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Recovery · Antimicrobial Peptide

LL-37 (Cathelicidin)

Released: Last reviewed:

LL-37 is a 37-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide derived from the human cathelicidin protein. Studied for chronic Lyme, biofilm-associated infections, wound healing, and immune modulation.

Category: Recovery & Healing Last updated 2026-05-25
LL-37 (Cathelicidin) at a glance

LL-37 is a 37-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide derived from the human cathelicidin protein. Studied for chronic Lyme, biofilm-associated infections, wound healing, and immune modulation. Mechanism: Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. Typical route: Subcutaneous. FDA status: Not FDA-approved. Dispensed primarily by peptide compounding pharmacies for off-label use in chronic infection, autoimmune, and recovery protocols.

Drug classCathelicidin antimicrobial peptide
Half-life~24 hours
RouteSubcutaneous
Common dosing100-500 mcg/day
FDA statusNot approved
Available throughCompounding pharmacies

Mechanism of action

LL-37 disrupts bacterial cell membranes, neutralizes lipopolysaccharide, and modulates the human immune response by activating macrophages and supporting tissue repair. It has direct antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.

Dosing reference

Subcutaneous: 100-500 mcg once daily, often cycled 5 days on / 2 days off for 4-8 weeks. Higher doses are used in some clinical protocols for chronic infectious conditions.

Dosing information is provided for educational reference and is not medical advice. Patients should not initiate or modify any peptide regimen without consulting a licensed clinician. See our medical disclaimer.

FDA status & regulatory framework

Not FDA-approved. Dispensed primarily by peptide compounding pharmacies for off-label use in chronic infection, autoimmune, and recovery protocols.

U.S. telehealth providers that work with LL-37 (Cathelicidin)

Also covered
88/100May 2026 review (v3.0 rubric); v4.1 re-score pending

Starting at $160/mo. Defy Medical is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates LL-37 (Cathelicidin).

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Also covered
85/100May 2026 review (v3.0 rubric); v4.1 re-score pending

Starting at $180/mo. Marek Health is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates LL-37 (Cathelicidin).

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Also covered
70/100May 2026 review (v3.0 rubric); v4.1 re-score pending

Starting at $110/mo. Heally is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates LL-37 (Cathelicidin).

Read review →
Also covered
71/100May 2026 review (v3.0 rubric); v4.1 re-score pending

Starting at $125/mo. PeterMD is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates LL-37 (Cathelicidin).

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Frequently asked questions about LL-37 (Cathelicidin)

What is LL-37 used for?

LL-37 is most often used by patients with chronic Lyme disease, biofilm-related infections, or persistent inflammation. The peptide is also studied for skin-condition recovery and immune support.

Are there side effects?

Common reported side effects include flu-like symptoms, injection-site reactions, and short-term fatigue. Patients with autoimmune conditions should consult their physician given the peptide's immunomodulatory effects.

References

  1. Vandamme D, Landuyt B, Luyten W, Schoofs L. A comprehensive summary of LL-37, the factotum human cathelicidin peptide. Cell Immunol. 2012;280(1):22-35. PMID: 23246832
  2. Dürr UH, Sudheendra US, Ramamoorthy A. LL-37, the only human member of the cathelicidin family of antimicrobial peptides. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2006;1758(9):1408-1425. PMID: 16716248

Sources are peer-reviewed where available. PubMed (PMID) links resolve to NCBI's PubMed database. FDA links resolve to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Citations were last verified 2026-05-11.

Researched By
Dr. Parmis
Medical Researcher · Western University of Health Sciences
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Jonathan Snipes, MD · Kim Callender, NP (FNP-BC)
Last medically reviewed: October 15, 2026 · This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice.