A to Z / Immune
Hepcidin
Also known as hepcidin-25, LEAP-1.
Best known for The master regulator of iron, mostly a diagnostic, not a drug
Evidence★★☆☆☆
Safety dataPoorly characterised
Route Research use
United StatesNot approved
AustraliaNot listed by name; unapproved therapeutic good
as at 16 September 2026
What it is and what it does
Hepcidin is a 25-amino-acid peptide made by the liver that controls how much iron enters the bloodstream. It is the central regulator of iron in the body, and its biology is well established. Hepcidin itself is not approved as a treatment; drugs that modulate it are in development.
What the full entry covers
The book carries the rest of this entry:
- Where the research stands, with every claim cited
- What people commonly ask, and what the research shows so far
- Dosing in four labelled bands, described and not recommended
- Side effects, serious risks, cautions and interactions
- Questions to discuss with your doctor
- How it compares with LL-37, Thymosin Alpha-1
Related entries
A certificate of analysis tells you what is in a vial. The evidence rating above tells you whether the compound has been shown to work in humans. Neither answers the other's question. How to read a certificate of analysis.
This page describes what is known and not known about Hepcidin. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use it.