Selank vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

SelankSS-31 (Elamipretide)
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 250-500 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.15% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC.
TimingCan be dosed morning through evening. Unlike Semax, Selank is calming and can be used at night.Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions.
Cycle Duration14-21 day cycles with equal rest periods.Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established.
Evidence Levelmoderate_humanEmerging (Phase 2/3 trials)
A

Selank

Peptides

Mechanism

Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (from IgG heavy chain) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension for metabolic stability. It allosterically modulates GABA-A receptors, enhancing GABA binding and GABAergic neurotransmission. Selank modifies mRNA levels of 84 genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission in the frontal cortex, enhances enkephalinase inhibition (increasing endogenous enkephalin levels), and modulates serotonergic and noradrenergic systems to produce anxiolytic and nootropic effects.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.15% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).

Timing

Can be dosed morning through evening. Unlike Semax, Selank is calming and can be used at night.

Cycle Duration

14-21 day cycles with equal rest periods.

Side Effects

  • Mild nasal irritation
  • Fatigue/sedation (uncommon)
  • Mild headache

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Severe hepatic impairment

Best Stacking Partners

SemaxBPC-157Thymosin Alpha-1

Mechanism

SS-31 (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, also known as elamipretide/Bendavia) is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin via electrostatic interactions. This stabilizes cardiolipin against oxidative damage, preserving cristae integrity, reducing ROS production, and maintaining mitochondrial ATP production. SS-31 interacts with proteins in two functional groups: oxidative phosphorylation complexes and 2-oxoglutarate metabolic enzymes — all known cardiolipin binders. It restores mitochondrial function without acting as a direct antioxidant.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC.

Timing

Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions.

Cycle Duration

Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established.

Side Effects

  • Injection site reactions
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea (in clinical trials)
  • Nausea

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Severe renal impairment (peptide clearance concern)
  • Not commercially available
  • Clinical trial participants only

Best Stacking Partners

MOTS-cHumaninEpitalon

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