Murabutide

Muramyl Dipeptide Analogue (immunomodulatory Peptide)Rx: ResearchCompound: Investigational

Also known as: Immuno-Medics MDP analogue, MDP-butyl ester, N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-glutamine n-butyl ester

Educational Only — Not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before using any peptide.

Summary

Murabutide is a synthetic immunomodulator and analogue of muramyl dipeptide (MDP), developed to retain immunostimulatory properties while minimizing adverse effects such as fever and arthritis. It has been studied as an adjunct therapy in HIV infection, cancer, and as a hematopoietic stimulant. It activates innate immunity via NOD2 signaling and has demonstrated antiviral activity in clinical trials.

Mechanism of Action

Synthetic derivative of muramyl dipeptide (MDP) that activates NOD2 receptors, stimulating macrophages and dendritic cells to produce cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, GM-CSF), enhancing innate immune responses, and exhibiting antiviral and hematopoietic effects without the pyrogenicity of MDP.

Routes of Administration

IntravenousSubcutaneous

Goals & Uses

  • Vaccine adjuvantVaccinologyLow
  • Innate immune activationImmunostimulationModerate
  • Cancer immunoadjuvantOncologyLow
  • Hematopoietic stimulationHematologyModerate
  • HIV immunotherapyAntiviral/immunomodulationModerate

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to MDP analoguesAllergy/ImmunologyHigh
  • Autoimmune diseaseImmuneModerateMay worsen or interact with immune-mediated disease
  • Active systemic infection with sepsis riskInfectious DiseaseHigh

Adverse Effects

  • Flu-like symptomsSystemic/ImmunologicalUncommon
  • Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
  • HeadacheNeurologicUncommonPain in the head or upper neck
  • Transient feverSystemicUncommon
  • Cytokine releaseImmunologicalCommon

Drug Interactions

  • Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine)Moderate
  • Antiretroviral therapy (e.g., zidovudine)Low
  • CorticosteroidsModerate

Population Constraints

  • PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
  • Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
  • Pediatric populationAgeRelative

Regulatory Status

  • European UnionInvestigationalNo EMA marketing authorization; studied in French clinical trials for HIV immunotherapy.
  • United StatesInvestigationalNot FDA approved; investigated under IND for HIV and oncology indications.
  • United KingdomUnknownNo MHRA approval identified; status mirrors EU investigational classification.

Murabutide has not received FDA or EMA approval for any indication. It has been studied in Phase I/II clinical trials primarily in HIV-infected patients. It was developed by Immuno-Medics and remains investigational.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.

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