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Synonyms: Filcad® | Imumax ® | R-METHUG-CSF
filgrastim is an approved drug (FDA (1991))
Compound class:
Peptide or derivative
Comment: This is a recombinant version of human G-CSF. The peptide is produced in E. coli and is non-glycosylated, whereas the naturally occurring peptide has an O-linked carbohydrate chain attached to Thr133. The carbohydrate chain protects the native peptide from degradation by human neutrophil elastase [1]. Therefore, filgrastim is more quickly degraded and loses biological activity more rapidly in comparison to native G-CSF.
Biosimilar drugs: The potential for utilising filgrastim biosimilar agents in neutropenia management is discussed in [2]. In March 2015, the US FDA approved the filgrastim biosimilar, Zarxio® (filgrastim-sndz) for the same indications as the reference product Neupogen®. This was the first biosimilar product to receive FDA approval. July 2018 saw FDA approval of the biosimilar Nivestym® (filgrastim-aafi), again for all eligible indications of the reference product. In the EU 7 filgrastim biosimilars received marketing authorisation between 2008 and 2014 (Ratiograstim®, Tevagrastim®, Filgrastim Hexal®, Zarzio, Nivestim®, Grastofil® and Accofil®, in order of approval), although some of these have since been withdrawn from the market. In March 2022, the FDA approved filgrastim-ayow (Releuko®, Amneal Pharmaceuticals), |
| No information available. |
Summary of Clinical Use  |
| This drug is used to increase white cells counts in various situations: prior to a bone marrow transplant (eg before donating bone marrow), post-bone marrow transplant or during certain cancer treatments. |
| Mechanism Of Action and Pharmacodynamic Effects |
| This drug mimics the action of endogenous human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), controlling the proliferation and maturation of neutrophils from progenitor cells and in addition stimulating the release of neutrophils from bone marrow storage pools. We would expect the affinity for this drug at the G-CSF receptor to be similar to that of the endogenous ligand, however this data remains elusive. Therefore we have not tagged a primary target for this drug. |
| External links |
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For extended ADME data see the following: Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) Drugs.com European Medicines Agency (EMA) |
