Tesofensine vs Pentapeptide-18
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Fat Loss & Metabolic
TesofensineSkin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18- Summary
- Tesofensine is a triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (TMRI) that blocks reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Originally developed for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, it was repurposed as a potent weight loss agent after clinical trials demonstrated substantial fat loss via appetite suppression and increased energy expenditure.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- 8-10 days (exceptionally long; accumulates over weeks)
- Not applicable (topical)
- Admin Route
- Oral
- Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.25-0.5 mg per day
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Potent appetite suppression via triple monoamine reuptake inhibition
- Significant weight loss (8-12% body weight in phase II trials at 0.5 mg)
- Increases basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure
- Reduces fat mass preferentially over lean mass
- Potential cognitive benefit via dopaminergic and noradrenergic enhancement
- Longer half-life than sibutramine allows once-daily dosing
- 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
- Side Effects
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure (sympathomimetic)
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Nausea
- +4 more
- Generally very well-tolerated topically
- Rare skin sensitivity or mild irritation
- Theoretical opioid receptor desensitization with very prolonged high-dose use (not documented cosmetically)
- Stacks With
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