Development Programs
Antimicrobial Peptides for Treatment of Infectious and
Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Chitosan Injectable for Soft Tissue Augmentation
Ionic Contra Viral Therapy (ICVT) to Treat Non Mucosal HPV
Antimicrobial Peptide
Naturally occurring, antimicrobial peptides are small amino acid-based molecules with broad spectrum activity in a variety of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Humans and animals alike utilize these as a natural defense mechanism to protect against external infection.
Cationic antimicrobial peptides have an amino acid composition that gives them a positive electrical charge, enabling them to link and interact with negatively charged pathogen cell membranes. This action disrupts the cell membrane, resulting in cell death, which is believed to minimize the likelihood of the development of peptide-resistant microbial strains.
Preclinical studies demonstrate that cationic peptides may also have anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, the peptides may inhibit inflammation associated with bacterial infection by preventing bacteria and host cells from producing inflammatory proteins. Research suggests that cationic, antimicrobial peptides may also be effective in wound healing.
Currently, Cutanea is developing the antimicrobial peptide, omiganan pentahydrochloride (CLS001) , to treat several dermatological conditions. These include: inflammatory lesions associated with rosacea, (a chronic dermatological disorder that affects facial skin), acne vulgaris, and atopic dermatitis. Other indications are also being explored.
