Amlexanox peptide is a topical anti-inflammatory and antiallergic drug used to treat recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAUs), also known as canker sores. It is a five percent paste that is applied directly to the ulcer four times daily. Amlexanox works by decreasing the inflammation and pain associated with canker sores, and it can help to speed up the healing process.
Amlexanox is also being investigated for the treatment of a variety of other conditions, including:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Psoriasis
- Cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD is a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestines. There are two main types of IBD: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis only affects the colon and rectum.
Symptoms of IBD can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Amlexanox peptide is being investigated for the treatment of IBD because it has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In clinical trials, amlexanox peptide has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with IBD.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the skin cells to grow too quickly. This can lead to the formation of thick, scaly patches on the skin.
Symptoms of psoriasis can include:
- Red, raised patches of skin
- Thick, silvery scales on the skin
- Dry, cracked skin
- Itchy or burning skin
Amlexanox peptide is being investigated for the treatment of psoriasis because it has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In clinical trials, amlexanox peptide has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of psoriasis plaques.
Cancer
Amlexanox peptide is also being investigated for the treatment of cancer because it has anti-tumor effects. In laboratory studies, amlexanox peptide has been shown to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in some types of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
Amlexanox peptide is a safe and effective topical treatment for recurrent aphthous ulcers (canker sores). It is also being investigated for the treatment of a variety of other conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis, and cancer.
More research is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of amlexanox peptide for the treatment of these other conditions.
