Side-by-side · Research reference
SelankvsTesofensine
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
AHuman-MechanisticDraft11/40 cited
BPhase 3Draft10/40 cited
Selank
Anxiolytic + Cognitive · Russian Pharma
Intranasal · 2–3×/day during stress / cognitive demand
Tesofensine
SNDRI · Phase 3 obesity candidate
Oral · Once daily morning
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Selank
Tesofensine
Primary target
Monoamine system (serotonin / GABA modulation) + immunomodulation via tuftsin domainZaderej 2014
Serotonin / norepinephrine / dopamine transporters (SERT / NET / DAT)Astrup 2008
Pathway
Tuftsin-derived immune signaling + CNS monoamine modulation → reduced anxiety + improved mood / cognitionMedvedev 2007
Triple monoamine reuptake inhibition → ↑synaptic 5-HT, NE, DA → appetite suppression + thermogenesisAstrup 2008
Downstream effect
Anxiolytic + cognitive enhancement; immunomodulation via increased IL-6 + IFN-γMedvedev 2007Zaderej 2014
Strong appetite suppression, mild thermogenic effect, weight lossAstrup 2008
Origin
Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from human tuftsin (immune-system tetrapeptide)Zaderej 2014
Small molecule developed by NeuroSearch (Denmark) for CNS indications, repurposed for obesityAstrup 2008
Antibody development
—
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Selank
Tesofensine
Frequency
2–3× per day during stress
Once daily, morning
Lower / starter dose
75 mcg / dose
0.125 mg / day
Evidence basis
Human-mechanistic + Russian clinical trialsMedvedev 2007
Phase 2b + ongoing Phase 3Astrup 2008
Duration
10–14 day cycles, repeated as needed
24 weeks per studied cycle
Reconstitution
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water
—
Timing
Morning + early afternoon preferred
Morning to avoid sleep disruption
Half-life
Short (minutes plasma); CNS effect lasts ~3 hr
~9 days (very long)
Form
—
Oral capsule
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Selank
Tesofensine
Nasal irritation
Mild burning or congestion (transient)
—
Cognitive impairment
None — opposite effect (enhancement)
—
Allergic reaction
Rare hypersensitivity
—
Long-term safety
Limited Western RCT data
—
Pregnancy / OB
Avoid — insufficient data
Contraindicated
Insomnia
—
Dose-related; mitigate with morning timing
Dry mouth
—
Common
Nausea
—
Common
Mood changes
—
Anxiety / agitation possible
Cardiovascular events
—
Phase 3 trial monitoring; not yet FDA-cleared
Absolute Contraindications
Selank
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Hypersensitivity to peptide
Tesofensine
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Severe cardiovascular disease
- ·Concurrent MAOI use
Relative Contraindications
Selank
- ·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical via immunomodulation)
Tesofensine
- ·Hypertension
- ·Anxiety disorder
- ·Insomnia
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Selank
Tesofensine
1. Form
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.
Oral capsule (investigational; not commercial).
2. Administration
Intranasal — 1–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.
Swallow whole with water, morning only.
3. Timing
Morning + early afternoon for cognitive demand; PRN for acute anxiety.
Morning to mitigate insomnia. Do not dose evening.
4. Storage
Refrigerate after reconstitution; ≤30 days. Light-protected.
Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.
5. Caveat
Avoid co-administration with strong sedatives or other anxiolytics initially.
Monitor BP + HR + mood. Avoid stimulants + MAOIs.