Synthetic molecule that mimics defensins, natural antimicrobial peptides. Although it is grouped with peptides, it is not a peptide. It has been studied in skin infections, oral mucositis, COVID-19, and fungal infections.
Regulatory status
In clinical trials
Family
Non-peptide mimetic of host defense peptides (defensins)
Scientific evidence
Low
Number of findings
1
Where it acts
Immunity and defense
Also known as
brilacidin, PMX-30063
Regulatory status
FDA (US): Not approved (QIDP designation for infectious disease products).
EMA (EU): Not approved.
Dose
There is no established dose in humans.
Safety
Very limited published safety data. Use only in clinical trials or research, under medical supervision; buying it is not recommended.
Effect by goal · level of evidence
Antifungal activity combined with caspofungin
increasesLowpreclinical (A)animals / laboratory
In the laboratory, brilacidin potentiated caspofungin against Aspergillus, Candida (including C. auris), and Cryptococcus, even in resistant strains. In immunosuppressed mice, the combination reduced the Aspergillus burden in the lung.
Like defensins, it inserts into the membranes of bacteria and fungi and destabilizes them. In fungi it disrupts the cell wall and membrane potential, which potentiates antifungals such as caspofungin. Anti-inflammatory effects have also been described in the laboratory.
What the evidence says
In people
There are no published trials in people.
In animals or the laboratory
Antifungal activity combined with caspofungin. In the laboratory, brilacidin potentiated caspofungin against Aspergillus, Candida (including C. auris), and Cryptococcus, even in resistant strains. In immunosuppressed mice, the combination reduced the Aspergillus burden in the lung. PubMed 37045836