Peptide 17BIPHE2
LL-37, Truncated Forms GI-20 and GF-17
- User: Female
- Hormonal: Non-Hormonal
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Delivery type:
- Vaginal Gel
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Intended Duration:
- Pericoital
- Development Stage: Pre-Clinical
- Developer(s)/researcher(s): Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI)
Details
- API: 17BIPHE2
- Target: Membrane Lipids, Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), Lipoteichoic Acid (LTA), Proteins, DNA and RNA
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Mechanism of Action:
- Inhibition of Sperm Motility
- Inhibition of Sperm Capacitation
- Anti-Microbial
- Inactive Materials: Hydrogel
- Regimen: On Demand
- MPT: Potential MPT
- Promising Attributes: Currently available spermicides are commonly associated with vaginal irritation. 17BIPHE2 is believed to have potential to be more biocompatible. Additionally, the peptide has strong potential to lower risk of HIV and/or gonorrhea infection.
Product Status
Active Pre-Clinical Research
History
2010: OHRI receives Gates Grand Challenges grant to explore potential use of LL-37, an anti-microbial peptide, as an MPT
2014: Pre-clinical evaluation in vivo in mice and in vitro on human sperm suggests consistent spermicidal effect without negative impact on female reproductive tract
2016: Review of all antimicrobial peptide candidates for contraception determines that LL-37 is the most promising option under development, either as itself or as a "parent" of other engineered antimicrobial peptides, though may be prone to degradation in body fluids
2020: OHRU receives a 5-year grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to advance development of LL-37 and/or 17BIPHE2 as MPTs
2022: In vivo and in vitro evaluation of LL-37 and GF-17 "child peptide" 17BIPHE2 finds that the AMP produced a greater spermicidal effect than its parent peptides, though patient safety concerns initially preclude progression to evaluation in humans.
2023: Pre-clinical evaluation in vivo in mice suggests safety of repeat LL-37 administration
As of 2025, the developer's research profile indicates an intent to develop a formulation of 17BIPHE2 in a hydrogel to be administered into the female reproductive tract.