[5][6][7] The protein was first discovered in 1998, when two newly-identified murine genes Fgf17 and Fgf18 were described and confirmed as being closely related by sequence homology to Fgf8.

[9] Subsequent studies identified FGF18's role in promoting chondrogenesis,[10] and an apparent specific activity for the generation of the hyaline cartilage in articular joints.

Knockout studies of the similar gene in mice implied the role of this protein in regulating proliferation and differentiation of midline cerebellar structures.

[19] The role of FGF18 in the heart appears to be associated with protection from stress-induced pathological cardiac hypertrophy via the induction of survival or regenerative signals.

[21] Studies of FGF18 in relation to oncology have shown both decreased levels[22] and increased levels[23] of FGF18 in a number of cancer types and stages, however, FGF18 does not appear to be causative or prognostic[24] and long-term clinical studies of the FGF18 analog, sprifermin, have demonstrated an excellent safety profile with no reported oncogenic effects.