pexiganan

Pexiganan is a synthetic, cationic antimicrobial peptide composed of 22 amino acids and is an analog of magainin 2, a host defense peptide originally isolated from the skin of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis)[4][5][7]. It has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including aerobic and anaerobic species[4][5][6]. Pexiganan acts by disrupting bacterial cell membranes through the formation of toroidal pores, leading to rapid membrane permeabilization and cell death[3][5][6]. It is being developed primarily as a topical agent for mild infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers[1][2], under the brand name Locilex. The drug has been investigated in phase III clinical trials but has not received FDA approval due to lack of superiority over existing treatments[2][3].

Brand names

Locilex

Other names

pexiganan acetateMSI 78MSI78MSI-78