sprifermin (Formation Bio)

Sprifermin (recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 18, rhFGF18) is an investigational, truncated recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 18 analog being developed as a potential disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD). Originally developed by Merck KGaA (EMD Serono) after being in-licensed from ZymoGenetics in 2004, sprifermin is currently being developed by Formation Bio (formerly High Line Bio, a subsidiary of TrialSpark). Sprifermin acts as an agonist of fibroblast growth factor receptors, particularly FGFR3 (preferentially FGFR3c) and FGFR2, which are expressed on chondrocytes. By binding to these receptors, sprifermin stimulates chondrocyte proliferation and extracellular matrix production, leading to increased cartilage thickness and repair. It is administered via intra-articular injection directly into the joint capsule. Sprifermin has completed Phase 2 clinical trials (such as the FORWARD study) for knee osteoarthritis and has also been evaluated as an adjunct to microfracture surgery for knee cartilage injury.

Other names

FGF-18FGF18FGF 18L-Methionyl(human fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF-18, zFGF5)-(1-169)-peptide)recombinant human FGF-18recombinant human FGF18recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 18recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-18rhFGF-18rhFGF18rhFGF 18