Abstract: Diabetes and its complications are the main causes for human death. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), with excellent ability for metabolic regulation and a wide range of biological functions, is identified as a potential lead for the development of anti-diabetic drug. Several FGF-21 analogs developed by domestic research teams have entered clinical trials and are expected to realize the conversion of scientific research achievements in laboratory to scientific and technological productivity, thus truly serving China's economic development and social progress. In this paper, the research progress of the application and transformation of FGF-21 was reviewed.