iseganan

Iseganan is a synthetic antimicrobial peptide, specifically a protegrin analog, developed primarily for the prevention of oral mucositis—a painful inflammation and ulceration of the mouth’s mucous membranes—commonly seen in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer[1][3][6]. It has also been investigated for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in mechanically ventilated patients[5][8]. Iseganan exerts its effects by binding to and disrupting the integrity of microbial lipid cell membranes, leading to rapid cell death. This mechanism provides broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi such as Candida albicans[4][5][6]. The drug has demonstrated low propensity for resistance development. Iseganan was originally developed by IntraBiotics Pharmaceuticals, with Pharmacia & Upjohn previously involved as a codeveloper before IntraBiotics re-acquired global rights in 1999[3].

Other names

iseganan hydrochlorideantimicrobial peptide IB-367