Side-by-side · Research reference
RetatrutidevsSelank
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
APhase 2Reviewed10/41 cited
BHuman-MechanisticDraft11/40 cited
Retatrutide
Triple-receptor agonist · Phase 3
SQ · Abdomen · Once weekly
Selank
Anxiolytic + Cognitive · Russian Pharma
Intranasal · 2–3×/day during stress / cognitive demand
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Retatrutide
Selank
Primary target
GLP-1R + GIPR + Glucagon receptor (triple agonism)Jastreboff 2023
Monoamine system (serotonin / GABA modulation) + immunomodulation via tuftsin domainZaderej 2014
Pathway
Triple-receptor activation → ↑insulin (GLP-1+GIP), ↓gastric emptying, ↑lipid handling, ↑energy expenditure (glucagon component)Jastreboff 2023
Tuftsin-derived immune signaling + CNS monoamine modulation → reduced anxiety + improved mood / cognitionMedvedev 2007
Downstream effect
Maximal weight loss across class. Glucagon component drives lipolysis and energy expenditure beyond GLP-1+GIP aloneJastreboff 2023
Anxiolytic + cognitive enhancement; immunomodulation via increased IL-6 + IFN-γMedvedev 2007Zaderej 2014
Origin
Synthetic peptide engineered for balanced affinity at three incretin / glucagon receptorsJastreboff 2023
Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from human tuftsin (immune-system tetrapeptide)Zaderej 2014
Antibody development
—
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Retatrutide
Selank
Standard dose
12 mg / week (max efficacy)Jastreboff 2023
Phase 2 trial dose. Phase 3 dosing TBD.
150–300 mcg / dose intranasalZaderej 2014
Frequency
Once weekly
2–3× per day during stress
Titration schedule
2 mg → 4 mg → 8 mg → 12 mg over 16 weeks
—
Evidence basis
Phase 2 trial; Phase 3 ongoingJastreboff 2023
Human-mechanistic + Russian clinical trialsMedvedev 2007
Duration
Indefinite for chronic indication (presumed)
10–14 day cycles, repeated as needed
Reconstitution
Investigational; not commercially available
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water
Timing
Any time of day
Morning + early afternoon preferred
Half-life
~6 days (estimated from class)
Short (minutes plasma); CNS effect lasts ~3 hr
Lower / starter dose
—
75 mcg / dose
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Retatrutide
Selank
Glucose handling
Glycemic improvement; rare hyperglycemia from glucagon component
—
Pancreatitis risk
Class warning
—
Thyroid C-cell tumours
Class warning (presumed)
—
Pregnancy / OB
Avoid (insufficient data)
Avoid — insufficient data
Nasal irritation
—
Mild burning or congestion (transient)
Cognitive impairment
—
None — opposite effect (enhancement)
Allergic reaction
—
Rare hypersensitivity
Long-term safety
—
Limited Western RCT data
Absolute Contraindications
Retatrutide
- ·MTC personal or family history (presumed class effect)
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
Selank
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Hypersensitivity to peptide
Relative Contraindications
Retatrutide
- ·Severe gastroparesis
- ·History of pancreatitis
- ·Severe cardiovascular disease (HR signal)
Selank
- ·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical via immunomodulation)
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Retatrutide
Selank
1. Reconstitution
Investigational peptide. Research vials reconstituted with bacteriostatic water per label.
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.
2. Injection site
SQ — abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate weekly.
Intranasal — 1–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.
3. Timing
Once weekly, same day.
Morning + early afternoon for cognitive demand; PRN for acute anxiety.
4. Storage
Refrigerate 2–8 °C. Light-protected.
Refrigerate after reconstitution; ≤30 days. Light-protected.
5. Needle
27–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.
Avoid co-administration with strong sedatives or other anxiolytics initially.