Pentapeptide-18 vs Survodutide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Survodutide- Summary
- Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) is a synthetic pentapeptide that mimics the sequence of enkephalin, an endogenous neuropeptide. It acts on neuronal pain receptors in facial muscles to reduce muscle contraction intensity and depth of expression lines, functioning similarly to Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) but via a different receptor mechanism.
- Survodutide is a once-weekly GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma. Phase 2 trials demonstrated up to 18.7% body weight reduction at 46 weeks, among the highest reported for a dual agonist. It is being studied for obesity and MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis), where the glucagon component drives hepatic fat clearance.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- ~7 days
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- 0.6 mg → 2.4 mg → 4.8 mg → 6 mg
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Once weekly
- Key Benefits
- Reduces depth of expression lines (forehead, crow's feet, glabellar)
- Inhibits acetylcholine release for muscle-relaxing effect
- Complementary mechanism to Argireline for enhanced anti-wrinkle activity
- Reversible and well-tolerated
- No risk of systemic paralysis at cosmetic concentrations
- Suitable for daily use in serums and creams
- Up to 18.7% body weight reduction at 46 weeks (Phase 2)
- Strong MASH activity — Phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE-NASH trials ongoing
- Reduces hepatic fat content via glucagon receptor-driven liver oxidation
- Once-weekly subcutaneous injection
- Greater weight loss potential than GLP-1 monotherapy
- Improvements in liver fibrosis markers in early data
- Side Effects
- Generally very well-tolerated topically
- Rare skin sensitivity or mild irritation
- Theoretical opioid receptor desensitization with very prolonged high-dose use (not documented cosmetically)
- Nausea (most common during titration)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- +3 more
- Stacks With
- —
- —