N-Acetyl Selank
| Category | Compounds |
|---|---|
| Also known as | NA-Selank, N-Acetyl Selank Amidate |
| Last updated | 2026-04-14 |
| Reading time | 2 min read |
| Tags | anxiolyticneuropeptidetuftsin-analogrussian-research |
Overview
N-Acetyl Selank (NA-Selank) is a modified analog of Selank, a heptapeptide derived from the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin. Selank was developed in Russia for anxiolytic and cognitive applications and is prescribed there for generalized anxiety-related indications. The N-acetyl amidate modification is designed to extend stability and half-life.
Research literature on Selank describes effects that parallel benzodiazepine anxiolytics on behavioral measures but without sedation, tolerance, or withdrawal profiles typical of GABA-A agonists. Changes in BDNF, enkephalin enzymes, and monoamine neurotransmission have all been proposed as mechanisms.
NA-Selank shares the primary structure with the parent peptide, and is typically grouped in the same research and discussion frameworks as NA-Semax, Semax, P21 peptide, and Cerebrolysin.
Structure / Chemistry
Selank sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro. The N-acetyl amidate variant adds an N-terminal acetyl group and a C-terminal amide to resist aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase cleavage, respectively.
Mechanism of Action
Selank's pharmacology is thought to involve modulation of GABAergic and serotonergic tone, upregulation of BDNF and related neurotrophins, and inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes leading to enhanced opioidergic signaling. These effects produce anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavioral profiles in animal models. NA-Selank is expected to engage the same pathways with prolonged duration.
Research Summary
| Area | Finding | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiolytic | Anxiolytic-like effects without sedation | Semenova et al., Bull Exp Biol Med 2010 |
| BDNF | Selank increased hippocampal BDNF in rats | Inozemtseva et al., Bull Exp Biol Med 2008 |
| Enkephalin | Inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes | Zolotarev et al., Russ J Bioorg Chem 2006 |
| Clinical (Russia) | Use in generalized anxiety disorder cohorts | Zozulya et al., Bull Exp Biol Med 2008 |
| Stability | Acetyl-amide modifications increase plasma stability | Shevchenko et al., peptide chemistry reports |
Pharmacokinetics
Native Selank has a short plasma half-life following intranasal administration. The acetylated amidated form is reported to extend biological activity in rodent assays. Intranasal administration is the common research route. Human pharmacokinetic characterization outside Russian clinical use is limited.
Common Discussion Topics
- Comparison with benzodiazepines on tolerance and withdrawal.
- Relationship to the parent compound Selank.
- Combined use with NA-Semax in cognitive/anxiolytic stacks.
- Role of BDNF and enkephalin system modulation.
- Research-only status outside Russian clinical practice.
Related Compounds
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Related entries
- Cerebrolysin— A porcine brain-derived peptide preparation containing low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids, approved in over 40 countries for stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia, though not FDA-approved in the United States.
- N-Acetyl Semax Amidate— N-Acetyl Semax Amidate is a modified analog of Semax with N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation designed to increase stability and potency.
- P21 Peptide— P21 is a CNTF-derived tetrapeptide designed to mimic the active region of ciliary neurotrophic factor, studied for neurogenesis and Alzheimer's disease models.
- Selank— A synthetic heptapeptide analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic with additional immunomodulatory properties.
- Semax— A synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) developed in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent, studied for cognitive enhancement, stroke recovery, and BDNF modulation.