Description
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a synthetic octapeptide originally developed as a cosmeceutical ingredient for anti-wrinkle effects. It is an extended analog of the hexapeptide Argireline, designed to mimic part of the SNAP-25 protein involved in neuromuscular signaling. By competitively inhibiting SNAP-25 in the SNARE complex, SNAP-8 attenuates acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions, thereby relaxing facial muscle contractions without causing paralysis. This educational protocol presents a once-daily subcutaneous approach using a practical dilution for clear insulin-syringe measurements.
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~3.33 mg/mL concentration.
- Typical daily range: 330–1,000 mcg once daily (gradual titration over 8–12 weeks).
- Easy measuring: At 3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 33.3 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
- Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
Standard / Gradual Approach (3 mL = ~3.33 mg/mL)
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 330 mcg (0.33 mg) | 10 units (0.10 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 500 mcg (0.50 mg) | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12 | 1,000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Weeks 13–16 (Optional) | 1,000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously. This schedule uses the largest practical dilution (3.0 mL) to keep per-injection units ≥10 for better accuracy. The gradual titration allows the body to acclimate while maximizing wrinkle-reduction benefits[3][4].
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
