Sprifermin (INN) (developmental code name AS-902330),[1] is a recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 18 (rhFGF18) analog,[2] which is under development by TrialSpark for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
[3] FGF18 and sprifermin act via the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) family, with preferential activity via FGFR3c.
[4] In 2020, Merck reported 5-year follow-up data from the Phase 2 clinical trial for knee osteoarthritis (OA).
The placebo controlled, multi-center study demonstrated that sprifermin was able to promote statistically significant improvement in cartilage thickness relative to control in a dose-dependent manner, meeting the primary endpoint of the study.
[6] These findings suggest significant potential of FGF18 as a disease modifying drug for the treatment of OA (DMOAD) and warrant further clinical evaluation.