ropocamptide

Ropocamptide (also known as LL-37) is a synthetic 37-amino-acid cationic, amphipathic peptide that represents the active C-terminal fragment of the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide precursor hCAP18 (encoded by the CAMP gene). It is an integral component of the innate immune system, exhibiting broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses by physically disrupting and permeabilizing microbial membranes. Beyond direct pathogen clearance, ropocamptide acts as an immunomodulator, promoting angiogenesis, keratinocyte migration, and re-epithelialization to facilitate wound healing. It was primarily developed by Promore Pharma (formerly Lipopeptide) as a topical hydrogel for the treatment of hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers (VLUs) and diabetic foot ulcers. Although it demonstrated efficacy in a Phase IIb trial (HEAL LL-37) specifically in patients with large wounds (≥10 cm²), Promore Pharma entered voluntary liquidation in late 2023 and completed a reverse merger with PMD Device Solutions in December 2023, resulting in the discontinuation of its pharmaceutical development operations. Ropocamptide continues to be studied in investigator-initiated trials for other indications, including COVID-19.

Other names

CAP-18CAP18CAP 18FALL-39FALL39FALL 39LL-37LL37LL 37LL-37 peptideLL37 peptideLL 37 peptidecathelicidin LL-37cathelicidin antimicrobial peptidehCAP-18hCAP18hCAP 18human cathelicidinhuman cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide