Becaplermin is a recombinant form of human platelet-derived growth factor used to treat ulcers due to diabetic neuropathy in the lower extremities when there is adequate blood supply to the area. Becaplermin is produced by recombinant DNA technology by insertion of the gene for the B chain of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) into the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Binds to the beta platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor, a tyrosine kinase receptor. PDGF is known to exist as a dimer, and activates its signaling pathway by a ligand induced receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation. PDGF receptors also contain many auto-phosphorylation sites, which serve to mediate binding of SH2 sites and subsequently signal corresponding pathways. There are five different isoforms of PDGF that activate through two different receptors (alpha and beta).
- Primary indication
- For topical treatment of skin ulcers (from diabetes)Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C532H892N162O153S9 · 12294.4 Da
- First approval
- Canada, 1998 · United States, 1998
- Also known as
- PDGF-2 · PDGF-BB · PDGFB · Platelet-derived growth factor BB, recombinant · Platelet-derived growth factor beta polypeptide
- Code names
- GEM-21S · RWJ-60235
- Brand names
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of July 17, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Becaplermin, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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