Vialox (Pentapeptide-3V) 200mg (Topical)

Vialox (a.k.a. pentapeptide-3V) is a peptide sequence derived from snake venom. It has an effect similar to that of Botox, causing partial muscle paralysis and thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Experiments with animal models suggest that Vialox can reduce wrinkles in nearly 50% of subjects and decrease skin roughness in 47% of subjects after 28 days of twice-daily application [1].

Sequence (Three-Letter Code): Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro-Ala
Molecular formula: C21H37N9O5
Molecular weight: 495.58 g/mol

Vialox is primarily of interest for its ability to interfere with the communication between nerves and muscles. Unlike many nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antagonists, Vialox affects only peripheral AChRs and has no impact on central neuronal receptors when tested in animal models. This would indicate that the peptide has effects only at the neuromuscular junction, which may make it suitable not only for cosmetic applications (as a Botox alternative), but also for use in certain spastic conditions such as tension headache, migraine headache, facial spasm, etc.

What Is Vialox?

Vialox (Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro-Ala) is a five-amino-acid-long peptide derived from snake venom. It is a competitive antagonist of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. As a result, it has a curare-like effect at the neuromuscular junction, preventing nervous system signals from reaching the muscle and thus preventing muscle contraction [2].

What Does Vialox Do?

Vialox interferes with the normal signal transmission between nerves and muscles. Normally, signals are transmitted when a nerve releases acetylcholine from its axon. The acetylcholine travels across the neuromuscular junction to bind to a receptor on the muscle. When this happens, muscle contraction occurs. Vialox interferes with this process by binding to the AChR itself. Vialox does not cause muscle contraction when it binds to the AChR, but rather blocks acetylcholine from binding. The net result is a decrease in the amount of acetylcholine binding and a reduction in the number and strength of muscle contractions. This effect is similar to what is seen with some types of snake venom, the toxin curare, and Botox [3].

When muscles that control expression are partially paralyzed, as with Botox, they are forced to relax. This relaxation can help to relieve mimic wrinkles, such as crow’s feet around the eyes, as well as expression lines, such as those that affect the forehead.

Vialox Research for Lines and Wrinkles

In animal studies, Vialox was found to reduce average skin roughness by 11% and average relief by 8%. Relief is a term that refers to wrinkle size, so Vialox can essentially reduce wrinkles by an average of 8%. These effects were observed on 60% and 47% of animal subjects respectively [1].

1. Vialox. Available at: http://www.drskinspa.com/Ageless%20Derma/Vialox.pdf. (Accessed: 29th July 2016)
2. Gupta, V. K. Biotechnology of Bioactive Compounds: Sources and Applications. (John Wiley & Sons, 2015).
3. Servent, D. et al. Only Snake Curaremimetic Toxins with a Fifth Disulfide Bond Have High Affinity for the Neuronal α7 Nicotinic Receptor. J. Biol. Chem. 272, 24279–24286 (1997).

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The products offered on this website are furnished for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies (Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body.  These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition, ailment or disease.  Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.