CSA-131

CSA-131 is a synthetic non-peptide mimic of the endogenous antimicrobial peptide LL-37, designed to replicate a key component of the body's innate immune system. It belongs to the class of ceragenins, which are cationic steroid antibiotics developed as broad-spectrum antimicrobials. The drug exhibits potent activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria—including *Acinetobacter baumannii* and *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*—as well as fungal pathogens such as *Candida auris* and *Aspergillus* species. Its mechanism involves interaction with microbial membranes via electrostatic attraction, leading to membrane disruption and cell death through processes described by the "carpet" hypothesis. Additional mechanisms include binding to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA), inhibiting innate immune recognition, and generating reactive oxygen species that contribute to microbial killing. CSA-131 has demonstrated efficacy *in vitro* against ESKAPE pathogens, COVID-19-related microbes, and biofilm-forming organisms on medical devices. It is being developed primarily for prevention and treatment of life-threatening infections in cystic fibrosis patients but also shows promise for other severe bacterial and fungal infections[1][3][7][8].

Other names

ceragenin CSA-131