Comparison
Argireline vs. Exenatide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Cosmetic
Metabolic
CAS no.
616204-22-9
141758-74-9
Molecular weight
888.99 g/mol
4186.6 g/mol
Half-life
no data
2.4 h
Sequence
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPSMechanism 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.
Exenatide
Exenatide is a 39-amino-acid peptide with about 53% sequence homology to human GLP-1. A glycine substitution at position 2 prevents dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV cleavage and extends the half-life from native GLP-1 (minutes) to about 2.4 hours. GLP-1 receptor activation glucose-dependently stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon and delays gastric emptying.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
3
5
of which in humans
2
4
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
2