Comparison
Argireline vs. Cagrilintide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Cosmetic
Metabolic
CAS no.
616204-22-9
1415456-99-3
Molecular weight
888.99 g/mol
4253.7 g/mol
Half-life
no data
168 h
Sequence
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2KCNTATCATQRLANFLVRSSNNLGPVLPPTNVGSNTYMechanism of action
Argireline
Argireline is a synthetic hexapeptide whose sequence corresponds to the N-terminus of the SNAP-25 protein. In vitro it has been shown to competitively inhibit SNARE complex formation (necessary for vesicle fusion in neurotransmitter release). Topical application is intended — given very limited skin permeation — to attenuate cholinergic signalling at the neuromuscular endplate. The effect is orders of magnitude weaker than intramuscular botulinum toxin; the clinical translatability of the in-vitro observations to the skin microenvironment is contested.
Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide binds amylin receptors (AMY1, AMY3, formed by the calcitonin receptor plus RAMP proteins). Activation delays gastric emptying, inhibits postprandial glucagon secretion and modulates central satiety signalling via area postrema neurons. An acyl modification enables albumin binding and thereby weekly dosing.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
3
4
of which in humans
2
3
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
1
1