Pexiganan

Antimicrobial Peptide (synthetic Magainin Analog)Rx: ResearchCompound: Investigational

Also known as: Locilex, MSI-78, Pexiganan acetate

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

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Summary

Pexiganan is a synthetic cationic antimicrobial peptide derived from magainin, developed for topical treatment of diabetic foot infections. Development was discontinued after failure to achieve regulatory approval.

Mechanism of Action

Disrupts bacterial cell membranes leading to rapid cell lysis

Routes of Administration

Topical

Goals & Uses

  • Diabetic foot infectionInfectious DiseaseModerate
  • Reduction of antibiotic resistance riskAntibiotic StewardshipLow
  • Treatment of infected diabetic foot ulcersInfectious Disease / Wound CareModerate
  • Broad-spectrum antibacterial activityAntimicrobialModerate
  • Avoidance of systemic antibiotic exposureAntibiotic StewardshipModerate

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to pexigananAllergyHigh
  • Application to deep or tunneling woundsWound CharacteristicsModerate
  • Known hypersensitivity to pexiganan or excipientsAllergyHigh

Adverse Effects

  • Contact dermatitisDermatologicalUncommon
  • Systemic absorption-related effectsSystemicRare
  • Application site painLocalCommon
  • Application site irritationLocal/dermatologicalCommon
  • Application site erythemaLocalCommon

Drug Interactions

  • Other topical antimicrobialsLow

Population Constraints

  • Patients with severe or deep foot infectionsDisease SeverityRelative
  • Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
  • Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
  • Pediatric useAgeRelative

Regulatory Status

  • European UnionUnapprovedNo marketing authorization granted.
  • United StatesInvestigationalFDA did not approve; development discontinued.
  • United KingdomUnapprovedNot approved by MHRA.

Not approved by FDA or EMA; development halted.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pexiganan?

Pexiganan is a synthetic cationic antimicrobial peptide derived from magainin, developed for topical treatment of diabetic foot infections. Development was discontinued after failure to achieve regulatory approval.

What is Pexiganan used for?

Pexiganan is educationally associated with: Diabetic foot infection, Reduction of antibiotic resistance risk, Treatment of infected diabetic foot ulcers, Broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, Avoidance of systemic antibiotic exposure. Educational only — not medical advice.

How is Pexiganan administered?

Recorded routes of administration: Topical.

What are the potential side effects of Pexiganan?

Reported adverse effects include: Contact dermatitis, Systemic absorption-related effects, Application site pain, Application site irritation, Application site erythema. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.

Who should avoid Pexiganan?

Recorded contraindications: Hypersensitivity to pexiganan, Application to deep or tunneling wounds, Known hypersensitivity to pexiganan or excipients. Consult a qualified clinician before use.