Polypeptide growth factors regulate cellular processes involved in wou
nd healing. Application of exogenous growth factors can modify the hea
ling process and, with recombinant DNA technology, growth factors can
now be made in sufficient quantity to be used therapeutically. Several
growth factors are showing promising results in clinical trials, espe
cially in cases of impaired healing, such as chronic ulcers. Preclinic
al studies indicate that further growth factors may have therapeutic p
otential in a wide range of wound-healing applications. The use of spe
cifically designed and modified growth factors, growth-factor inhibito
rs, and sequential and combinatorial dosing regimes offer further poss
ibilities for enhancing wound healing.