Argireline vs. Lixisenatide

Category

Cosmetic

Metabolic

CAS no.

616204-22-9

320367-13-3

Molecular weight

888.99 g/mol

4858.5 g/mol

Half-life

3 h

Sequence

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.

Lixisenatide

Lixisenatide is a 44-amino-acid peptide based on exendin-4 (see exenatide) with six additional lysine residues at the C-terminus. This modification increases stability against DPP-4 degradation. The short half-life (~3 hours) and plasma peak around mealtime explain the predominantly prandial effect — stronger postprandial glucose action, weaker fasting glucose effect than weekly GLP-1 RAs.

Highest evidence

Studies

3

5

of which in humans

2

5

Effects recorded

3

3

Open conflicts

1

1

Documented adverse events

1

1