TABLE 1.

Development of Antimicrobial Peptides as Anti-Infective Drugs^a

Advantages

Broad-spectrum activity (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal)

Rapid onset of killing

Cidal activity

Potentially low levels of induced resistance

Concomitant broad anti-inflammatory activities

Disadvantages

Discovery costs of synthesis and screening

Patent exclusivity for economic viability

Systemic and local toxicity

Reduced activity based on salt, serum, and pH sensitivity

Susceptibility to proteolysis

Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) issues

Sensitization and allergy after repeated application

Natural resistance (e.g., Serratia marcescens)

Confounding biological functions (e.g., angiogenesis)

High manufacturing costs

^aRefs. ²¹, ³², ³³.