INDICATIONS FOR USE

LL-37 is primarily used in dermatology for wound healing, reducing inflammation, and treating chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It is also employed for hair restoration, as it improves scalp health and stimulates hair follicle activity. LL-37’s antimicrobial properties make it an effective agent against skin infections and resistant bacterial strains.

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION

• Topical: Applied directly to the skin or scalp as a cream, serum, or gel.

• Injectable: Administered subcutaneously near the affected area or target site for deeper tissue effects.

COMMON INITIAL DOSING REGIMENS

• Topical: Applied to the affected area 1–2 times daily. Concentrations in topical formulations are often customized but typically range from 0.1% to 0.5%.

• Injectable: Standard dosing ranges from 100–200 µg per injection, administered 2–3 times weekly, depending on the condition being treated, such as skin repair or hair restoration.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

• LL-37 is a cathelicidin-derived peptide that serves as a key component of the innate immune system. It exhibits the following mechanisms:

• Antimicrobial Activity: Broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative), viruses, and fungi. LL-37 disrupts microbial membranes, preventing infections in wounds or irritated skin.

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Regulates pro-inflammatory cytokine release, reducing redness, swelling, and irritation in conditions like acne and psoriasis.

• Wound Healing: Promotes re-epithelialization by enhancing keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation. LL-37 also stimulates angiogenesis, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to the wound site.

• Hair Growth: Enhances dermal papilla cell activity and follicle stimulation by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Topical: Mild itching, erythema, or burning sensation at the application site. Rarely, patients may experience worsening of pre-existing skin conditions due to sensitivity to the active ingredient.

• Injectable: Localized reactions such as swelling, tenderness, or bruising at the injection site. Rare systemic effects include fatigue, headache, or nausea.

• Severe Effects: Prolonged use may lead to over-suppression of local inflammation, potentially delaying wound healing in certain cases. Rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Absolute: Hypersensitivity to LL-37 or any excipients in the formulation.

• Relative: Patients with autoimmune skin conditions should use LL-37 cautiously, as its immune-modulating effects may exacerbate certain autoimmune responses. Individuals with active systemic infections should consult their healthcare provider before using LL-37 due to potential immunomodulatory interactions.

ADDITIONAL NOTES ON EFFICACY

• LL-37 is a versatile peptide with applications extending beyond dermatology to systemic immune support and inflammation control. In hair restoration protocols, it is often paired with growth factors or other peptides like GHK-Cu to maximize follicular stimulation.

LEARN MORE

• Evidence hound? Review our comprehensive listing of PubMed direct links to original research related to this medication.