Selank

Selank is a synthetic therapeutic peptide developed in Russia that is used for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), nootropic (cognitive-enhancing), and immunomodulatory effects. It is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring human peptide tuftsin.

Key Information
--Development and Status: Selank was developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences and is approved as a drug in Russia and certain other CIS countries for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, it is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use in the United States and is generally classified as a research chemical in other countries.
--Administration: Selank is typically administered via subcutaneous injection or as an intranasal spray.
Mechanism of Action: It influences several neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including:
--GABAergic System: It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, similar to benzodiazepines, but without the risk of dependence, addiction, or severe side effects like sedation.
--Neurotransmitter Regulation: It modulates levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play crucial roles in mood, stress responses, and cognition.
--Neuroprotection: It rapidly elevates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for the growth, survival, and plasticity of neurons.
--Immunomodulation: As a tuftsin analogue, it can affect certain immune markers like interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Potential Benefits and Uses
Clinical and preclinical studies suggest Selank may offer several benefits, particularly for individuals dealing with stress and cognitive challenges:
--Reduced anxiety, stress, and emotional fatigue.
--Improved mood and increased stress resilience.
--Enhanced cognitive function, including focus, attention, memory, and learning abilities.
--Neuroprotective properties, potentially aiding in recovery from brain injuries or age-related cognitive decline.
--Support for the immune system and anti-inflammatory effects.

Safety and Regulation in the US
While generally well-tolerated in clinical studies with minimal side effects (mostly mild irritation from nasal spray), the FDA has raised safety concerns regarding compounded drugs containing Selank due to the potential for immunogenicity (an immune response) and a lack of comprehensive safety data from human trials acceptable under U.S. regulations. It should only be used under the guidance of a licensed medical professional, often through compounding pharmacies in the US.