Can a growth factor rebuild leg arteries and ease pain?

This early-stage trial is testing whether a protein called FGF-1, injected into the leg muscle, is safe and tolerable for people with peripheral arterial disease—a condition where narrowed leg arteries cause pain when walking. The study includes adults aged 50 to 75 with intermittent claudication (leg cramps during activity). Participants receive one of three doses of FGF-1 or a placebo, and researchers monitor side effects and how the drug moves through the body. The goal is to see if this approach could eventually help improve blood flow and reduce leg pain.