Research Only Cosmetic & Skin

Pentapeptide-3

also known as: Vialox, Pentapeptide-3V, Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro-Ala-NH2, GPRPA

Vialox — the "curare-mimetic" cosmetic peptide (GPRPA). Acts post-synaptically on peripheral nicotinic ACh receptors, unlike the pre-synaptic SNAP-25-mimetic Argireline class. Sometimes marketed as a snake-venom-inspired Botox alternative; efficacy data are primarily from the manufacturer.

A synthetic pentapeptide with the sequence Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro-Ala-NH2 (C21H37N9O5, MW 495.58), originally developed by Pentapharm as Vialox® (later designated Pentapeptide-3V). The sequence is derived from curaremimetic venom peptides and functions as a competitive antagonist at peripheral nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) of the neuromuscular junction, producing partial muscle relaxation with no reported action on central neuronal receptors. Manufacturer animal-model data describe an 11 % reduction in skin roughness and 8 % reduction in wrinkle relief after 28 days of twice-daily topical application. Cosmetic ingredient only; no regulated clinical development.

Mechanism of action

Competitive antagonist at peripheral nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) on the post-synaptic membrane of skeletal-muscle motor end-plates. By occupying the ACh binding site without triggering ion-channel opening, it blocks depolarisation and reduces the frequency and intensity of muscular contractions. Reported selectivity for peripheral over central (neuronal) nAChRs means central nervous system effects are minimal at topical doses. This post-synaptic mechanism is mechanistically distinct from (and potentially complementary to) the pre-synaptic SNAP-25 competitive-inhibition mechanism of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) and the enkephalin-receptor mechanism of Leuphasyl. Vialox is classified alongside tubocurarine in the competitive non-depolarising neuromuscular-blocker pharmacologic class, though with vastly lower potency.

Primary uses

  • Topical cosmetic anti-aging formulations (expression-line reduction; "topical Botox alternative")

Typical dosing

2–5 % (finished formulation) twice daily (topical)

Cosmetic concentrations. Often combined with Argireline / SNAP-8 / Leuphasyl on the theory that multi-mechanism neuromuscular blockade produces additive muscle relaxation.

Regulatory status

Cosmetic ingredient; not a drug. INCI name: Pentapeptide-3 (also marketed as Pentapeptide-3V diacetate).

References

  1. [manufacturer] Pentapharm / DSM / dsm-firmenich. "Vialox® (Pentapeptide-3) technical data sheet."
  2. [pubmed] Servent D, Winckler-Dietrich V, Hu HY, et al. "Only snake curaremimetic toxins with a fifth disulfide bond have high affinity for the neuronal α7 nicotinic receptor." J Biol Chem, 1997;272(39):24279-24286 (curaremimetic selectivity reference).
  3. [review] Errante F, Ledwoń P, Latajka R, Rovero P, Papini AM. "Cosmeceutical peptides in the framework of sustainable wellness economy." Front Chem, 2020;8:572923.

Related peptides

Argireline

A cosmetic-industry hexapeptide marketed as "topical Botox" — reduces muscle contraction signaling at the neuromuscular junction; modest but documented effects on expression-line depth.

SNAP-8

An octapeptide cosmetic ingredient extending the Argireline concept — same SNAP-25 competitive mechanism with two additional residues and claims of enhanced activity.

Syn-Ake

A "snake-venom mimetic" cosmetic tripeptide modeled on Waglerin-1 (Tropidolaemus wagleri venom) — blocks post-synaptic acetylcholine receptors rather than acting pre-synaptically like Argireline; modest reductions in expression-line depth in manufacturer studies.

Leuphasyl

A cosmetic-ingredient pentapeptide modeled on leucine-enkephalin — marketed by Lipotec as a post-synaptic adjunct to Argireline-class pre-synaptic peptides for expression-line reduction.
Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.