1 · Growth factors & blood derivatives
Recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) — eye drops
Review — modulators of corneal healing › 1 · Growth factors & blood derivatives › Recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) — eye drops
Recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) — eye drops
No single global brand · regional products (China; Cuba/CIGB; South Korea "Easyef"/nepidermin for skin)
Oxford II–IV
Weak–Moderate
Present (Asia) · Past (West)
Mechanism of actionBinding to the epithelial EGFR/ErbB1 receptor (tyrosine kinase) → RAS/MAPK and PI3K pathways → epithelial proliferation and migration, accelerated re-epithelialization. Overdosing may promote neovascularization (caution).
IndicationsEpithelial defects, post-surgical healing (PRK/LASIK, pterygium), abrasions, diabetic keratopathy, burns — largely off-label / country-specific.
Route & dosageTopical, ~10–100 µg/mL (0.001–0.01%), generally 4×/day. No internationally harmonized regimen.
Level of evidenceOxford II–IV · Scale: Weak–Moderate. Solid biological rationale, few modern high-quality RCTs; neovascularization/dosing concerns.
| FDA | No — no ophthalmic approval (US EGF products are non-ocular). |
|---|---|
| EU MA | No — no authorised eye drop. |
| France | Not marketed as an authorised eye drop. |
| USA | Not approved (rare compounding). |
| Asia | Established — rhEGF eye drops marketed in China; rhEGF products in Cuba (CIGB) and South Korea (skin/ulcers). |
Do not confuse: Cuban Heberprot-P (rhEGF) is an injectable for diabetic foot, not an eye drop.
Key studies: rhEGF vs bFGF corneal wound healing, Ophthalmic Res 2013 — PMID 23258255; Schultz G, "Effects of growth factors on corneal wound healing," Acta Ophthalmol Suppl 1992 (foundational EGF corneal work, 1980s–90s) — PMID 1322013.
See also: Gabison E. “Corneal wound-healing agents”. In: SFO 2023 Report — Médicaments et biothérapies en ophtalmologie, chapter 21. Full text, open access (in French).