About FGF-1
Binds all four FGFR subtypes (broadest binding of FGF family). Activates MAPK and PI3K downstream pathways. Promotes fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, and hair follicle cycling into anagen phase.
FGF-1 (fibroblast growth factor 1; acidic FGF; aFGF) is an endogenous 155-amino-acid heparin-binding growth factor and the prototypic member of the 22-member FGF family, expressed in diverse tissues where it stimulates cell proliferation, survival, and migration through tyrosine kinase receptor (FGFR1-4) signaling, with particularly important roles in angiogenesis, wound healing, and tissue repair. FGF-1 activates FGFR to initiate MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and PLCgamma signaling cascades driving endothelial cell sprouting and neovascularization; in ischemic tissues, FGF-1 is a potent inducer of therapeutic angiogenesis, stimulating new vessel formation to restore perfusion in peripheral arterial disease and critical limb ischemia. A Phase 2 randomized controlled trial of intramuscular gene-encoded FGF-1 delivery (NV1FGF, a non-viral plasmid vector) in critical limb ischemia demonstrated improved amputation-free survival in human subjects, providing clinical evidence for FGF-1 pathway activity; this gene therapy approach is distinct from direct recombinant FGF-1 protein administration, and no protein therapy form has completed Phase 3 trials. Recombinant FGF-1 protein has no FDA approval as a standalone therapeutic; the clinical evidence base references gene-encoded delivery rather than the protein itself, and research-grade FGF-1 is used primarily as a cell culture supplement and tissue engineering scaffold factor rather than as a therapeutically administered agent.
FGF-1 Benefits & Research Areas
Regulatory & Evidence
Risk Profile
Moderate risk profile in research contexts. Review contraindications and administration guidelines before use.
Regulatory Status
- Availability Status
- Research Only
Regulatory status reflects publicly available information and may change. This is not legal or medical advice.
Research Sources
2 sources cited · 1 moderate · 1 weak
1 RCT · 1 Case series
Therapeutic angiogenesis with intramuscular NV1FGF improves amputation-free survival in patients with critical limb ischemia
Molecular Therapy · 2008
In a double-blind phase 2 randomized controlled trial of 125 patients with critical limb ischemia and non-healing ulcers, intramuscular FGF-1 (NV1FGF plasmid gene therapy) significantly reduced the risk of all amputations (HR 0.498, p=0.015) and major amputations (HR 0.371, p=0.015) versus placebo, establishing the tissue repair and vascular regeneration properties of fibroblast growth factor-1 in ischemic wound healing.
Thauvin-Robinet-Faivre Syndrome: A FIBP Variant in an Adolescent with Segmental Overgrowth and Thyroid Carcinoma.
J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol · 2026
# Summary Research found that a variant in the FIBP gene, which regulates the fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) pathway critical for cell proliferation and differentiation, is associated with Thauvin-Robinet-Faivre Syndrome, a rare overgrowth disorder that can include increased tumor development risk. This case study demonstrated previously unreported tumor manifestations (thyroid and parotid carcinomas) in a patient with this syndrome, expanding understanding of how FIBP gene defects contribute to abnormal growth and cancer development.
FGF-1 Side Effects & Safety Considerations
Moderate risk profile. Review all reported considerations carefully before use.
Reported contraindications & considerations
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. This information is educational only and does not constitute medical advice.
Where to Buy FGF-1 — Providers & Availability
Coverage expanding
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Questions to Ask Your Provider
Frequently Asked Questions — FGF-1
FGF-1 (fibroblast growth factor 1; acidic FGF; aFGF) is an endogenous 155-amino-acid heparin-binding growth factor and the prototypic member of the 22-member FGF family, expressed in diverse tissues where it stimulates cell proliferation, survival, and migration through tyrosine kinase receptor (FGFR1-4) signaling, with particularly important roles in angiogenesis, wound healing, and tissue repair. FGF-1 activates FGFR to initiate MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and PLCgamma signaling cascades driving endothelial cell sprouting and neovascularization; in ischemic tissues, FGF-1 is a potent inducer of therapeutic angiogenesis, stimulating new vessel formation to restore perfusion in peripheral arterial disease and critical limb ischemia.
wound healing, hair growth support, skin repair, angiogenesis, fibroblast activation.
Research on FGF-1 primarily documents effects related to wound healing and hair growth support and skin repair and angiogenesis and fibroblast activation. These are areas covered in preclinical and clinical literature — individual response varies and effects depend on context of use.
Reported contraindications and considerations for FGF-1 include active cancer history, pregnant or nursing. This is educational information only — consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
In a double-blind phase 2 randomized controlled trial of 125 patients with critical limb ischemia and non-healing ulcers, intramuscular FGF-1 (NV1FGF plasmid gene therapy) significantly reduced the risk of all amputations (HR 0.498, p=0.015) and major amputations (HR 0.371, p=0.015) versus placebo, establishing the tissue repair and vascular regeneration properties of fibroblast growth factor-1 in ischemic wound healing.