LL-37
Also known as: Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP), hCAP-18/LL-37, LL37, CAP-18 fragment, Human cathelicidin
LL-37 is a 37-amino-acid peptide that is the only known cathelicidin-derived antimicrobial peptide made by the human body. It is cleaved from a precursor protein called hCAP-18 and is produced by immune cells such as neutrophils and by epithelial cells in skin, gut, and airway. As a naturally occurring part of innate immunity, it is being studied as a synthetic peptide in laboratory and preclinical research, but it is not an approved medicine.
How it works
Published research describes LL-37 as a cationic, amphipathic peptide that can disrupt the membranes of bacteria, some fungi, and enveloped viruses. Laboratory studies also report immunomodulatory roles, including influencing immune cell recruitment, inflammation signaling, angiogenesis, and wound-related processes. These mechanisms are drawn from cell and animal models, and how they translate to any administered human therapy remains investigational.
Researched uses
- Studied for antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses in laboratory models
- Studied for wound healing and skin repair in preclinical research
- Studied for its role in inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and rosacea
- Studied for potential anti-biofilm effects in laboratory settings
- Studied for immune signaling and its dual pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles
- Studied for possible involvement in certain autoimmune conditions
LL-37 is not approved by the FDA for any use. There is no FDA-approved brand product containing LL-37 as an active drug. It is an investigational and research-only compound; synthetic LL-37 is used in laboratory and preclinical studies and is not an established prescription medication. Products marketed online as LL-37 "for research use only" are sold outside the regulated pharmacy system and are not verified for identity, purity, or safety.
LL-37 providers compared
Providers that have passed our rubric review are listed first, then ordered by the total cost of a 3-month protocol. We average every cost to a standard 3-month protocol, which our medical advisors consider the best basis for comparing cost and value, and the headline figure folds in any one-time consult or provider-review fee plus three months of membership. Use the calculator below to adjust the length and see the same total broken out.
| Provider | Sourcing | What's included | Verified | Visit provider | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No provider in this directory currently lists a published price for this drug. | |||||
We average every cost to a standard 3-month protocol, which our medical advisors consider the best window for comparing cost and value. Monthly plans are multiplied by 3 and 3-month programs are taken as billed; each provider's own sticker price and cadence are shown underneath.
The headline figure is the total 3-month cost: the medication plus any one-time consult or provider-review fee (for example RxPepsDirect's $39) and three months of any membership fee. Where a fee is not published we fold in what is known and flag that other fees may apply.
Per-vial providers are averaged to a 3-month protocol at roughly one vial per month (3 vials), marked "est.", with the per-vial price shown underneath. Actual vial count depends on your dose and protocol.
Prices are gathered from each provider's public pages. The "Verified" date is when we last checked the provider's sticker price; for per-vial providers it is the vial price that was verified, not the averaged 3-month total.
Safety notes
The safety profile of administered LL-37 in humans is not established, because it has not undergone the clinical trials required to define side effects, dosing safety, or long-term risks. Research literature notes a dual role in which LL-37 can promote inflammation, and elevated LL-37 has been associated with conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, and some autoimmune processes, raising theoretical safety concerns. Because any LL-37 product sold outside the licensed pharmacy system is unregulated, its actual contents, sterility, and identity cannot be assumed to match the label.
LL-37 questions
How much does LL-37 cost?
No licensed provider in this directory currently publishes a price for LL-37. This page will list verified prices with their sources if that changes.
Is LL-37 an FDA-approved drug?
No. LL-37 is not FDA-approved for any use. It is classified as investigational and research-only, and there is no approved brand product that contains it as an active drug.
What does the current research on LL-37 show?
Most evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies describing antimicrobial and immune-signaling activity. There are no large, completed human clinical trials establishing that administered LL-37 is safe or effective for any condition, so its therapeutic value remains unproven.
Where do LL-37 products come from and are they regulated?
LL-37 sold online is generally offered as a "research use only" chemical outside the licensed pharmacy system. These products are not FDA-regulated, and their identity, purity, and sterility are not verified. Cost and access vary widely across unregulated sellers, which adds further uncertainty about product quality.