Elafin

Serine Protease Inhibitor; Whey Acidic Protein (WAP) Domain PeptideRx: ResearchCompound: Investigational

Also known as: Elafin, Elastase-specific inhibitor, PI3, SKALP, Skin-derived antileukoprotease, Trappin-2, WFDC2

Educational Only — Not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before using any peptide.

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Summary

Elafin (also called SKALP, PI3, WFDC2) is an endogenous 12‑kDa secreted inhibitor of neutrophil elastase. It is being explored for topical and systemic treatment of inflammatory and transplant‑related conditions.

Mechanism of Action

Binds and inhibits neutrophil elastase and proteinase 3, attenuating protease‑mediated tissue damage and inflammation.

Routes of Administration

InhalationIntravaginalIntravenousTopical

Goals & Uses

  • Vaginal dysbiosis / preterm birth preventionReproductive / AntimicrobialLow
  • Cardiac surgery-associated inflammationPerioperative CytoprotectionModerate
  • Antimicrobial defenseAntimicrobial Peptide ActivityModerate
  • Acute lung injury / ARDS protectionAnti Inflammatory / Tissue ProtectionModerate
  • Inflammatory bowel diseaseGastroenterologyLow
  • Prevention of graft‑versus‑host diseaseImmunomodulationLow
  • Inflammatory skin disease treatmentAnti‑inflammatoryModerate
  • Cystic fibrosis airway inflammationPulmonary Anti InflammatoryModerate

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to elafin or excipientsAllergic / ImmunologicHigh
  • Known hypersensitivity to elafin or formulation excipientsAllergyHigh
  • Severe coagulopathyHematologicModerate

Adverse Effects

  • Local skin irritationDermatologicalCommon
  • Injection site reactionsLocalUncommon
  • Hypersensitivity reactionImmunologicUncommon
  • Airway irritationPulmonaryUnknown
  • Immunogenicity / antibody formationImmunologicUnknown
  • Transient hypotensionCardiovascularUncommon

Drug Interactions

  • Anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin)Low
  • Recombinant human DNase (dornase alfa)Low

Population Constraints

  • Patients with active malignancyOncologyRelative
  • Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
  • Pregnant or lactating womenReproductiveRelative
  • Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
  • Pediatric patients <12 yearsAgeRelative

Regulatory Status

  • European UnionInvestigationalEarly‑phase clinical trials ongoing; not authorized for marketing.
  • United StatesInvestigationalInvestigational New Drug (IND) applications submitted for dermatologic and transplant indications.
  • United KingdomInvestigationalMHRA has not approved any elafin therapeutic product; UK academic groups involved in elafin research.

No FDA‑approved therapeutic formulation; investigated in early‑phase trials for psoriasis, cystic fibrosis airway inflammation, and graft‑versus‑host disease.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elafin?

Elafin (also called SKALP, PI3, WFDC2) is an endogenous 12‑kDa secreted inhibitor of neutrophil elastase. It is being explored for topical and systemic treatment of inflammatory and transplant‑related conditions.

What is Elafin used for?

Elafin is educationally associated with: Vaginal dysbiosis / preterm birth prevention, Cardiac surgery-associated inflammation, Antimicrobial defense, Acute lung injury / ARDS protection, Inflammatory bowel disease, Prevention of graft‑versus‑host disease, Inflammatory skin disease treatment, Cystic fibrosis airway inflammation. Educational only — not medical advice.

How is Elafin administered?

Recorded routes of administration: Inhalation, Intravaginal, Intravenous, Topical.

What are the potential side effects of Elafin?

Reported adverse effects include: Local skin irritation, Injection site reactions, Hypersensitivity reaction, Airway irritation, Immunogenicity / antibody formation, Transient hypotension. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.

Who should avoid Elafin?

Recorded contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to elafin or excipients, Known hypersensitivity to elafin or formulation excipients, Severe coagulopathy. Consult a qualified clinician before use.