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HB‐50: A Pre‐Clinical Study of a Prophylactic for Wound Infection
Author(s) -
Harris Scott M,
Zhang Lijuan,
Parente Jody,
Rodeheaver George T.,
Falla Timothy J.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
wound repair and regeneration
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.847
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1524-475X
pISSN - 1067-1927
DOI - 10.1111/j.1067-1927.2004.0abstractde.x
Subject(s) - antimicrobial , peptide , antimicrobial peptides , bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , in vitro , wound healing , innate immune system , immune system , medicine , biology , chemistry , immunology , biochemistry , genetics
Topical prophylaxis against wound infection by an agent that is active against multi‐resistant bacteria does not generate resistance and is rapidly cidal would be of great clinical benefit. Peptides of the innate immune system have long been known to protect a wide range of organisms from attack by bacterial and fungal pathogens. Helix BioMedix Inc. has developed a short bioactive peptide antimicrobial modeled after these peptides. HB‐50 is an amphipathic cationic alpha‐helical peptide that has broad spectrum activity and is rapidly microbicidal. These attributes make HB‐50 an ideal candidate for wound infection prophylaxis. In vitro studies have demonstrated HB‐50 to be active against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria killing 5–7 log orders of bacteria within minutes. In addition, this peptide has potent activity against Vancomycin and Mupirocin resistant S. aureus . Preliminary testing of the peptide in a rat abraded skin infection model has shown the peptide’s effectiveness in preventing wound infection while not inhibiting wound healing. Additionally, the HB‐50 sequence has been specifically developed to be cost effective to manufacture and therefore is well suited for use as a topical antimicrobial agent.