Cenegermin
What the Research Actually Shows
Human: 3 studies, 3 groups · Animal: 0 · In Vitro: 0
The nerve growth factor eye drop that heals corneas no other treatment can reach — the first FDA-approved biologic for neurotrophic keratitis
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BLUF: Bottom Line Up Front
Cenegermin is an FDA-approved eye drop containing nerve growth factor — a natural protein that keeps corneal tissue alive and healthy. It treats a condition called neurotrophic keratitis, where damaged corneal nerves leave the cornea unable to heal itself. Before cenegermin, this condition had no effective drug treatment. In the pivotal U.S. trial, 70% of patients on cenegermin achieved complete corneal healing, compared to 29% on placebo drops. The treatment requires six drops per day for eight weeks, and the medication must be stored frozen. It's expensive and the dosing schedule is demanding, but for patients with a previously untreatable condition, it represents a genuine breakthrough.
Cenegermin (Oxervate) is recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) — a 118-amino acid homodimeric neurotrophic protein formulated as ophthalmic eye drops. It was approved by the EMA in 2017 and by the FDA in August 2018 as the first topical biologic for neurotrophic keratitis (NK), a condition where corneal sensory nerve damage leads to persistent epithelial defects, ulceration, and potential vision loss.
The biology is elegant: the cornea is one of the most densely innervated tissues in the body, and those sensory nerves do more than detect pain — they provide trophic support that keeps the corneal epithelium alive, stimulates tear production, and drives wound healing. When those nerves are damaged (by herpes infection, diabetes, surgery, stroke, or trauma), the cornea loses its ability to maintain and repair itself. Cenegermin replaces the neurotrophic support that damaged nerves can no longer provide.
The pivotal U.S. trial (NGF0214, N=48) demonstrated complete corneal healing in 69.6% of cenegermin-treated patients versus 29.2% with vehicle (PMID 31585826). The European trial (NGF0212, N=156) showed 74.5% healing at the 20 mcg/mL dose. These results established cenegermin as the first effective pharmacological treatment for moderate-to-severe NK — a condition previously managed with supportive measures (lubricants, bandage contact lenses, tarsorrhaphy) that addressed symptoms but not the underlying biological defect.
In This Article
Quick Facts: Cenegermin at a Glance
Type
Recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF), 118-amino acid homodimeric neurotrophic protein
Also Known As
Oxervate, cenegermin-bkbj, rhNGF ophthalmic solution
Generic Name
Cenegermin-bkbj
Brand Name
Oxervate (Dompé farmaceutici)
Related Compounds
NGF Ocular (same molecule, broader applications — dry eye, glaucoma), RGN-259/Thymosin β4 (competing corneal healing agent, different mechanism), SP/IGF-1 Ocular (alternative neurotrophic approach)
WADA Status
Not on WADA Prohibited Lists
Molecular Weight
~26.5 kDa (homodimer)
Peptide Sequence
118-amino acid protein (each monomer) — recombinant human NGF-β produced in E. coli. Not a small peptide; a full neurotrophic protein
Endogenous Origin
Recombinant version of human nerve growth factor (NGF), naturally produced by corneal epithelial cells and lacrimal gland, essential for corneal nerve and epithelial maintenance
Primary Molecular Function
Binds TrkA (tropomyosin receptor kinase A) and p75NTR on corneal epithelial cells and sensory neurons → promotes epithelial cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and corneal nerve regeneration
Active Fragment
Full-length NGF-β dimer required for TrkA activation. No truncated fragment retains full biological activity
Half-Life
Topical application — ocular surface residence time limited by tear turnover. Six-times-daily dosing compensates for rapid clearance
Clinical Programs
NGF0214 (US Phase III, N=48), NGF0212 (EU Phase II/III, N=156). Approved in US, EU, Japan, and other markets
Route
Topical ophthalmic drops (1 drop in affected eye, 6× daily at 2-hour intervals × 8 weeks)
FDA Status
Approved August 2018 for neurotrophic keratitis in patients ≥2 years old. First topical biologic approved for any corneal disease
Community Interest
Not a community-use compound. Prescription-only biologic administered by cornea specialists. Requires frozen storage and weekly thaw
Evidence Tier
1 Approved Drug
Verdict
Strong Foundation
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Subscribe to Peptidings WeeklyWhat Is Cenegermin?
Pronunciation: seh-NEJ-er-min
The cornea — the transparent front surface of your eye — is the most densely innervated tissue in the human body. Each square millimeter of corneal tissue contains more sensory nerve endings than anywhere else on your skin. These nerves serve an obvious purpose: they make you blink when something touches your eye, triggering the protective reflexes that keep the cornea safe.
But corneal nerves do something less obvious and equally important: they release growth factors — including nerve growth factor — that keep the corneal epithelium alive and capable of repairing itself. Every blink, every tear, every minor abrasion triggers a healing response coordinated in part by neurotrophic signals from corneal sensory nerves. Without those signals, the cornea loses its ability to maintain its surface.
Neurotrophic keratitis is what happens when those nerve signals disappear. Herpes virus infections, diabetes, stroke, neurosurgery, acoustic neuroma removal, and even LASIK can damage the trigeminal nerve branches that innervate the cornea. The result: persistent epithelial defects that refuse to heal, progressive ulceration, and in severe cases, corneal perforation and vision loss. Before cenegermin, there was no drug treatment — only supportive measures.
Cenegermin is the replacement for what damaged nerves can no longer provide. It is recombinant human NGF — the identical protein that corneal nerves normally release — formulated as eye drops and applied directly to the corneal surface.
PLAIN ENGLISH
Your cornea needs signals from its nerves to heal itself. When those nerves are damaged (by infection, diabetes, or surgery), the cornea can't heal and starts breaking down. Cenegermin is an eye drop containing a copy of the natural growth factor that corneal nerves normally provide — it replaces what the damaged nerves can no longer deliver.
Origins and Discovery
Nerve growth factor was discovered by Rita Levi-Montalcini and Stanley Cohen in the 1950s — work that earned them the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. NGF was the first neurotrophic factor identified, and its discovery launched the entire field of neurotrophic biology.
The observation that NGF plays a role in corneal biology came decades later. In the 1990s, Alessandro Lambiase and colleagues demonstrated that NGF is present in the cornea and that topical NGF application could heal neurotrophic corneal ulcers. Their early work used murine (mouse-derived) NGF eye drops — an approach that proved the concept but was limited by immunogenicity and supply constraints (PMID 10889110). In an extraordinary early clinical demonstration, Bonini et al. (2000) achieved complete corneal healing in 12 out of 12 patients treated with murine NGF drops.
Dompé farmaceutici, an Italian pharmaceutical company, developed recombinant human NGF (rhNGF) using E. coli expression systems, eliminating the immunogenicity concerns of murine NGF and enabling scalable manufacture. The company conducted two pivotal trials (NGF0212 in Europe, NGF0214 in the US) that led to EMA approval in 2017 and FDA approval in August 2018.
Cenegermin received orphan drug designation for NK — a recognition of the disease's rarity and the absence of prior approved treatments.
Mechanism of Action
TrkA Signaling in the Cornea
NGF binds two receptors on corneal cells: TrkA (tropomyosin receptor kinase A, the high-affinity signaling receptor) and p75NTR (the low-affinity receptor that modulates NGF signaling). Both are expressed on corneal epithelial cells and corneal sensory nerve terminals.
TrkA activation triggers intracellular signaling cascades (PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, PLCγ) that promote: - Epithelial cell survival: Anti-apoptotic signaling prevents epithelial cell death at the defect margins - Epithelial proliferation and migration: Cells at wound edges divide and migrate to cover the defect - Epithelial differentiation: Newly migrated cells mature into functional corneal epithelium - Corneal nerve regeneration: NGF promotes sensory nerve regrowth into denervated corneal tissue — potentially restoring the endogenous neurotrophic supply that cenegermin temporarily replaces
PLAIN ENGLISH
Cenegermin activates two receptors on corneal cells that tell them to survive, divide, and move to cover the wound. Over time, it may also help damaged nerves regrow into the cornea — which could eventually restore the natural healing signals that were lost.
The Self-Repair Paradox
The most interesting aspect of cenegermin's mechanism is the potential for self-limiting therapy. By promoting corneal nerve regeneration, cenegermin may restore the endogenous neurotrophic supply — effectively healing the underlying cause of NK, not just the symptoms. Some patients maintain corneal integrity after the 8-week treatment course, suggesting that nerve regeneration has at least partially restored the natural trophic support system.
Key Research Areas and Studies
NGF0214 — U.S. Pivotal Trial (PMID 31585826)
Design: Double-masked, vehicle-controlled RCT. 48 patients (23 cenegermin, 24 vehicle) with Stage 2 or 3 neurotrophic keratitis. Treatment: Cenegermin 20 mcg/mL, 1 drop 6× daily at 2-hour intervals × 8 weeks. Results: - Complete corneal healing (≤0.5 mm staining): 69.6% (cenegermin) vs. 29.2% (vehicle) — p<0.001 - Conservative criterion (0 mm staining): 65.2% vs. 16.7% - Healing response was rapid — many patients showed improvement within 4 weeks
PLAIN ENGLISH
In the U.S. trial, 7 out of 10 patients on cenegermin achieved complete corneal healing, compared to 3 out of 10 on placebo drops. For a disease with no previous drug treatment, that's a meaningful result.
NGF0212 — EU Pivotal Trial
Design: Double-masked RCT. 156 patients with Stage 2/3 NK. Three arms: cenegermin 20 mcg/mL, cenegermin 10 mcg/mL, and vehicle. Results: - Complete healing at 8 weeks: 74.5% (20 mcg/mL) vs. 58% (vehicle) - 20 mcg dose significantly superior to vehicle - Dose-response relationship confirmed
Bonini et al., 2000 — Proof of Concept (PMID 10889110)
The foundational study: murine NGF eye drops achieved complete corneal healing in all 12 treated NK patients. This open-label case series provided the clinical rationale for developing recombinant human NGF.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim | What the Evidence Shows | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| “"Cenegermin heals neurotrophic corneal defects"” | NGF0214: 69.6% vs. 29.2% complete healing. NGF0212: 74.5% vs. 58%. Phase III evidence. PMID 31585826 | Supported |
| “"Cenegermin is the first approved treatment for NK"” | FDA approval August 2018. First topical biologic for corneal disease. No prior pharmacological treatment existed. | Supported |
| “"NGF promotes corneal nerve regeneration"” | Demonstrated in preclinical models. Clinical trial data shows sustained healing after treatment cessation in some patients, consistent with nerve recovery. | Mixed Evidence |
| “"Cenegermin works for dry eye disease"” | Phase IIa data (Sacchetti et al., N=40) showed improvement. Not FDA-approved for dry eye. Phase III needed. See NGF Ocular article. | Mixed Evidence |
| “"Six drops per day is necessary"” | The 6×/day regimen was used in both pivotal trials. No study has tested lower frequency. NGF has short ocular surface residence time due to tear turnover. | Supported |
| “"Cenegermin permanently cures NK"” | Some patients maintain corneal integrity after 8-week course, but others relapse. Long-term data is limited. NK may require retreatment. | Mixed Evidence |
| “"Cenegermin works for all stages of NK"” | Trials enrolled Stage 2 (persistent defect) and Stage 3 (ulceration). Stage 1 (mild epitheliopathy) was not studied. | Mixed Evidence |
| “"The frozen storage requirement is a barrier"” | Yes. Weekly thaw, 7-day refrigerated shelf life, 12-hour room temperature window. Compliance is a documented real-world challenge. | Supported |
| “"Cenegermin is too expensive"” | List price is high (~$8,000–10,000 per 8-week course). However, NK is rare and previously untreatable. Orphan drug pricing context. | Mixed Evidence |
| “"NGF eye drops cause eye pain"” | Eye pain reported in 14.8% of patients — the most common ocular AE. Generally mild and manageable. | Supported |
| “"Cenegermin works better than supportive care alone"” | Vehicle-controlled trials demonstrate superiority over lubricant drops alone. 69.6% vs. 29.2% healing rate. | Supported |
| “"Cenegermin is neuroprotective for the retina"” | Theoretical — NGF has demonstrated retinal neuroprotection in preclinical models. No retinal clinical data for cenegermin. See NGF Ocular article. | Theoretical |
The Human Evidence Landscape
NGF0214 (Pflugfelder et al., 2020, PMID 31585826)
Design: Double-masked, vehicle-controlled Phase III RCT Population: 48 patients with Stage 2/3 NK Intervention: Cenegermin 20 mcg/mL, 1 drop 6×/day × 8 weeks vs. vehicle Key finding: Complete healing 69.6% vs. 29.2% (p<0.001) Limitations: Small sample size (48 patients — reflects NK rarity). Short treatment duration (8 weeks). Limited long-term follow-up data.
NGF0212 (EU Pivotal)
Design: Double-masked Phase II/III RCT Population: 156 patients with Stage 2/3 NK Intervention: Cenegermin 20 mcg/mL or 10 mcg/mL vs. vehicle, 6×/day × 8 weeks Key finding: 74.5% healing at 20 mcg dose vs. 58% vehicle. Dose-response confirmed. Limitations: Higher vehicle response rate (58%) than U.S. trial (29%), possibly due to the intensive drop regimen improving lubrication even in the placebo arm.
Bonini et al., 2000 (PMID 10889110)
Design: Open-label case series Population: 12 patients with NK Intervention: Murine NGF eye drops Key finding: 100% complete corneal healing Limitations: Open-label. Murine NGF (not the same as cenegermin). Small N. No control group.
Safety, Risks, and Limitations
Clinical Trial Safety Profile
Eye pain (14.8%): The most common ocular adverse event. Generally mild and manageable. May reflect NGF-mediated nerve sensitization — paradoxically, a sign that corneal nerve function is being restored.
Corneal deposits: Reported in some patients. Clinical significance unclear.
Increased lacrimation: A pharmacological effect — NGF stimulates tear production and goblet cell function.
Headache (7.4%): Possibly related to NGF-mediated trigeminal nerve activation.
Foreign body sensation: Common but mild.
No serious ocular adverse events were attributed to cenegermin in either pivotal trial.
PLAIN ENGLISH
Cenegermin's side effects are mostly mild — eye pain (in about 1 in 7 patients), increased tearing, and foreign body sensation. No serious eye problems were caused by the drug in clinical trials. The eye pain may actually mean the drug is working — it could reflect corneal nerves becoming more sensitive as they recover.
Practical Limitations
Dosing regimen: 6 drops per day at 2-hour intervals for 8 weeks is demanding. Patient compliance is a real-world challenge, particularly for elderly patients (who constitute much of the NK population).
Cold chain: Cenegermin requires frozen storage (-20°C). Weekly multidose vials are thawed in the refrigerator before use, with a 7-day refrigerated shelf life and a 12-hour room-temperature window. This logistics chain is complex and limits access.
Cost: Orphan drug pricing (~$8,000–10,000 per 8-week course) may limit access, though insurance coverage programs exist.
Legal and Regulatory Status
FDA-Approved
Oxervate (cenegermin-bkbj) ophthalmic solution 0.002% (20 mcg/mL) was approved by the FDA in August 2018 for neurotrophic keratitis in patients ≥2 years old. Orphan drug designation.
EMA and International
Approved by EMA (2017), and in Japan, Switzerland, and other international markets.
Prescription and Specialty
Cenegermin is a prescription biologic typically prescribed by cornea specialists. Dispensed through specialty pharmacies with cold-chain handling.
Research Protocols and Formulation Considerations
Formulation
Cenegermin is formulated as a sterile ophthalmic solution at 0.002% (20 mcg/mL). The protein is produced in E. coli and purified. Each weekly supply consists of 7 multidose vials that must be stored frozen and thawed before use.
Administration
One drop in the affected eye(s), 6 times daily at approximately 2-hour intervals, for 8 weeks. Contact lenses should be removed before instillation and may be reinserted 15 minutes later. Other topical ophthalmic medications should be administered at least 15 minutes apart.
Dosing in Published Research
The following table summarizes dosing protocols for Cenegermin as reported in published clinical and preclinical research. These reflect study designs, not treatment recommendations.
FDA-Approved Clinical Dosing
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Concentration | 20 mcg/mL (0.002%) |
| Dose | 1 drop per affected eye |
| Frequency | 6 times daily at 2-hour intervals |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Storage | Frozen (-20°C); thaw weekly supply in refrigerator |
| Shelf life after thaw | 7 days refrigerated, 12 hours at room temperature |
| Indication | Neurotrophic keratitis, stages 2–3, age ≥2 years |
PLAIN ENGLISH
One drop in the affected eye, six times a day, two hours apart, for eight weeks. The medication comes frozen and needs to be thawed in the refrigerator each week. This demanding schedule is the biggest practical challenge with the treatment.
Combination Stacks
COMMUNITY-SOURCED INFORMATION
The dosing information below is drawn from community reports, forums, and anecdotal sources — not clinical trials. It reflects what people report using, not what has been validated by research. This is not medical advice.
Research into Cenegermin combination protocols is limited. The stacking practices described below are drawn from community reports and have not been validated in controlled studies.
If you are considering combining Cenegermin with other compounds, consult a qualified healthcare provider. Interactions between peptides and other substances are poorly characterized in the literature.
| Compound | Type | Evidence Tier | Verdict | Primary Mechanism | Target Tissue | Primary Indication | Human Data | FDA Status | WADA Status | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cenegermin | Recombinant human NGF (118 aa homodimer, 0.002% eye drops) | Tier 1 — Approved Drug | Strong Foundation | TrkA/p75NTR → corneal epithelial survival + nerve regeneration | Cornea | Neurotrophic keratitis | Phase III RCTs (N=48 US + N=156 EU); 69.6% vs 29.2% healing | Approved August 2018 (Oxervate) | Not prohibited | 6 drops/day × 8 weeks; frozen storage; high cost; NK indication only |
| Anti-VEGF Peptides | Aptamer (pegaptanib) + antibody fragments (ranibizumab/brolucizumab) + fusion protein (aflibercept) | Tier 1 — Approved Drug | Strong Foundation | VEGF-A neutralization → anti-angiogenesis + anti-permeability | Retina | nAMD; DME; RVO | VISION (N=1,186); MARINA (N=716); VIEW (N=2,419) | Multiple agents approved (2004–2019+) | Not prohibited | Repeated intravitreal injections; endophthalmitis risk; treatment burden |
| RGN-259 | Thymosin β4 (43 aa) 0.1% ophthalmic solution | Tier 2 — Clinical Trials | Reasonable Bet | Actin sequestration → epithelial migration + anti-inflammatory | Cornea | Neurotrophic keratopathy; dry eye | Phase III NK (N=18; 60% vs 12.5%); Phase II dry eye (N=120) | Not approved (Phase III complete) | Not prohibited | Small Phase III N; competing with approved cenegermin; regulatory path pending |
| NGF (Ocular) | Recombinant human NGF (same as cenegermin, broader indications) | Tier 3 — Limited Human Data | Reasonable Bet | TrkA → neuroprotection (RGC) + tear film + epithelial trophism | Cornea; retina | Dry eye; glaucoma neuroprotection; AMD | Phase IIa dry eye (N=40); Phase 1b glaucoma (N=60) | Approved for NK only (Oxervate); not approved for dry eye/glaucoma | Not prohibited | No Phase III for non-NK indications; glaucoma Phase 1b showed trends only |
| SP/IGF-1 Ocular | Tetrapeptide combination (FGLM-NH₂ + SSSR eye drops) | Tier 3 — Limited Human Data | Reasonable Bet | SP/NK-1R priming + IGF-1R adhesion → synergistic epithelial migration | Cornea | Neurotrophic keratopathy (persistent epithelial defects) | Open-label (N=9; 89% healing) | Not approved; no commercial development | Not prohibited | Single research group (Japan); open-label only; no commercial developer |
| Octreotide (Intravitreal) | Cyclic octapeptide SSA (systemic or experimental intravitreal) | Tier 3 — Limited Human Data | Eyes Open | SSTR2/5 → anti-angiogenic + neuroprotective in retina | Retina | Diabetic retinopathy (proliferative) | Small randomized study (N=46; reduced vitreous hemorrhage) | Not approved for retinal use | Not prohibited | Eclipsed by anti-VEGF therapy; no active development program |
| PL-8177 (Ocular) | Selective MC1R agonist (theoretical ocular formulation) | Tier 4 — Preclinical Only | Eyes Open | MC1R → NF-κB suppression → ocular anti-inflammatory | Uvea; conjunctiva | Uveitis; dry eye inflammation (theoretical) | None for ocular use | Not approved; no ocular development | Not prohibited | Entirely theoretical; no ocular formulation or clinical data; IBD is active program |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cenegermin (Oxervate)?
Cenegermin is an eye drop containing recombinant human nerve growth factor — a protein that keeps corneal tissue alive and promotes healing. It is the first FDA-approved biologic for neurotrophic keratitis, a condition where damaged corneal nerves leave the cornea unable to repair itself.
What is neurotrophic keratitis?
NK occurs when the nerves that supply the cornea are damaged — by herpes infection, diabetes, stroke, surgery, or other causes. Without nerve signals, the cornea loses its protective reflexes and its ability to heal, leading to persistent sores, ulceration, and potential vision loss.
How effective is cenegermin?
In the U.S. trial, 70% of patients achieved complete corneal healing with cenegermin, compared to 29% with placebo drops. The European trial showed 74.5% healing. For a previously untreatable condition, these results are strong.
How is cenegermin administered?
One drop in the affected eye, six times per day at two-hour intervals, for eight weeks. The medication requires frozen storage and weekly thawing.
Why does cenegermin need to be stored frozen?
NGF is a protein that degrades at room temperature. Frozen storage preserves its biological activity. Each weekly supply is thawed in the refrigerator before use.
What are the side effects?
Eye pain (14.8%), increased tearing, headache (7.4%), and foreign body sensation are the most common. No serious eye problems were caused by cenegermin in clinical trials. Eye pain may actually indicate that corneal nerves are recovering.
Is the treatment permanent?
Some patients maintain corneal healing after the 8-week course, suggesting nerve recovery. Others may relapse and need retreatment. Long-term outcomes vary by the underlying cause and severity of nerve damage.
How much does cenegermin cost?
List price is approximately $8,000–10,000 for the 8-week treatment course. Patient assistance programs and insurance coverage options exist. The cost reflects orphan drug status for a rare disease.
Can cenegermin treat dry eye?
Not currently approved for dry eye. A Phase IIa study showed encouraging results for dry eye disease, but Phase III trials are needed. See the NGF Ocular article for details on broader NGF ophthalmic applications.
How does cenegermin compare to RGN-259?
Both target neurotrophic keratitis but through different mechanisms. Cenegermin replaces nerve growth factor (neurotrophic approach). RGN-259 uses thymosin β4 to promote cell migration and reduce inflammation (epithelial repair approach). Cenegermin is FDA-approved; RGN-259 has completed Phase III but is not yet approved.
Can cenegermin be used in children?
Yes. Oxervate is approved for neurotrophic keratitis in patients aged 2 years and older.
Is cenegermin available from peptide vendors?
No. Cenegermin is a prescription biologic manufactured by Dompé under strict pharmaceutical conditions. It requires frozen storage and is dispensed only through specialty pharmacies. It is not available from peptide suppliers.
Summary of Key Findings
Cenegermin is the anchor compound of the Vision and Ocular cluster — the first FDA-approved topical biologic for corneal disease and the first pharmacological treatment for neurotrophic keratitis. Two pivotal trials demonstrated complete corneal healing in 70–74% of treated patients with a previously untreatable condition.
The biology is compelling: cenegermin replaces the neurotrophic support that damaged corneal nerves can no longer provide, promoting both epithelial healing and potential nerve regeneration. The practical challenges — six-times-daily dosing, frozen storage, and high cost — are real but acceptable for a disease that previously had no effective treatment.
PLAIN ENGLISH
Cenegermin is an eye drop containing a nerve growth protein that heals corneas damaged by nerve loss. It's the first approved drug for neurotrophic keratitis and works in about 70% of patients. The biggest practical hurdles are the demanding dosing schedule (six drops per day for eight weeks) and the need for frozen storage.
Verdict Recapitulation
Cenegermin's approval rests on two pivotal RCTs addressing a previously untreatable condition. The mechanism is biologically sound, the clinical results are meaningful, and the safety profile is favorable. Strong Foundation — the proof that neurotrophic factor replacement works in the cornea.
For readers considering Cenegermin, the evidence above represents the current state of knowledge. As always, consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about peptide use.
Where to Source Cenegermin
Further Reading and Resources
If you want to go deeper on Cenegermin, the evidence landscape for vision & ocular peptides, or the methodology behind how we evaluate this research, these are the places worth your time.
ON PEPTIDINGS
- Vision & Ocular Research Hub — Overview of all compounds in this cluster
- Reconstitution Guide — How to properly prepare injectable peptides
- Storage and Handling Guide — Proper storage to maintain peptide stability
- About Peptidings — Our editorial methodology and evidence framework
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
- PubMed: Cenegermin — All indexed publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov — Active and completed trials
Selected References and Key Studies
- Pflugfelder SC, Massaro-Giordano M, Mendelblatt KJ, et al. (2020). "Topical recombinant human nerve growth factor (cenegermin) for neurotrophic keratopathy." Ophthalmology, 127(1), 14–26. PMID 31585826
- Bonini S, Lambiase A, Rama P, et al. (2000). "Topical treatment with nerve growth factor for neurotrophic keratitis." Ophthalmology, 107(7), 1347–1351. PMID 10889110
- Sacchetti M, Lambiase A. (2017). "Neurotrophic factors and corneal nerve regeneration." Neural Regeneration Research, 12(8), 1220–1224. PMID 32185680
- Dompé farmaceutici. (2018). Oxervate (cenegermin-bkbj) Prescribing Information. US FDA
- Lambiase A, Rama P, Bonini S, et al. (1998). "Topical treatment with nerve growth factor for corneal neurotrophic ulcers." New England Journal of Medicine, 338(17), 1174–1180. PMID 9554857
DISCLAIMER
Cenegermin is an FDA-approved prescription medication. The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only. Off-label uses discussed here may not be supported by the same level of evidence as the approved indications. Always follow the guidance of your prescribing physician.
Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about peptide use. Report adverse events to the FDA via MedWatch.
For the full Peptidings editorial methodology and evidence framework, visit our About page and Evidence Framework pages.
Article last reviewed: April 11, 2026. Next scheduled review: October 08, 2026.