Antimicrobial · Research Phase
Defensin HNP-1
No lawful US pathway
01 · Overview
Human neutrophil peptide 1 (HNP-1) is an alpha-defensin, one of three alpha-defensins that human neutrophils contain in large amounts (PMID 17133095). Defensins are small, cysteine-rich endogenous antibiotic peptides whose disulfide-stabilized structures allow them to disrupt microbial membranes.
Beyond direct antimicrobial action, HNP-1 to HNP-3 also have immunomodulatory, antiviral and toxin-neutralizing properties (PMID 17133095). As an endogenous peptide, HNP-1 has been of interest for therapeutic augmentation in infection and inflammation.
02 · Research summary & key findings
Laboratory studies have characterized the antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory and toxin-neutralizing activities of HNP-1 to HNP-3 (PMID 17133095). Human defensin genes show marked copy-number polymorphism, and high constitutive expression has been proposed to afford protection against defensin-sensitive pathogens (PMID 17133095). No therapeutic clinical trials using exogenous HNP-1 administration were identified, and the peptide remains a research subject rather than a candidate product.
03 · Regulatory status
Defensin HNP-1 is in the research phase with limited clinical data in humans. Current evidence is primarily derived from preclinical (animal or in vitro) studies.
No lawful pathway today
Defensin HNP-1 is not FDA-approved and does not currently have a lawful prescription or compounding pathway in the United States, so we do not sell it and will not book a consultation for it. That can change: in 2026 FDA began reviewing several peptides for compounding.
See the 3 FDA-approved compounds in Antimicrobial
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04 · Administration routes
- Topical
- Intravenous
References
- [1]Multispecific myeloid defensins Curr Opin Hematol, 2007. PMID 17133095
Primary literature
- PubMed: "Defensin HNP-1"
Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: "Defensin HNP-1"
Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.
- PubChem: "Defensin HNP-1"
Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.
Related peptides in Antimicrobial
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.