Description
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) Research Overview
Disclaimer: The compounds described on this page are intended for laboratory research use only and are not approved for human consumption.
Overview of SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3)
SNAP-8 is a synthetic octapeptide supplied as a lyophilized powder, available in 10mg and 100mg fill sizes (catalog codes SNAP8-10 and SNAP8-100). It is an elongated analogue of Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3), developed by Lipotec (now Lubrizol) and studied as a topical SNARE-complex inhibitor for expression-line research. It is not an FDA-approved drug, not a prescription pharmaceutical, and not a dietary supplement. Human clinical evidence comes primarily from manufacturer-sponsored technical dossiers rather than independently published, peer-reviewed clinical trials that treat efficacy claims accordingly.
Regulatory Note (July 2026): SNAP-8 is not subject to the FDA 503A Category system or PCAC review that applies to compounded injectable peptides like BPC-157, TB-500, or KPV it is regulated as a topical cosmetic ingredient under FDA’s MoCRA framework, not as a bulk drug substance. It also does not appear on the 2026 WADA Prohibited List; unlike growth factors or GH secretagogues, its mechanism (topical SNARE-complex competition) does not fall under any WADA S2 category.
Available Fill Sizes
| Fill Size | Catalog Code | Format | Best Suited For |
| 10mg | SNAP8-10 | Lyophilized powder, single vial | Standard research quantities, individual testing |
| 100mg | SNAP8-100 | Lyophilized powder, single vial (bulk) | Larger-scale formulation and research batching |
SNAP-8
SNAP-8 is a synthetic corrinoid-free octapeptide (Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2) that mimics the N-terminal region of SNAP-25, a core SNARE-complex protein responsible for neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. Unlike botulinum toxin, which cleaves SNAP-25, SNAP-8 is studied for competitively occupying the same binding site without cleaving the protein. The chemical identity is the same across both fill sizes above; only the quantity per vial differs, which matters for formulators calculating dilution and batch concentration. Not a SARM; not a peptide hormone.
SNAP-8 Chemical Properties
| Section | Details |
| CAS Number | 868844-74-0 |
| PubChem CID | 71587832 |
| Molar Mass | ~1,073.2 g/mol |
| Chemical Formula | C42H72N16O15S |
| Sequence | Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2 |
| Synonyms | Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-3 |
| Chemical Class | Synthetic acetylated/amidated octapeptide (SNARE-complex inhibitor analogue) |
| Physical Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | Verify per Certificate of Analysis |
| Storage | -20°C; protect from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life | Verify per Certificate of Analysis |
| Regulatory Status | Cosmetic-grade/research peptide; not FDA-approved; not a prescription drug |
| FDA 503A/PCAC Status | Not applicable not a compounded bulk drug substance; regulated as a cosmetic ingredient under MoCRA |
| WADA Status | Not listed does not fall under any WADA S2 category (not a peptide hormone or growth factor) |
| Compound’s Disclaimer | Not evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For research and formulation use by qualified personnel only. |
SNAP-8’s Mechanism of Action
SNAP-8 is studied for competitive binding within the SNARE complex, occupying a position normally used by native SNAP-25, thereby reducing acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. This is reported in manufacturer and analytical literature to reduce the muscle micro-contractions linked to expression-line formation, without the paralytic effect associated with botulinum toxin. Independently published, peer-reviewed clinical trial data specific to SNAP-8 remain limited; most efficacy figures originate from Lipotec’s own technical documentation.
Risk & Handling
- Handle with gloves and eye protection; avoid inhaling powder during weighing or reconstitution.
- Keep frozen (-20°C) and protected from light and moisture until needed.
- Only trained personnel should prepare or formulate this product.
Why Consider SNAP-8 for Research?
- Purity confirmed per lot, with method specified on Certificate of Analysis.
- Identity confirmed per lot; structural data available on COA.
- Certificate of Analysis available on request per lot.
- Available in 10mg and 100mg fill sizes to suit different research and formulation needs.
- Contact: help@ironmountainlabz.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the regulatory status of SNAP-8?
Yes, as a cosmetic ingredient or research chemical. It’s not approved by the FDA as a drug, so it’s sold for formulation and research use, not marketed as a finished over-the-counter treatment on its own.
Do I need any kind of license to order this in the US?
No special license is required to purchase it as a research/cosmetic-formulation ingredient, but it should only be handled by qualified personnel at a legitimate lab or formulation facility; it’s not intended for personal, at-home use straight out of the vial.
What’s the difference between the 10mg and 100mg sizes?
Nothing chemically the same peptide, same purity standard, same identity. The 100mg size is generally more cost-effective per milligram and better suited to labs or formulators mixing larger batches, while the 10mg size fits standard research quantities or individual testing.
Is SNAP-8 actually backed by real science, or is it mostly marketing hype?
There’s a real, published lab method for testing and measuring it, and the original developer (Lipotec) has its own efficacy data. But a lot of the “up to 63% wrinkle reduction” claims you’ll see online come from that company’s own studies, not independent, peer-reviewed clinical trials so treat those specific numbers with some caution.
What is SNAP-8 typically studied for?
Mostly for reducing the look of expression lines and wrinkles, by getting in the way of the same signaling pathway that Botox affects just without paralyzing the muscle.
How should I store and handle it once it arrives?
Keep it in the freezer (-20°C), away from light and moisture. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling it, and try not to breathe in the powder while weighing or mixing it. Larger quantities mean more powder handled per session, so ventilation matters more.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Acetyl octapeptide-3, PubChem CID 71587832. National Institutes of Health. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Acetyl-octapeptide-3
- Jung JH, Lee HS, Kim Y, et al. Method development for acetyl octapeptide-3 analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Anal Sci Technol. 2020;11:37. PubMed Central: PMC7662462. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7662462/
- Blanes-Mira C, Clemente J, Jodas G, et al. A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2002;24(5):303-310. PMID: 18494911. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18494911/
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Cosmetics & Your Health / Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) overview. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics
- National Institutes of Health, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) / FDA GSRS. Acetyl Octapeptide-3 substance record. https://precision.fda.gov/ginas/app/ui/substances/2a0968e5-fea3-431a-b840-3ebd2413d92d
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