leitragin

Leitragin is an inhaled formulation of the synthetic hexapeptide dalargin (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu-Arg), which is a stable analog of the endogenous opioid leu-enkephalin. Developed by the Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA) of Russia, specifically at the Scientific Center Farmzashchita, Leitragin was repurposed and approved in 2021 for the prevention and treatment of pneumonia and the associated cytokine storm in patients with COVID-19. The drug functions as an agonist of peripheral opioid receptors, particularly the delta-type and mu-type receptors. By activating these receptors, it modulates the inflammatory response, inhibits the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), and promotes the regeneration of lung tissue. It is administered via a nebulizer to ensure direct delivery to the respiratory tract, thereby minimizing systemic side effects while maximizing local therapeutic efficacy in the lungs.

Brand names

Leitragin

Other names

dalargin inhalationTyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu-Arg