Side-by-Side Comparison · 2026

Apamin vs ShK

Apamin vs ShK — mechanism, half-life, dosing, and research status compared. Which is right for your protocol?

Apamin
Venom Peptide

Apamin is an 18-amino acid peptide neurotoxin from bee venom (Apis mellifera), notable as one of the smallest naturally occurring neurotoxic peptides. This pharmacological selectivity has made apamin an invaluable tool for dissecting SK channel contributions to neuronal excitabil...

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ShK
Venom Peptide

ShK is a 35-residue peptide toxin from the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus. 3 potassium channel (Kd ~11 pM), which is the dominant channel controlling membrane potential in effector memory T cells (TEM cells)....

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Key Parameters
Parameter Apamin ShK
Category Venom Peptide Venom Peptide
Research Preclinical/Research Tool Phase 2
Half-Life ~30 min (plasma) Hours (disulfide stabilized)
Typical Dose Research only (ug/kg range) N/A
Frequency N/A N/A
Route IV, SC (research) SC injection (research)
FDA Status No approval Investigational (dalazatide)

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Apamin and ShK?
Apamin: Apamin is an 18-amino acid peptide neurotoxin from bee venom (Apis mellifera), notable as one of the smallest naturally occurring neurotoxic peptides. This pharmacological selectivity has made apamin ... ShK: ShK is a 35-residue peptide toxin from the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus. 3 potassium channel (Kd ~11 pM), which is the dominant channel controlling membrane potential in effector memory T cell...
Which has a longer half-life, Apamin or ShK?
Apamin half-life: ~30 min (plasma). ShK half-life: Hours (disulfide stabilized).
Can you stack Apamin and ShK?
Apamin and ShK are in the same category and used together in research protocols. Always consult relevant literature and follow appropriate guidelines.

For research use only. Not medical advice. ASCEND does not conduct or endorse any specific research protocol. Always consult relevant scientific literature and regulatory guidelines.