Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) belongs to the large FGF family which is encoded by the FGF-21 gene. Mature human FGF-21 shows 81% aa identity to mouse FGF-21, and is known to be active on mouse cells. The c-DNA for FGF-21 predicts a 209 aa polypeptide that contains a 28 aa signal sequence and a 181 aa mature region. FGF21 is a metabolic regulator that provides efficient and durable glycemic and lipid control in various animal models. And the FGF21 is a liver-derived endocrine factor that stimulates glucose uptake in adipocytes. Pharmacologic studies show that FGF21 has broad metabolic actions in obese rodents and primates that include enhancing insulin sensitivity, decreasing triglyceride concentrations, and causing weight loss.