IMMUNE · Injectable
Melittin.
Bee venom antimicrobial peptide — membrane-active defence
How it works
Class & mechanism.
In short
Melittin is the main active peptide in honeybee venom, making up roughly half its dry weight. It works by punching holes in cell membranes, a mechanism researchers are studying for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and — via protective nanoparticle delivery — anticancer applications. Because that same membrane-disrupting action causes haemolysis when injected systemically, research use is confined to topical formulations, encapsulated delivery systems, or traditional bee venom therapy under supervision.
Class
Antimicrobial Peptide (Bee Venom-Derived)
Mechanism
Melittin is a 26-amino acid amphipathic helical peptide that constitutes ~50% of honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom dry weight. Sequence: Gly-Ile-Gly-Ala-Val-Leu-Lys-Val-Leu-Thr-Thr-Gly-Leu-Pro-Ala-Leu-Ile-Ser-Trp-Ile-Lys-Arg-Lys-Arg-Gln-Gln-NH₂. Its mechanism is fundamentally membrane-active — it forms pores in phospholipid bilayers through its cationic, amphipathic structure, disrupting cell membranes. This pore-forming activity underlies both its toxicity (haemolysis, cytotoxicity) and its therapeutic potential (antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory at controlled doses). Research focuses on nanoparticle encapsulation to achieve selective delivery to target cells while avoiding systemic haemolysis.
Personalized Peptides provides DNA-driven peptide recommendations — we are not a compounding pharmacy, peptide synthesis company, or clinical provider.
Did you know
Melittin is nature's most efficient membrane destroyer — a single bee sting delivers a peptide so potent at punching holes in cells that researchers are now wrapping it in "stealth nanoparticles" to selectively deliver it to tumours without destroying everything in between.
Preclinical Data
No human PK studies available.
Venom peptide — no human PK. Cytolytic at concentration. Narrow therapeutic window.
Class
Bee venom peptide / membrane-active antimicrobial
Route
SC / Topical / IV (investigational)
Mol. Weight
2,846.5 Da
What we don't know
No human PK data exists for purified melittin. Whole bee venom immunotherapy has extensive clinical safety data but not PK. Melittin's amphipathic nature means it binds non-specifically to membranes, making conventional PK parameters (Vd, protein binding) largely meaningless — the peptide partitions into any lipid bilayer it encounters.
Why this dosing protocol
The therapeutic window is extremely narrow. Cytolytic effects begin at concentrations only 2-5× above anti-inflammatory doses. Dosing must start very low (50-100mcg SC) with cautious titration. Topical application avoids systemic cytolysis. Bee venom immunotherapy (whole venom, not purified melittin) has established safety protocols but is a different product.
Empirical protocol: 100-500mcg SC (research); 10-100mcg topical
Safety notes
- Narrow therapeutic window
- Cytolytic at moderate concentration
- Haemolysis risk
Pharmacokinetic data shown for educational context. All parameters are inferred or empirically derived — no formal human PK studies exist for this compound. Individual response varies. Not a substitute for clinical dosing guidance.
Benefits
What it does.
Antimicrobial activity — in vitro studies suggest the membrane-disrupting mechanism may be effective against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses, with theorized low resistance development potential
Anti-inflammatory effects — preclinical evidence suggests that at sub-lytic doses, melittin may modulate inflammatory signalling pathways including NF-κB and COX-2
Anticancer research — melittin-loaded nanoparticles show selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells in preclinical models
Bee venom therapy heritage — empirically used for arthritis, pain syndromes, and multiple sclerosis in traditional practice
The science
Peer-reviewed findings.
Research supporting this compound's mechanisms and safety profile.
What this does not mean
Melittin is a research chemical. The information on this page is educational and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Melittin is not FDA-approved for antimicrobial use, inflammation, cancer treatment, or any other use, and systemic injection of purified melittin is not recommended due to haemolysis risk. This page does not recommend, endorse, or prescribe any compound for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions. Personalized Peptides provides DNA-driven educational context and test interpretation — not clinical protocols or pharmaceutical recommendations.
Melittin-loaded HDL-like nanoparticles demonstrate selective tumour targeting — killing cancer cells via membrane disruption while sparing healthy tissue in preclinical models
SOURCE · Washington University / Nature Nanotechnology; Soman NR et al., melittin nanoparticle delivery systems
Protocol
How to use it.
Dosing
Therapeutic use primarily topical or via bee venom therapy (BVT). Topical: 0.1–1% concentration in creams. BVT: 1–10 bee stings per session at therapeutic acupoints (delivers ~0.1–1 mg total melittin). Injectable purified melittin is NOT recommended — systemic haemolysis risk is severe.
Cycle
BVT: 1–3 sessions per week, typically 8–12 week courses. Topical: as needed.
Contraindications
When to skip it.
Systemic injection causes haemolysis — NOT safe for therapeutic injection. Bee venom allergy risk — anaphylaxis possible. Epinephrine availability essential for BVT. Not evaluated by FDA for systemic therapeutic use.
Always cleared with your concierge before protocol start.
Regulatory Context
FDA compounding status.
| FDA Status | Risk Level | Compounding | Key Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| No specific FDA action | 🟢 Stable | Gray zone — no specific enforcement | No pending dates |
Bee venom antimicrobial peptide. Not on any FDA Category 1/2/3 lists. No pending PCAC review. Membrane-active defence mechanism. Research-stage compound.
Source: FDA Federal Register, PCAC agendas, industry analyses. Educational context only — not legal advice. Review after July 23-24, 2026 PCAC meeting.
Pricing
What it costs.
Indicative range for Melittin, sourced from vetted US and EU dispensing suppliers. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
Indicative range (USD)
Sourced through vetted dispensing partners in the United States and European Union. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
- 0199% purity verified, third-party tested
- 02Includes vial and reconstitution guidance
- 03Concierge supplier match included with every protocol
See Melittin pricing — and your supplier match.
Pricing is unlocked once we know who you are. Take the 3-minute quiz and we'll match you to a US or EU dispensary based on your location and protocol fit.
- Live USD price range
- US & EU supplier shortlist
- Concierge sign-off on dosing
Indicative price range: $109–$163 USD