What is Recombinant Human EGF?
Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) refers to epidermal growth factor that is produced through recombinant DNA technology. EGF is a small peptide that is normally produced in the body and helps promote cell growth, proliferation and differentiation. rhEGF shares the identical amino acid sequence as the naturally occurring EGF but is synthesized artificially using genes inserted into host cells.
How is it Produced?
To produce rhEGF, the gene that encodes for EGF is isolated. This gene is then inserted into a host cell using recombinant DNA techniques. Common host cells used include Escherichia coli bacteria and Chinese hamster ovary cells. The inserted EGF gene causes the host cell to produce EGF proteins. The EGF proteins are then extracted and purified from the host cells. Advanced downstream purification processes such as chromatography are utilized to obtain highly purified rhEGF products for therapeutic applications.
Potential Medical Uses
Wound Healing
rhEGF has shown promising results in accelerating wound healing. It helps promote the proliferation and migration of various cell types involved in wound repair such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Several clinical studies have demonstrated rhEGF to be an effective treatment for slow healing wounds like diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers. It has led to faster healing times and higher wound closure rates compared to standard care.
Eye Drops for Corneal Wound Healing
Corneal wounds and defects can develop after injuries or surgeries like LASIK. Topical administration of rhEGF eye drops has been found to enhance corneal epithelial wound healing. It accelerates wound closure and re-epithelialization. rhEGF eye drops are used as an adjuvant treatment to speed up healing after corneal injuries or procedures.
Oropharyngeal Mucositis
Mucositis refers to inflammatory lesions that can develop in the mouth and oropharyngeal regions due to chemotherapy and radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. rhEGF has shown potential in preventing and treating oral mucositis. It promotes healing of damaged mucosal tissues. In clinical trials, rhEGF mouthwash has significantly reduced the severity and incidence of mucositis in cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy.
Other Applications
Beyond its wound healing properties, rhEGF is being researched for additional therapeutic uses:
Liver Regeneration
Chronic liver diseases can lead to liver cirrhosis and failure. Studies indicate rhEGF may aid liver regeneration through stimulating hepatocyte proliferation and improving liver function. It shows promise as an adjunct therapy for conditions like hepatic fibrosis.
Fetal Lung Maturation
Preterm births occur before complete lung maturation, increasing risks of respiratory distress syndrome. rhEGF administration to mothers at risk of preterm delivery or directly to fetuses has helped accelerate lung development and reduced complications in newborns.
Fracture Healing
Bones require growth factors for fracture repair. Topical rhEGF application to fractures in animal models has demonstrated accelerated healing rates. It is being explored as an adjunct to improve healing of difficult fractures in humans.
Future Directions
With its wound healing and regenerative properties, rhEGF holds therapeutic potential for a wide variety of clinical applications. Ongoing research continues to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Areas being studied include combinations with other growth factors, novel delivery methods for localized administration and new indications like cardiac repair. As understanding of rhEGF’s mechanisms expands, it may lead to new products and treatment options. Further clinical testing is still needed but rhEGF shows promise as a valuable biologic therapeutic.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile