Comparison
Argireline vs. Octreotide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Cosmetic
Research other
CAS no.
616204-22-9
83150-76-9
Molecular weight
888.99 g/mol
1019.24 g/mol
Half-life
no data
1.7 h
Sequence
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2D-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Thr(ol)Mechanism 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.
Octreotide
Octreotide is a cyclic octapeptide that selectively binds somatostatin-receptor subtypes SSTR2 and SSTR5. Via G-protein-coupled signalling, adenylyl cyclase is inhibited, reducing the secretion of multiple hormones (growth hormone, IGF-1, glucagon, insulin, VIP, serotonin). Structural stabilisation via a disulfide bridge and D-amino acids extends the half-life relative to natural somatostatin (minutes to several hours).
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
3
5
of which in humans
2
4
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
1
2