Selank is a synthetic peptide of seven amino acids which – like Semax – originates from Russian peptide research. The molecule is based on tuftsin, a naturally occurring tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) described as a fragment of the heavy chain of immunoglobulin G. For Selank, this tuftsin sequence was extended by the tripeptide proline-glycine-proline in order to increase the enzymatic stability of the molecule.
Selank is thus a classic example of a rationally modified peptide analogue: an endogenous lead sequence is chemically extended so that it can be studied more readily under laboratory conditions. Outside Russia, Selank holds no approval as a medicine; internationally the substance is traded exclusively as a research chemical and is classified accordingly as Research Use Only material.
Profile
Molecule type: synthetic peptide, tuftsin analogue with Pro-Gly-Pro extension
Number of amino acids: 7 (heptapeptide)
Lead structure: tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), an immunoglobulin fragment
Research classification: research chemical, Research Use Only (RUO)
Research context
Published research on Selank moves largely within the neurobiological and immunological fields. In animal and cell models the peptide is examined in connection with neurotransmitter systems, among them GABAergic signalling pathways. Alongside this, work exists on how tuftsin analogues interact with cells of the immune system – a research field that follows directly from the origin of the lead sequence.
A further branch of the literature deals with peptide stability itself: Selank serves as a model for how C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extensions affect degradation routes and the half-life of short peptides. All of these observations come from preclinical investigations. They are described in the preclinical literature and are reported here in neutral terms; these findings do not support conclusions about effects in humans.
Quality criteria for laboratory procurement
Anyone obtaining Selank for research purposes should look for a complete certificate of analysis (COA): it documents the purity determined by HPLC, confirms identity via the molecular mass and states the associated batch number. Only this combination makes results from experiments with the material reproducible and traceable.
Selank is usually supplied lyophilised. The customary rules for research peptides apply to storage: keep dry, cool and protected from light, preferably frozen for the long term, and always keep the container tightly closed to prevent moisture ingress.
Selank and Semax: the difference
Both peptides come from the same research tradition and are often mentioned in the same breath, yet they are not structurally related. Semax derives from a fragment of the hormone ACTH (ACTH 4-10, extended by Pro-Gly-Pro), Selank from the immunoglobulin fragment tuftsin. All they share is the design principle: a short endogenous lead sequence is extended at the C-terminus by Pro-Gly-Pro in order to stabilise it against peptidases.
The research fields differ accordingly. The literature on Semax centres on neurotrophic factors, that on Selank on GABAergic signalling pathways and on the immunological origin of the lead sequence. Anyone using both substances in the same experimental setup therefore treats them as two separate model substances and not as variants of the same principle. Details on the second molecule are given in the library entry on Semax.
Why we give no dosage information
The question of a Selank dosage comes up often, and the honest answer is: Peptélia gives none. This is not reticence out of convenience but a consequence of the status of the substance. Outside Russia, Selank is not approved as a medicine. There is therefore no officially reviewed dosing scheme to refer to, and the concentrations named in the literature come from cell and animal models, each with its own experimental setup.
Such figures cannot be transferred to other models, and certainly not to humans. A number at this point would either be torn out of context or simply invented – and would amount to a recommendation for use of a material that expressly must not be used. Anyone working with Selank in the laboratory derives the concentration applied from their own experimental design and the relevant primary literature, not from a supplier’s figure.
Selank at Peptélia: available formats
- Selank 5 mg – lyophilised, in a vial, 29,90 €
- Selank 10 mg – lyophilised, in a vial, 39,90 €
- Selank nasal spray 20 mg / 10 ml – metered research formulation, 82,00 €
Every batch comes with a certificate of analysis (COA) including HPLC purity determination and mass-spectrometric identity testing, viewable before purchase. Dispatch on the next working day from Germany, free shipping from 100 €; bacteriostatic water for reconstitution is included with the vials.
Frequently asked questions
Is Selank legal?
Outside Russia, Selank is not an approved medicine. It can legally be obtained as a research chemical for scientific laboratory purposes; use in humans or animals is excluded. The legal framework of the country in which the material is used is always binding.
What should be checked on the COA?
A sound COA contains the batch number, HPLC purity and mass-spectrometric confirmation of identity. Check that the batch number on the container label matches the one named in the certificate – only then is the documentation complete.
How is Selank stored?
The lyophilised peptide is kept dry, dark and cool; for longer storage periods the freezer is the usual choice. Repeated temperature changes and moisture are the most frequent causes of quality loss in stored peptides and should be consistently avoided.
Available at Peptélia
Peptélia offers Selank as documented research material with a batch-specific certificate of analysis (COA). The available products can be found in the Selank category.
Important notice
All substances offered by Peptélia are intended exclusively for scientific use in the laboratory (Research Use Only). They are not medicines, not food supplements and not cosmetics. Use in humans or animals, as well as any diagnostic or therapeutic use, is expressly excluded.
For research use only. Not for use in or on the human body.
