Omiganan (MBI 226) is a 12-amino-acid synthetic cationic antimicrobial peptide (sequence: ILRWPWWPWRRK-NH2, MW ~1779 g/mol) derived from indolicidin, a natural antimicrobial peptide from bovine neutrophils. It has been investigated in Phase III clinical trials for prevention of catheter-related infections and topical treatment of rosacea (as CLS001), but has not received regulatory approval for either indication.
Category: Antimicrobial / Immune. Evidence rating: C (early/mixed human evidence).
Clinical status: Phase III completed for catheter infections (not approved, 2003). Phase III for rosacea (CLS001 by Cutanea Life Sciences, results ~2018). No regulatory approval.
Omiganan is a tryptophan- and arginine-rich cationic peptide that disrupts microbial cell membranes through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Unlike purely alpha-helical antimicrobial peptides, omiganan adopts an extended polyproline-type structure enriched in tryptophan residues that…
Safety considerations: Topical formulation generally well-tolerated in clinical trials; Application site reactions (burning, erythema) reported as most common adverse events; Systemic absorption from topical application is minimal.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Amino-acid sequence | ILRWPWWPWRRK-NH2 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | ~1779 g/mol |
| CAS number | 232941-39-0 |
| Production method | synthetic |
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
| US regulatory status | Not FDA-approved. Phase III catheter infection trial did not meet primary endpoint. Rosacea trials completed but NDA not filed. |
Related peptides: LL-37, Beta-Defensins, Alpha-Defensins.
The Phase III trial showed omiganan reduced catheter colonization compared to povidone-iodine but did not meet the primary endpoint of reducing catheter-related bloodstream infections, which is the clinically meaningful outcome.
No. Although Phase III trials showed efficacy for papulopustular rosacea, the developer (Cutanea Life Sciences) did not pursue regulatory approval, and omiganan is not commercially available for any indication.
Indolicidin is a 13-amino-acid tryptophan-rich antimicrobial peptide isolated from bovine neutrophil cytoplasmic granules. Omiganan is a synthetic derivative of indolicidin with modified sequence for improved antimicrobial activity and reduced toxicity.