Selank vs Tesamorelin

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

SelankTesamorelin
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 250-500 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.15% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).Research indicates 2 mg administered once daily via subcutaneous injection (FDA-approved dose for HIV lipodystrophy).
TimingCan be dosed morning through evening. Unlike Semax, Selank is calming and can be used at night.Morning administration on empty stomach. Consistent daily timing recommended.
Cycle Duration14-21 day cycles with equal rest periods.26+ weeks in clinical trials. Long-term use is common; effects are not sustained after discontinuation.
Evidence Levelmoderate_humanStrong (FDA-approved indication), Moderate (longevity)
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
B

Tesamorelin

Peptides

Mechanism

Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic 44-amino acid GHRH analog with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminal tyrosine that confers resistance to DPP-IV degradation. It binds GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating endogenous GH production and secretion while maintaining pulsatile release patterns. Tesamorelin selectively reduces visceral adipose tissue (15-20% reduction in trials) while preserving subcutaneous fat, and markedly increases plasma GH and IGF-1 levels with once-daily dosing.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 2 mg administered once daily via subcutaneous injection (FDA-approved dose for HIV lipodystrophy).

Timing

Morning administration on empty stomach. Consistent daily timing recommended.

Cycle Duration

26+ weeks in clinical trials. Long-term use is common; effects are not sustained after discontinuation.

Side Effects

  • Injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus)
  • Arthralgia
  • Peripheral edema
  • Myalgia
  • Paresthesia
  • Elevated blood glucose

Contraindications

  • Active cancer or pituitary tumors
  • Pregnancy (Category X)
  • Hypersensitivity to GHRH analogs
  • Disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary axis from surgery/radiation
  • Active cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Pituitary surgery or disease

Best Stacking Partners

IpamorelinAOD-9604

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