Filgrastim and Pegfilgrastim

Filgrastim and pegfilgrastim are related medications primarily used to reduce the risk of infection in patients undergoing treatments that suppress the immune system, particularly myelosuppressive anti-cancer chemotherapy. Filgrastim is a recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) that stimulates bone marrow to produce neutrophils, a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections. It was approved in the US in 1991 and is used to reduce the incidence, severity, and duration of neutropenia in patients undergoing chemotherapy. It also has indications for mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells, reducing time to neutrophil recovery after bone marrow transplantation, and treating severe chronic neutropenia. Pegfilgrastim is a long-acting form of filgrastim, created by attaching a polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecule. This pegylation extends its duration of action by reducing renal clearance and making neutrophil-mediated clearance the primary elimination route. This allows for less frequent dosing compared to filgrastim. Both medications are available as various biologic products. Pegfilgrastim is marketed under brand names including Neulasta, Fulphila, Fylnetra, Nyvepria, Stimufend, Udenyca, and Ziextenzo.

Brand names

NeulastaFulphilaFylnetraNyvepriaStimufendUdenycaZiextenzo

Other names

G-CSF analogsRecombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor