Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)
FGF-2
Trial Wound-repair research
What it is
FGF-2, also called basic fibroblast growth factor or bFGF, is a 146-amino-acid protein that promotes fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. It is a full-size growth factor, not a short synthetic peptide, and has been studied extensively in wound healing, burns, and dermal repair.
Benefits in plain language
What researchers and reference users usually mean when they talk about this compound. These are study themes and common claims — not a promise that it will do this in you.
- FGF-2 is a growth factor best known for helping skin and blood vessels repair.
- It shows up in cosmetic and wound-care research more than in muscle or strength contexts.
- The clinically interesting data are topical or local — burns, ulcers, and dermal healing.
- Because it drives angiogenesis, long-term or systemic use raises questions rather than settling them.
If a branded, FDA-approved product exists, that label is the only dose that is actually authorized. Research-chemical vials are a different object.
Mechanism of action
FGF-2 signals through FGFR1–4 receptor tyrosine kinases with heparin-sulfate cofactor dependence. Downstream effects include MAPK and PI3K activation, driving endothelial and fibroblast proliferation, migration, and new vessel formation. In dermal models this accelerates granulation tissue formation.
Possible side effects / caveats
Local reactions are common in topical studies. Theoretical concerns center on pro-angiogenic and proliferative signaling if exposure is sustained, and on the difficulty of controlling dose in a protein that degrades quickly at room temperature. Research vials frequently arrive with poor activity due to handling.
Protocol ranges
| Source tier | Amount | Frequency / duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial | Topical mcg/mL concentrations | Applied per wound-care protocol | Indication-specific; supervised |
| Cited range | Community figures for local injection | — | Not supported by controlled human data |