Polihexanide is an antimicrobial polymer used for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis by inhibiting DNA synthesis and disrupting the bacterial cell membrane. Polihexanide, also known as polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial polymer primarily used for topical antisepsis and wound management.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 2 references
Polihexanide exerts its antimicrobial activity by binding to the negatively charged phospholipids of bacterial cell membranes, disrupting membrane integrity and leading to leakage of intracellular contents and subsequently cell death. Additionaly, polyhexanide prevents the Acanthamoeba parasite from making copies of its DNA by interfering with enzymes responsible for the replication process, which stops the growth and reproduction of the parasite in humans.
- Primary indication
- AKANTIOR (polihexanide eye drops) are indicated in the EU for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis in adults and children from 12 years of age.Curator reviewed · 2 structured indications
- First approval
- European Union, 2025
- Also known as
- Poly(hexamethylene biguanide) · Polyhexamethylene biguanide · Polyhexanide
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of July 17, 2026
Which other approved drugs treat the same conditions as Polihexanide, and which companies have late-stage candidates in those indications?
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