DS-01-0489 is an E. coli-derived recombinant protein corresponding to mature full-length human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor BB homodimer (PDGF-BB), a potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin. PDGF is composed of a dimer of two chains, known as the A chain and B chain. The dimer may present as either AA or BB homodimer, or as an AB heterodimer.

DS-01-0489 has an ED₅₀ of 1.0-3.0 ng/ml as determined by stimulation of the proliferation of Balb/c 3T3 cells.