CSA-13

CSA-13 is a synthetic cationic steroid antimicrobial from the ceragenin class, designed as a non-peptide, amphipathic mimic of endogenous antimicrobial peptides such as cathelicidin LL-37. It exerts broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including drug-resistant strains and biofilms, primarily by binding to and permeabilizing microbial membranes and inducing excessive reactive oxygen species generation that disrupts membrane integrity, nucleic acids, and proteins.[1][7][6] CSA-13 has shown in vivo efficacy in murine models of urinary tract infection and Clostridioides difficile colitis, where systemic or colon-targeted oral formulations reduced pathogen burden, inflammation, and mortality while displaying acceptable biocompatibility.[1][2] The compound has also demonstrated pro-apoptotic, anti-tumor effects in cancer cell lines by depleting glutathione, increasing oxidative stress, triggering mitochondrial depolarization, caspase activation, and DNA fragmentation, suggesting potential oncology applications.[3] CSA-13 was initially developed academically at Brigham Young University and further advanced by N8 Medical as a candidate for gastrointestinal and other infectious indications, but its highest reported global R&D status is discontinued.[5][2]

Other names

ceragenin CSA-13cationic steroid antibiotic CSA-13