Wound healing

Synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) derived from a sequence of a gastric-juice protein. Studied predominantly in animal models on healing and protective processes — controlled human trials are rare and limited in scope.

Endogenous tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that chelates copper(II) ions. Studied in skin models and small human trials on collagen synthesis, skin regeneration and wound healing; permitted as a cosmetic ingredient in the EU.

KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) of the hormone α-MSH, corresponding to its positions 11–13. In cell and rodent models an inflammation-modulating activity has been described, primarily via inhibition of the NF-κB signalling pathway. The evidence is drawn almost exclusively from preclinical work (cell culture and mouse); controlled human studies are essentially absent. KPV is not an approved medicinal product.

LL-37 is the only known human cathelicidin, a 37-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide generated by cleavage of the precursor protein hCAP18. In research it plays a central role in innate immune defence and wound healing, yet acts in a context-dependent manner as both anti- and pro-inflammatory and has been linked to autoimmune processes. LL-37 is not an approved drug; the evidence base is predominantly basic and preclinical.

Synthetic fragment of the endogenous protein Thymosin Beta-4, specifically the actin-binding sequence. Preclinical models investigate effects on cell migration, neovascularisation and wound healing — robust human data are absent.

Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4) is an endogenous 43-amino-acid peptide regarded as the principal intracellular actin-sequestering factor, involved in cell migration, neovascularisation and tissue regeneration. It has been studied in dry eye, corneal and wound healing, and cardiac repair (RegeneRx programmes, RGN-259). Thymosin Beta-4 is NOT an approved drug; robust human efficacy data are limited. The grey-market TB-500 is a synthetic fragment/analogue and is distinct from it.