PeptiGrowth Inc. Launches New Synthetic FGF2 Alternative Peptide

PeptiGrowth Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo and led by President Jiro Sugimoto, has made a significant advancement by developing a synthetic peptide known as "FGF2 alternative peptide (FGFR1c agonist)" with functionality equivalent to recombinant Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (bFGF). This new product, designated as PG-011, is set to enter the market in early October 2024.

In the realm of regenerative medicine and cell therapy manufacturing, traditional growth factors and cytokines often encounter multiple quality issues. These problems include lot-to-lot variability, potential contamination with biological impurities, low stability, and high costs. PeptiGrowth has concentrated efforts on creating synthetic peptides that overcome these challenges while maintaining the functional efficacy of conventional growth factors and cytokines. These peptides are entirely chemically synthesized and devoid of animal-derived components, which allows for the creation of xeno-free and chemically defined cell culture media.

The FGF2 Alternative Peptide (PG-011) is a dimeric peptide consisting of cyclic peptides that specifically bind to the human FGFR1c receptor. By engaging with this receptor, PG-011 activates signaling pathways in various cell types. Research has demonstrated that PG-011 supports the proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using approximately one-third of the concentration of FGF2 when measured on an ng/mL basis. In collaboration with the CiRA Foundation, PeptiGrowth also evaluated PG-011's ability to sustain the undifferentiated state of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). 

Three iPSC lines were cultured for seven days in media containing either 100 ng/mL (~5.9 nM) of FGF2 or the equivalent molar concentration (~30 ng/mL) of PG-011, followed by three passages. Observations of cell morphology and measurements of undifferentiated markers were conducted post-culturing. The iPSCs showed nearly identical morphology under both PG-011 and FGF2 conditions, and undifferentiated marker analysis (SSEA4 and TRA-1-60) revealed similar positivity rates in cells cultured with PG-011 as those cultured with FGF2. Additionally, cell proliferation rates during the culture period were equivalent for both conditions, suggesting that PG-011 can maintain iPSCs in an undifferentiated state similar to FGF2.

Recombinant FGF2 is notorious for its low stability, as it breaks down and loses activity rapidly under culture conditions. This instability necessitates higher concentrations and frequent medium changes, driving up production costs and increasing workload. PeptiGrowth has validated that PG-011 retains its full activity even after four days of incubation at 37°C, whereas FGF2's activity diminishes significantly under the same conditions, highlighting PG-011's superior stability.

Further assessments showed that PG-011 effectively promotes the proliferation of bovine muscle satellite cells, a key component in cultivated meat production. This implies that PG-011 could exhibit cross-reactivity across various cell types, including non-human cells, making it a promising candidate for both regenerative medicine and cultivated meat production.

PG-011 offers comparable cell proliferation and maintenance of the undifferentiated state to FGF2 but with enhanced stability. This stability results in reduced usage costs and workload. Furthermore, PG-011's efficacy in promoting the proliferation of both human and bovine cells underscores its potential value in diverse applications, including regenerative medicine and the cultivated meat industry.

Product Overview:
- Product Name: FGF2 alternative peptide (FGFR1c agonist)
- Product Code: PG-011
- Product Form: Lyophilized
- Storage Conditions: -20°C or lower
- Purity: ≥95% by HPLC
- Molecular Weight: 5127.81 (Acetate)
- Available Sizes: 10 µg, 50 µg per glass vial

PG-011 is intended for testing and research use only and may come with an Animal Component-Free (ACF) certificate. PeptiGrowth is also developing other peptides targeting various growth factors and cytokines, with plans to release additional products targeting PDGF-AA, KGF, and IL-15 from late 2024 to mid-2025.

How to obtain the latest research advancements in the field of biopharmaceuticals?

In the Synapse database, you can keep abreast of the latest research and development advances in drugs, targets, indications, organizations, etc., anywhere and anytime, on a daily or weekly basis. Click on the image below to embark on a brand new journey of drug discovery!