§ 01 Overview
Overview
Endogenous 37-aa cationic antimicrobial peptide with immunomodulatory, wound healing, and angiogenic effects.
Grönberg 2014 chronic leg ulcer trial; multiple engineered analogs in trials.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
LL-37 is the active form of the human cathelicidin hCAP18. It directly disrupts microbial membranes, modulates innate immune responses, and promotes wound healing and angiogenesis. Engineered analogs (OP-145, omiganan) are in clinical development.
- 01Direct antimicrobial activity
- 02Immunomodulation
- 03Studied in chronic leg ulcers and COVID-19
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Dose Range
- Topical / trial-dependent
- Route
- Topical
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
Grönberg 2014 chronic leg ulcer trial; multiple engineered analogs in trials.
FDA Status
Not FDA-approved as a drug. Engineered analogs in clinical trials.
§ 06 News
In the news
5 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly
Effects of tildrakizumab on circulating T cells in autoreactive psoriatic patients - Frontiers
Effects of tildrakizumab on circulating T cells in autoreactive psoriatic patients Frontiers
Development of nanobody-conjugated LL37 for synergistic therapy against MDR Acinetobacter baumannii - ASM Journals
Development of nanobody-conjugated LL37 for synergistic therapy against MDR Acinetobacter baumannii ASM Journals
Bacteriocin-transport–inspired oral peptide-probiotic delivery ameliorates IBD complications via autophagy and gut homeostasis - Science | AAAS
Bacteriocin-transport–inspired oral peptide-probiotic delivery ameliorates IBD complications via autophagy and gut homeostasis Science | AAAS
Cathelicidin LL37-loaded extracellular vesicles from Edwardsiella piscicida promote antibacterial and wound-healing activity - Nature
Cathelicidin LL37-loaded extracellular vesicles from Edwardsiella piscicida promote antibacterial and wound-healing activity Nature
Fighting superbugs with peptides found in human body | The University of Tokyo - u-tokyo.ac.jp
Fighting superbugs with peptides found in human body | The University of Tokyo u-tokyo.ac.jp
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
Restricted from compounding
Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales.
No suppliers in our directory currently stock this compound. For investigational or research-only compounds, legitimate channels may not exist outside clinical trials.
Browse full supplier directory§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Local irritation
- 02Potential pro-inflammatory at high doses
Contraindications
None specified.
§ 10 Questions
LL-37 (Cathelicidin) FAQ
- What is LL-37 (Cathelicidin)?
- Endogenous 37-aa cationic antimicrobial peptide with immunomodulatory, wound healing, and angiogenic effects. LL-37 is the active form of the human cathelicidin hCAP18. It directly disrupts microbial membranes, modulates innate immune responses, and promotes wound healing and angiogenesis. Engineered analogs (OP-145, omiganan) are in clinical development.
- What is LL-37 (Cathelicidin) used for?
- Reported uses include direct antimicrobial activity, immunomodulation, and studied in chronic leg ulcers and covid-19. Evidence strength is rated Clinical — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is LL-37 (Cathelicidin) dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is Topical / trial-dependent, administered Topical. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- What are the side effects of LL-37 (Cathelicidin)?
- Commonly reported side effects include local irritation and potential pro-inflammatory at high doses. This list is not exhaustive.
- Is LL-37 (Cathelicidin) legal?
- Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales. FDA status: Not FDA-approved as a drug. Engineered analogs in clinical trials..
§ 11 References
Selected references
- 01
Grönberg — chronic leg ulcers
PMID: 22025658 (NCT02526030)
- 02
COVID review
PMID: 32225038