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Peptide library / Immune & defense / Pexiganan

In clinical trialsImmune & defense

Pexiganan

A magainin-like peptide cream tested for infected diabetic foot ulcers.

Body system
Immune & defense
Status
In clinical trials
Strongest evidence
Large trials
Also known as
MSI-78, Locilex

Effects studied or claimed

What it is used or promoted for, and where each effect has actually been seen

  • Infected diabetic foot ulcersLarge trials

How it is thought to work

Pexiganan is a synthetic analog of a frog skin antimicrobial peptide that disrupts bacterial membranes.

What the evidence shows

Phase 3 trials in the 1990s were comparable to oral antibiotics, but the FDA did not approve it. New phase 3 trials were later run.

Safety and unknowns

Local irritation was the main side effect.

Regulatory status

Not approved.

Regulatory status changes quickly. This entry was last reviewed on 27 October 2026. Confirm current status with the FDA before relying on it.

More in Immune & defense

General information, not medical advice. Do not buy or inject unregulated peptides.