HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) is a growth factor involved in promoting the growth, survival, and regeneration of hepatocytes (liver cells) and other cell types, such as skeletal muscle satellite cells. PG-001, HGF alternative peptides, is a chemically-synthesized cyclic peptide homodimer that specifically binds to c-Met, the unique receptor for HGF. Upon binding, PG-001 induces the dimerization of c-Met, triggering the phosphorylation of c-Met and subsequent signaling events in cells.

With a molecular weight of 4825.39 (acetate), PG-001 is approximately 1/16th the weight of HGF. In terms of inducing c-Met phosphorylation and HUVEC proliferation, PG-001 exhibits comparable activity to human HGF on a molar basis.Therefore, 2 µg of PG-001 is equivalent in activity to 32 µg of human HGF.