aspartyl-alanyl-diketopiperazine (Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)

LMWF5A (also known as Ampion) is a low molecular weight fraction (<5 kDa) of human serum albumin (HSA) containing the active cyclic dipeptide aspartyl-alanyl-diketopiperazine (DA-DKP). Developed by Ampio Pharmaceuticals (originally originated by DMI BioSciences), LMWF5A exhibits immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. It acts as an agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and inhibits platelet-activating factor (PAF) and its receptor (PAFR). LMWF5A was primarily investigated as an intra-articular injection for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with severe osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK), and was also evaluated in clinical trials for COVID-19-related respiratory distress (via inhalation and intravenous routes). However, following clinical trial failures and regulatory hurdles, Ampio Pharmaceuticals discontinued all development of LMWF5A in early 2023 and subsequently dissolved the company in 2024.

Brand names

Ampion

Other names

DA-DKPaspartyl-alanyl diketopiperazinelow molecular weight fraction of 5% human serum albuminlow molecular weight fraction of human serum albumin