Exenatide vs Selank
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Exenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist derived from the Gila monster lizard peptide exendin-4, with 53% homology to human GLP-1 and natural resistance to DPP-4 degradation. Available as twice-daily (Byetta) or once-weekly (Bydureon) formulation, it is also being studied for Parkinson's disease neuroprotection.
- Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin developed in Russia. It is a potent anxiolytic that reduces anxiety and enhances cognitive function without sedation or addiction. It is approved for clinical use in Russia for anxiety disorders.
- Half-Life
- ~2.4 hours (Byetta/twice-daily); Bydureon BCISE: weekly via microsphere release
- Minutes (but effects persist for hours)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, Intranasal
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5 mcg, titrate to 10 mcg
- 250–500 mcg
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- 1–3 times daily
- Key Benefits
- Blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes
- Weight loss (average 2–3 kg in clinical trials)
- Once-weekly extended-release formulation available
- Reduces appetite and food intake
- Possible neuroprotective in Parkinson's disease (Phase II trials)
- Reduces systemic inflammation
- May protect pancreatic beta cells
- Cardiovascular neutral or potentially protective
- Reduces anxiety without sedation
- Enhances memory and learning
- Improves focus and concentration
- Stabilizes mood
- Reduces physiological stress response
- May enhance motivation
- No addiction potential or withdrawal
- Fast-acting — effects within 20–30 minutes
- Approved clinically in Russia for anxiety disorders
- Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, especially initially)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- +4 more
- Mild sedation at higher doses (paradoxical)
- Fatigue (rare)
- Irritability during discontinuation (uncommon)
- Stacks With
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