Evidence review: Open Peptide Project (verified against primary PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov & FDA records) · Last checked 2026-10-27. ← Back to Evidence Library
Syn-Ake (dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate): what the evidence says
At a glance
What it is: a small synthetic cosmetic ingredient (INCI: dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate) marketed as mimicking waglerin-1, a temple-viper venom peptide that blocks the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. R1 UNVERIFIED exact structure beyond the INCI name.
What the evidence says: only computer-modeling and lab studies. R2, R3 One serum study combined it with acetyl hexapeptide-8 and other actives, so its own effect cannot be isolated. R4 No human data for Syn-Ake alone; none for injection.
Biggest risks: unknown; skin-irritation data for the pure ingredient are not published in peer-reviewed literature.
Rating
| Human Human evidence | No human data for Syn-Ake alone · one multi-ingredient serum study R4 |
| Animal Animal / lab evidence | Very limited: in-silico and in-vitro R2, R3; venom background R1 |
| Regulatory | Cosmetic ingredient, not a drug · not on the 503A/503B lists or FDA's safety-risk page · not named on WADA's 2026 list R5, R6, R7 |
| Established human dose | None. Study details lists what studies used |
Evidence verdict: Wrinkle reduction as a skin cream: No isolated human data (only multi-ingredient product tests) · Muscle-blocking in lab: Very limited (lab and computer models) · Injection: No human data
This page reports what studies used. It is not dosing advice.
Legend: HUMAN data · ANIMAL / LAB data · UNKNOWN · UNVERIFIED: not yet confirmed against a primary source
About the evidence: no independent human trial tests the ingredient alone. The serum study tested a whole product. R4
What is it?
Waglerin-1 paralyzes prey by blocking the adult muscle acetylcholine receptor. R1 Syn-Ake is sold as a tiny, skin-applied look-alike meant to relax expression lines. Related pages: Argireline, SNAP-8, Leuphasyl.
Does it work?
- Animal Computer and lab models: binding and receptor-interaction predictions. R2, R3
- Human Multi-ingredient serum (2026): two small groups (n = 50 and n = 42) used a serum containing Syn-Ake plus acetyl hexapeptide-8 and other actives; any benefit cannot be credited to Syn-Ake. R4
- Unknown Whether it reaches facial muscles through skin: no data.
Is it safe?
- Unknown No peer-reviewed safety data for the isolated ingredient.
- Unknown Injection has never been studied; a venom-receptor blocker should not be injected.
Gray-market "Syn-Ake" vials: extra risks
A gray-market vial has no quality control and no guarantee of identity, strength or sterility. We test retail vials blind under the Open Peptide Standard; see /tests/. A passing test covers one batch on one date and does not mean the compound is safe.
Is it legal?
- US: sold as a cosmetic ingredient; not an FDA-approved drug and not on the compounding lists. R5, R6
Study details
Study details
These are amounts researchers used, not recommendations.
| Study | People / model | Route | Amount used | Follow-up | Reported | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-ingredient serum 2026 | 50 and 42 adults | Topical serum (with other actives) | Not reported for Syn-Ake alone | Per study | Cannot isolate Syn-Ake | PMID 41668671 |
| Lab / in-silico | Models and cells | In vitro | Not applicable | Not applicable | Binding predictions | PMID 37349941 |
Full reference list (PubMed, CT.gov, FDA and WADA checked Oct 26, 2026)
- R1 McArdle JJ, et al. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1999. PMID 10087048
- R2 Gok B, et al. J Biomol Struct Dyn. 2024. PMID 37349941
- R3 Gok B, et al. 3 Biotech. 2026. PMID 42927054
- R4 Zhu M, et al. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2026. PMID 41668671
- R5 FDA, 503A bulk drug substances categories list (updated May 14, 2026). https://www.fda.gov/media/94155/download
- R6 FDA, 503B bulk drug substances categories list (updated Mar 21, 2025). https://www.fda.gov/media/94164/download
- R7 FDA, Certain bulk drug substances for use in compounding that may present significant safety risks (content current Apr 22, 2026). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/certain-bulk-drug-substances-use-compounding-may-present-significant-safety-risks
Disclaimer
This page is for education and harm reduction, not medical advice or a recommendation to use Syn-Ake (dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate). It is a cosmetic ingredient. Talk to a dermatologist you trust, especially if you are pregnant or have sensitive skin. Never inject it. Report problems to FDA MedWatch (https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch).