CKPV dimer

CKPV dimer (also known as ABIO 12/01) is a synthetic melanocortin peptide dimer being developed by Abiogen Pharma for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). It consists of two CKPV (Cys-Lys-Pro-Val) tetrapeptide units linked together. The drug acts as an agonist of the melanocortin receptor-1 (MC1R), which is expressed on both immune cells and vaginal epithelial cells. Activation of MC1R by CKPV dimer leads to increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) production, resulting in potent anti-inflammatory effects, such as the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and the induction of macrophage M1-to-M2 polarization. Additionally, it exhibits direct anti-fungal activity by inhibiting the colony formation and survival of Candida albicans. It has been evaluated in Phase 2 clinical trials as a vaginal gel formulation.

Other names

(Ac-Cys-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2)2Ac-Cys-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2 dimerAc-Cys-Lys-Pro-Val-NH-2 dimerAc-Cys-Lys-Pro-Val-NH 2 dimer