sprifermin

Sprifermin is a recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 18 (rhFGF18) analog developed as a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD). It acts primarily by stimulating the proliferation of articular chondrocytes and promoting extracellular matrix synthesis via activation of fibroblast growth factor receptors FGFR2 and FGFR3. Sprifermin increases cartilage thickness in a dose-dependent manner and inhibits proteolytic enzymes such as MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5, thereby reducing cartilage degeneration. It is administered by intra-articular injection every 6 or 12 months for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Originally developed by Merck KGaA, it is now being further developed by TrialSpark’s subsidiary High Line Bio (now Formation Bio). Clinical trials have shown that sprifermin can promote regeneration of damaged articular cartilage and may arrest progression to joint replacement in knee osteoarthritis[2][4][5][7].

Other names

L-Methionyl(human fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF-18, zFGF5)-(1-169)-peptide)