LL-37: Patient Information & Safety Notes
Other names: cathelicidin, hcap-18-c-terminal-peptide
LL-37 is the only known human cathelicidin, a 37-amino-acid cationic antimicrobial peptide derived from hCAP-18 with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory functions. It is under investigation for wound healing and anti-infective applications. It is NOT FDA-approved.
In plain language
What LL-37 is used for
- Investigated in research settings for antimicrobial defense, wound healing, and immune modulation
Taking this medicine
How it is administered
- Subcutaneous injection
Read before you decide
Risks and precautions
Risks and warnings
- Mast cell activation (LL-37 can degranulate mast cells)
- Fatigue, injection site redness and irritation
Who should not take it
- Mast cell activation disorders (MCAS)
- Active cancer
- Pregnancy
Common questions
Patient questions
Is LL-37 an approved antibiotic?
No. LL-37 is a research compound, not an FDA-approved antibiotic or treatment. It has antimicrobial properties studied in laboratory settings, but systemic therapeutic use has not been validated in approved human clinical trials.
Related medications
Explore treatment hubs
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
Sources & References
Learn more about where our data comes from and how we write and review medical content.