Vialox vs ARA-290
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Vialox is a synthetic pentapeptide that mimics the activity of conotoxin from cone snails, acting as an antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. Similar to Syn-Ake but derived from cone snail venom biochemistry, it reduces facial muscle contraction to smooth expression wrinkles.
- ARA-290 is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix B region of erythropoietin (EPO). Unlike EPO, it selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) without stimulating hematopoiesis, providing tissue protection, anti-inflammation, and neuropathy relief.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical; effect duration hours)
- ~2–4 hours (SC administration)
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005-0.05% in formulation
- 4 mg (fixed dose)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Reduces dynamic wrinkles from repetitive facial expressions
- Reversible muscle-relaxing effect without injection
- Smooths forehead, periorbital, and perioral lines
- Complementary to collagen-stimulating peptides
- Well-studied tolerability in cosmetic concentrations
- Can be combined with Syn-Ake for dual conotoxin/viper venom effect
- Reduces neuropathic pain from small fiber neuropathy
- Anti-inflammatory without immune suppression
- Tissue protection after ischemia/reperfusion injury
- Promotes nerve fiber regeneration
- Improves symptoms of sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
- May reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic health
- Shown to improve autonomic neuropathy symptoms
- Side Effects
- Generally very well-tolerated topically
- Rare contact sensitivity or mild irritation
- No clinically significant systemic neuromuscular effects at cosmetic doses
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fatigue at initiation
- Transient warm sensation post-injection
- Rare: mild headache
- Stacks With
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