[3][4] Selank has also been found to rapidly elevate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of rats.

[7] Selank has been found to produce antidepressant-like effects in animal models of depression and anhedonia.

[8] In clinical trials, the drug has shown to provide a sustained nootropic and anxiolytic effect which is useful for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

[1] Selank has an advantage over traditional anxiety treatments, such as benzodiazepines, as it has no sedating or negative cognitive side effects and no associated addiction or withdrawal problems.

[citation needed] Selank is closely related to another nootropic drug, Semax, also developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia.