synthetic protegrin analog
(sin-THEH-tik proh-TEH-grin A-nuh-log)
A form of a protegrin that is made in the laboratory. Protegrins kill certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses by making holes in their outer membranes and causing them to burst. Synthetic protegrin analogs, such as iseganan, are being studied in the treatment of oral mucositis (painful mouth sores) caused by radiation therapy. It is a type of synthetic antimicrobial peptide.