rhNGF

RhNGF, or recombinant human nerve growth factor, is a laboratory-produced form of the neurotrophin nerve growth factor. It is a protein that supports the survival, development, and function of certain neurons in the peripheral and central nervous systems. In addition to its role in neuronal maintenance, NGF influences neuronal growth, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity, and it can modulate survival signaling in response to stress.

Mechanistically, rhNGF binds primarily to the TrkA receptor and, to a lesser extent, to p75NTR. Receptor engagement triggers intracellular signaling cascades such as the MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and PLCγ pathways, which promote neurite outgrowth, inhibit apoptosis, and support neuronal resilience. The mature NGF is a small, disulfide-bonded protein produced as a recombinant product in various expression systems, sometimes requiring post-translational processing to achieve the active form.

RhNGF is produced using recombinant DNA technology in systems including bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells. The choice of expression system can affect folding, disulfide formation, and glycosylation, which in turn influence biological activity and formulation stability. As a therapeutic candidate, rhNGF has been explored in preclinical and clinical studies for neurodegenerative diseases, peripheral nerve injury, and ocular surface disorders.

In clinical contexts, rhNGF formulations have been investigated for conditions such as neurotrophic keratitis and other ocular surface diseases, and research continues into systemic and localized delivery approaches. Safety and tolerability profiles are influenced by the delivery method, with common considerations including inflammatory responses at the site of administration and dose-dependent effects. Regulatory approval has been region-specific for certain indications, reflecting ongoing assessment of benefits and risks.