Dusquetide
An investigational treatment for Behcet Disease.
The same compound appears under different names depending on the context. Here is how to identify Dusquetide wherever you encounter it, plus the key facts at a glance.
- Generic name
- Dusquetide
- Development code
- SGX945
- Drug class
- Peptide immunomodulator
- Manufacturer
- Soligenix
- How it's taken
- Dusquetide is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion taking about 4 minutes.
An investigational peptide therapy being tested for oral ulcers in Behcet disease. It works by modulating the innate immune response to promote healing of mucosal tissue.
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How Dusquetide works
Dusquetide is a short synthetic peptide that acts as an innate defense regulator, meaning it modulates how your body responds to injury and inflammation. It helps shift the immune system toward a healing response, which can help ulcers heal better in Behcet disease.
Mechanism: Innate defense regulator peptide that promotes mucosal healing
Side effects and safety
In the small Phase 2a pilot study of 8 patients, dusquetide was well tolerated. Larger trials are needed to understand its side effects fully.
This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to expect and when to seek medical attention.
Taking Dusquetide
Dusquetide is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion taking about 4 minutes. In the Phase 2 study, patients received twice-weekly infusions for 4 weeks, then had a 4-week follow-up period. The drug is still in clinical trials and not yet available by prescription.
Clinical trial results
In a small Phase 2a pilot study (NCT06386744) with 8 patients and no placebo group, dusquetide was given by IV infusion twice a week for 4 weeks to people whose mouth ulcers persisted despite colchicine. Ulcer burden fell by 40% at week 4 and 32% at week 8, four weeks after dosing stopped, and 7 of 8 patients reported a benefit. The results were compared with placebo data from an earlier apremilast trial and published in Rheumatology in 2026. A larger controlled trial is still needed.
Main registered trial: NCT06386744 on ClinicalTrials.gov. Check it for the current status, sites and contacts before asking about enrollment.
Development history
Dusquetide (SGX945) was developed by Soligenix based on discoveries from the University of British Columbia. It belongs to a new class of drugs called innate defense regulators. For Behcet disease it has FDA Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations, and in 2026 it received orphan designation in the EU. Soligenix has said it plans a version injected under the skin for home use.
Explore Behcet Disease trials
Other Behcet Disease treatments
Common questions about Dusquetide
▸What is Dusquetide?
An investigational peptide therapy being tested for oral ulcers in Behcet disease. It works by modulating the innate immune response to promote healing of mucosal tissue.
▸How does Dusquetide work?
Dusquetide is a short synthetic peptide that acts as an innate defense regulator, meaning it modulates how your body responds to injury and inflammation. It helps shift the immune system toward a healing response, which can help ulcers heal better in Behcet disease.
▸What are the side effects of Dusquetide?
In the small Phase 2a pilot study of 8 patients, dusquetide was well tolerated. Larger trials are needed to understand its side effects fully.
▸How is Dusquetide taken?
Dusquetide is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion taking about 4 minutes. In the Phase 2 study, patients received twice-weekly infusions for 4 weeks, then had a 4-week follow-up period. The drug is still in clinical trials and not yet available by prescription.
▸Is Dusquetide FDA approved?
Dusquetide is currently in phase 2 clinical trials for Behcet Disease. It has not yet received FDA approval.
▸What is dusquetide's mechanism of action?
Dusquetide is an innate defense regulator (IDR) peptide that modulates the innate immune response. Rather than broadly suppressing immunity, it helps resolve inflammation by influencing how immune cells respond to damage and infection signals.
▸What is the current development status?
Dusquetide has completed a small Phase 2a pilot study in Behcet disease oral ulcers and is being developed by Soligenix. A larger controlled trial would be needed before any approval.
▸How is dusquetide administered?
In the pilot study, dusquetide was given as a 4-minute IV infusion twice a week for 4 weeks. Soligenix has said it plans a version injected under the skin that could be used at home.
▸How does dusquetide differ from existing Behcet treatments?
Unlike apremilast (a PDE4 inhibitor) or adalimumab (a TNF blocker), dusquetide works on the innate immune system as an innate defense regulator peptide. It has only been tested in a small pilot study so far, so how it compares with existing treatments is not yet known.
Sources and references
Every factual claim on this page is drawn from the public sources listed below. Click any reference to open the original document.
- Rheumatology (Oxford) · 2026-02-04. Results from a pilot study of dusquetide for aphthous ulcers in Behcet's syndrome. https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/65/2/keaf682/8381546
- Soligenix · 2026-03-26. Soligenix Receives Orphan Drug Designation from the European Commission for SGX945. https://ir.soligenix.com/2026-03-26-Soligenix-Receives-Orphan-Drug-Designation-from-the-European-Commission-for-SGX945-for-the-Treatment-of-Behcets-Disease