Side-by-Side Comparison · 2026

Conotoxin vs ShK

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

Conotoxin
Venom Peptide

Conotoxins (conopeptides) are a diverse superfamily of small, disulfide-rich peptide toxins produced by predatory cone snails (Conus species). With >10,000 predicted sequences across ~700 Conus species, conotoxins are an extraordinary reservoir of pharmacologically selective tool...

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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 Conotoxin ShK
Category Venom Peptide Venom Peptide
Research FDA Approved (ziconotide) Phase 2
Half-Life Hours (intrathecal; ziconotide ~4-6 h plasma) Hours (disulfide stabilized)
Typical Dose Ziconotide: 0.1-0.8 mcg/hr intrathecal (titrated) N/A
Frequency Continuous intrathecal infusion N/A
Route Intrathecal (ziconotide); IV (research) SC injection (research)
FDA Status Ziconotide (omega-conotoxin analog) FDA approved (Prialt) Investigational (dalazatide)

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Conotoxin and ShK?
Conotoxin: Conotoxins (conopeptides) are a diverse superfamily of small, disulfide-rich peptide toxins produced by predatory cone snails (Conus species). With >10,000 predicted sequences across ~700 Conus specie... 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, Conotoxin or ShK?
Conotoxin half-life: Hours (intrathecal; ziconotide ~4-6 h plasma). ShK half-life: Hours (disulfide stabilized).
Can you stack Conotoxin and ShK?
Conotoxin 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.