Acetyl Octapeptide-3 10mg

What is Acetyl Octapeptide-3 10mg?

Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is a synthetic eight-amino-acid peptide with the sequence Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2, N-terminally acetylated and C-terminally amidated for stability. It is an extended version of the six-residue acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg) and, like it, mimics the N-terminal domain of SNAP-25, one of the three proteins that form the SNARE complex required for synaptic vesicle fusion. GenoPept supplies acetyl octapeptide-3 UK laboratories as a 10mg lyophilised research peptide.

Because the SNARE complex is the machinery that releases acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, peptides that compete with SNAP-25 for complex assembly are studied as a non-toxin, reversible approach to modulating vesicle fusion in cell models. Acetyl octapeptide-3 is one of the most widely used cosmetic-science research peptides of this type.

Acetyl Octapeptide-3 10mg research applications

Acetyl octapeptide-3 is used in neurobiology, cosmetic-science and cell-signalling research. The applications below summarise published in-vitro and ex-vivo work and make no claims about effects in people.

SNARE complex assembly

In-vitro assays and cell models use acetyl octapeptide-3 to study competitive interference with SNAP-25, syntaxin and synaptobrevin association, measuring SNARE complex formation and its downstream consequences for exocytosis.

Neurotransmitter release in cell models

Research explores the peptide’s effect on calcium-dependent acetylcholine and catecholamine release in cultured neuronal and neuroendocrine cell lines, comparing it with acetyl hexapeptide-8 and with botulinum-type mechanisms.

Skin-model and fibroblast research

Reconstructed skin equivalents and fibroblast cultures are used to investigate acetyl octapeptide-3 penetration, cytotoxicity and any effects on matrix-related gene expression alongside other cosmetic peptides.

Peptide stability and formulation science

The N-acetyl and C-amide modifications make the peptide a useful model for studying how terminal capping affects proteolytic stability and skin penetration in topical-formulation research.

Structure-activity comparisons

Studies compare the eight-residue sequence with the six-residue hexapeptide to establish whether the additional Ala-Asp residues alter binding affinity for SNARE partners or vesicle-fusion inhibition in vitro.

Mechanism of action (preclinical)

Acetyl octapeptide-3 is a mimic of the N-terminal end of SNAP-25. In preclinical cell models it competes with native SNAP-25 for a position in the SNARE complex, the four-helix bundle formed by SNAP-25, syntaxin-1 and synaptobrevin (VAMP) that draws synaptic vesicles to the presynaptic membrane. A destabilised complex is reported to reduce the efficiency of calcium-triggered vesicle fusion and therefore of neurotransmitter release.

Unlike botulinum neurotoxins, which cleave SNARE proteins enzymatically and irreversibly, acetyl octapeptide-3 does not cleave any protein and its action in vitro is competitive and reversible. Published research on acetyl octapeptide-3 describes it as a more potent analogue of the parent hexapeptide, though direct receptor-level data remain limited.

Acetyl Octapeptide-3 10mg product specifications

Available sizes

Acetyl octapeptide-3 is currently supplied in a single research vial size suitable for cell-culture and skin-model work:

• 10mg vial

Laboratories running larger studies can order it in bulk boxes of 10 vials at 20–50% below single-vial pricing through our bulk and wholesale page, with UK-only retail delivery.

Reconstitution, handling and storage (laboratory)

This compound is supplied as a lyophilised powder and should be stored unopened at –20 °C for long-term holding, or at 2–8 °C for short periods, always protected from light. The methionine residue in acetyl octapeptide-3 is prone to oxidation, so keep the powder and any solutions protected from light and air and prepare working solutions fresh.

To reconstitute for in-vitro work, add bacteriostatic water or another sterile diluent slowly down the inside wall of the vial, then swirl gently until the powder dissolves. Never shake the vial, because shear can damage the molecule. After reconstitution keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the period stated in the laboratory protocol. UK laboratories can also read our guides on how to reconstitute research peptides and how to store research peptides.

Quality assurance and Certificate of Analysis

Every batch of Acetyl octapeptide-3 sold by GenoPept is tested by an independent third-party laboratory, Puralytix (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited), using HPLC for purity and LC-MS for identity confirmation. The resulting batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) is linked from the “View Certificate of Analysis” button on this page, and the complete library is available at genopept.co.uk/coa-certificates.

For acetyl octapeptide-3 the LC-MS identity check confirms the mass of the capped octapeptide and screens for methionine oxidation, while HPLC quantifies purity. Our article on what a Certificate of Analysis shows explains how to read the purity chromatogram and mass spectrum. Orders are dispatched from the UK by tracked Royal Mail Special Delivery (£10, free on orders over £200), with automatic basket discounts of 5% over £300, 10% over £500 and 15% over £1,000. We accept bank transfer and crypto.

Related research compounds

• Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Pal-KTTKS) 10mg – a collagen-fragment signal peptide co-investigated in skin-model research.
• GHK-Cu Copper Peptide – a copper tripeptide studied in matrix remodelling and dermal cell models.
• Hyaluronic Acid 5mg – the principal dermal glycosaminoglycan for hydration and matrix research.
• Dermorphin – another cosmetic-category research peptide from the GenoPept range.

Acetyl Octapeptide-3 10mg frequently asked questions

What is acetyl octapeptide-3 used for in research?

Acetyl octapeptide-3 is used to study SNARE complex assembly and calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release in neuronal and neuroendocrine cell models, where it competes with SNAP-25 for complex formation. It is also used in reconstructed skin models and formulation science to examine peptide penetration, stability and comparisons with acetyl hexapeptide-8. All applications are in-vitro or ex-vivo.

How is acetyl octapeptide-3 supplied and what purity is it?

GenoPept supplies acetyl octapeptide-3 as a 10mg lyophilised powder in a sealed, sterile glass vial with a black cap and batch-identified label. Purity is ≥99%, and every batch is independently tested by Puralytix (ISO/IEC 17025) using HPLC for purity and LC-MS for identity. The batch Certificate of Analysis can be viewed from the button on this product page.

How should acetyl octapeptide-3 be stored?

Store unopened vials at –20 °C for long-term holding, or at 2–8 °C for short periods, protected from light. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water or sterile diluent, keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the period defined by your laboratory protocol. The methionine residue is oxidation-sensitive, so minimise exposure to air and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Is acetyl octapeptide-3 for human use?

No. Acetyl octapeptide-3 from GenoPept is sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research. It is not for human or veterinary use, it is not a medicine or cosmetic product, and it is not for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. We do not provide application or usage guidance, and nothing on this page should be read as advice.

What is the difference between acetyl octapeptide-3 and acetyl hexapeptide-8?

Both peptides mimic the N-terminus of SNAP-25 and are studied for competitive interference with SNARE complex assembly. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is the original six-residue sequence, Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg, whereas acetyl octapeptide-3 adds Ala-Asp to give eight residues. Published in-vitro research describes the octapeptide as a more potent analogue, which is why it is often chosen for comparative structure-activity studies.

Research use only. Acetyl octapeptide-3 is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research. It is not for human or veterinary use, it is not a medicine, and it is not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Nothing on this page is medical advice. Read our research use only policy and guide to research peptides and UK law before ordering.