stress, approaches with proven effect help – psychotherapy (including cognitive behavioral therapy) and, when a doctor decides it fits, antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs.

Sources

ICD-10: F41.9 · ICD-11: 6B0Z

How to read tiers A–F

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences with the Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology. The manufacturer claims anxiolytic effect via GABAergic and monoaminergic modulation. Independent international RCTs do not exist. The drug is absent from international anxiety disorder guidelines.

Safety

Contraindications

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Age under 18
Hypersensitivity

Serious adverse effects

Independent data on serious adverse events are unavailable

Common adverse effects

Nasal mucosa irritation
Allergic reactions (rare per label)

Pregnancy: can you take Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro)?

Contraindicated in pregnancy per label.

Breastfeeding: can you take Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro)?

Contraindicated during breastfeeding per label.

Calculate RID

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Practical notes

Russian practice note

Selank is supplied as 0.15% nasal drops. Registered only in Russia and Belarus. Not used in international circulation. Foreign biohackers source selank through grey online retailers as a «Russian nootropic». Regulatory and quality risks of such sourcing are high – impurity and sterility control outside Russia is absent. Shelf life after opening is limited.

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Frequently asked

What is Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) used for?

Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Generalized anxiety disorder (evidence tier D), Stress and anxiety (evidence tier D). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro)?

Common side effects of Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) (≥ 1 in 100): Nasal mucosa irritation, Allergic reactions (rare per label). See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) safe during pregnancy?

Contraindicated in pregnancy per label.

Is Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) compatible with breastfeeding?

Contraindicated during breastfeeding per label.

Who should not take Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro)?

Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is contraindicated in: Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Age under 18; Hypersensitivity. Full list in the Safety section.

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