Lipotec has launched a peptide positioned to topically assist Botulinum Toxin Type A while "waiting for the next injection." Argirelox (INCI: Water (Aqua) (and) Glycerin (and) Acetyl Hexapetide-8 (and) Pentapeptide-18 (and) Citric Acid (and) Caprylyl Glycol) was shown in vivo to enhance the anti-aging effects of Botulinum Toxin Type A in a panel of 22 women, of an average age of 51, who received 50 UI of the toxin in the crow's feet and frontal region. After the session, they applied either a cream containing 10% peptide solution or a placebo, twice daily for 6 months. Reductions of glabellar lines and crow’s feet wrinkles were more noticeable, almost three times greater, when the injection was complemented with the topical treatment containing the peptide, compared to that achieved with the placebo. This benefit was also noticeable after 6 months.
The Argirelox peptide targets two factors for muscle contraction to fight expression wrinkles: it reduces acetylcholine release by competing for a position in the SNARE complex, and it blocks the entrance from calcium ions, which are necessary for vesicle fusion with the membrane. As a result, muscles are relaxed and wrinkles are attenuated.