The only human cathelicidin. It is cationic and amphipathic, so it inserts into and disrupts negatively charged bacterial membranes directly — a physical mechanism to which resistance develops poorly. It also acts as a signalling molecule via FPR2, recruiting immune cells and modulating wound repair. Vitamin D upregulates its expression, which is a substantial part of the vitamin D-immunity story.
Large preclinical and mechanistic literature. Early human work in venous leg ulcers exists. Systemic therapeutic use is constrained by a real problem: the same membrane-disrupting property that kills bacteria is cytotoxic to host cells at higher concentrations.
Not FDA-approved.
Cytotoxicity and haemolysis at elevated concentrations are intrinsic to the mechanism, not an incidental impurity effect. Also implicated in the pathology of rosacea and in autoimmune processes in psoriasis and lupus — more of this peptide is not straightforwardly better.
Forge Bioenergy does not publish dosing, reconstitution, or administration protocols for any peptide. See our editorial policy for why. If you are considering any substance on this page, that conversation belongs with a licensed physician.
Regulatory status changes. This page reflects our reading of public sources as of July 2026 and should be independently verified before it is relied upon.