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filgrastim   Click here for help

GtoPdb Ligand ID: 6968

Synonyms: Filcad® | Imumax ® | R-METHUG-CSF
Approved drug Immunopharmacology Ligand
filgrastim is an approved drug (FDA (1991))
Compound class: Peptide
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].

NameTrade name CompanyApprovalsIndications
filgrastim-sndzZarxio®SandozUS FDA 2015, EU EMA 2025As per reference agent
filgrastim-aafiNivestym® PfizerUS FDA 2018As per reference agent
filgrastim-ayowReleuko® Amneal PharmaceuticalsUS FDA 2022As per reference agent
filgrastim-txid; TX01Nypozi®Tanvex BioPharmaCanada CDA-AMC 2022, US FDA 2024 As per reference agent
filgrastim biosimilar Zefylti® CuraTeQ Biologics/Aurobindo PharmaEU EMA 2025 As per reference agent
filgrastim-laha Filkri® Accord BioPharmaUS FDA 2026 As per reference agent

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Hexal®, Zarzio®, Nivestim®, Grastofil® and Accofil®, in order of approval), although some of these have since been withdrawn from the market.
No information available.
Summary of Clinical Use Click here for help
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 Click here for help
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 Click here for help
For extended ADME data see the following:

Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC)
Drugs.com
European Medicines Agency (EMA)