Glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide

Other immunostimulants (local classification)

ATC code: L03AX-LIKOPID

Updated 1 Jun 2026 · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

Herpes simplex

Not recommended

For herpes, Likopid is absent from guidelines. Proven antiherpetic agents are nucleoside analogues aciclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir.

Sources

Vestn Oftalmol: [Therapy of stromal herpetic keratitis with a new immunomodulator likopide]. (1997)
Bull Exp Biol Med: Comparative study of macrophage response in mice after DNA immunization and infection with herpes simplex virus type 1. (2005)
Mol Biol (Mosk): [Comparison of adjuvant activities of glucosaminyl-muramyl dipeptide and of the gene coding for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in DNA immunization against herpes simplex virus]. (2005)
CDC: Genital HSV infections: STI treatment guidelines, 2021 (2021)

ICD-10: B00 · ICD-11: 1F00.Z

Immune support and respiratory infection care

Not recommended

Likopid is marketed as an immunomodulator for correction of secondary immunodeficiencies in frequently ill children and adults. The , , and AEMPS have not approved the drug; international clinical guidelines (, , , CDC) do not include it. Secondary immunodeficiency in frequently ill people is not recognized as an independent diagnosis in international medicine – this is often a normal cold frequency in children or social-contact factors. No independent international clinical studies exist. If Likopid was recommended, consider seeking a second opinion.

Sources

Prevention of recurrent respiratory infections

Not recommended

For recurrent URI prevention, Likopid is absent from and ERS 2023 paediatric guidelines. Evidence-based measures: influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, hand hygiene, secondhand-smoke removal, and treatment of chronic infectious foci (sinusitis, tonsillitis).

Sources

ICD-10: Z29.9

How to read tiers A–F

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

Synthetic analogue of the minimal active fragment of bacterial cell wall (muramyl dipeptide). The manufacturer claims NOD2 receptor activation and innate immunity stimulation. The molecule is not described as a therapeutic agent in international pharmacological literature. Produced and used only in Russia by Peptek.

Safety

Contraindications

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Active autoimmune disease
Fever above 38 °C
Lactose intolerance
Hypersensitivity

Serious adverse effects

Independent data on serious adverse events are unavailable

Common adverse effects

Transient fever (common per label)
Arthralgia, myalgia
Headache

Pregnancy: can you take Glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide?

Contraindicated in pregnancy per the manufacturer label.

Breastfeeding: can you take Glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide?

Contraindicated during breastfeeding per the manufacturer label.

Calculate RID

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Practical notes

Russian practice note

Likopid is produced and sold by Peptek in Russia. The drug is absent from international circulation. Included in several domestic guidelines for «secondary immunodeficiencies» – a category applied far more strictly in international clinical immunology. No independent international evidence base exists.

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Frequently asked

What is Glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide used for?

Glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Herpes simplex (evidence tier F), Prevention of recurrent respiratory infections (evidence tier F), Immune support and respiratory infection care (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide?

Common side effects of Glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide (≥ 1 in 100): Transient fever (common per label), Arthralgia, myalgia, Headache. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide safe during pregnancy?

Contraindicated in pregnancy per the manufacturer label.

Is Glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide compatible with breastfeeding?

Contraindicated during breastfeeding per the manufacturer label.

Who should not take Glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide?

Glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide is contraindicated in: Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Active autoimmune disease; Fever above 38 °C; Lactose intolerance; Hypersensitivity. Full list in the Safety section.

Other drugs in this group

Bacterial lysates OM-85, Azoximer bromide, α-Glutamyl-L-tryptophan, Interferon α-2b in suppositories, Cat's claw, Echinacea purpurea (juice/extract), Alloferon (Allokin-alfa), Sodium deoxyribonucleate (Derinat)