Pegfilgrastim 6mg/0.6ml solution for injection pre-filled disposable devices
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Pegfilgrastim
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2 branded products available
MHRA licensed products
View all licensed products for Pegfilgrastim on the MHRA register
Pelgraz 6mg/0.6ml solution for injection pre-filled injector
Neulasta SureClick 6mg/0.6ml solution for injection pre-filled disposable devices
WHO defined daily dose (DDD)
300 microgram
Not a recommended dose. The DDD is the assumed average maintenance dose per day for a drug used for its main indication in adults. It is a statistical measure used for research and comparison purposes only.
Source: WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, distributed via the NHS dm+d supplementary BNF/ATC mapping files (NHSBSA). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Therapeutically similar medicines
Similarity is based on WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and on a factual NHS dm+d therapeutic-grouping code prefix. Source data: NHS dm+d via TRUD (OGL v3.0), WHO ATC/DDD Index.
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Codes for healthcare professionals and prescribing systems
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SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. BNF code shown is the factual mapping value distributed by NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) in the dm+d supplementary file under OGL v3.0; it is not affiliated with, nor licensed from, the publishers of the British National Formulary. ATC codes from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (whocc.no).
Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data accessed via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Trial information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Academic studies and reviews for this medicine's active substance
Showing all 30 studies.
Reviews & meta-analyses: 4 · Randomised trials: 2 · 2023–2025
Showing all 30 studies, sorted by most relevant.
Ma X, Kang J, Li Y, et al.
2025
- Filgrastim
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Neoplasms
Xia Zhu, Weiling Zhang, Yi Zhang, et al.
Hematology, 2023
- Neoplasms
- Febrile Neutropenia
- Filgrastim
OBJECTIVES: There is no meta-analysis about the effects of pegfilgrastim on the occurrence of febrile neutropenia (FN) in pediatric/adolescent cancer patients. The study explored the efficacy of prophylactic pegfilgrastim in preventing FN in children/adolescents with cancer. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published before April 7, 2020. The primary outcome was the rate of FN. Effect size (ES) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the outcome. The ES represented the rate of FN, and the STATA 'metaprop' command was used to synthesize the rate. RESULTS: = 0.520). In patients receiving pegfilgrastim, the rate of FN was 25.6% (95% CI: 14.9%-36.3%), the rate of grade 4 FN was 38.3% (95% CI: 19.2%-59.5%), the rate of severe neutropenia (SN) was 40.5% (95% CI: 35.1%-46.1%), and the rate of treatment delays due to FN was 4.8% (95% CI: 0.8%-11.3%). DISCUSSION: The number of studies that could be included was small; therefore, a specific type of cancer or a specific treatment could be studied. Heterogeneity was high. CONCLUSION: There was no difference between pegfilgrastim and filgrastim for the rate of FN. The use of pegfilgrastim was still associated with rates of FN, grade 4 FN, severe neutropenia, and treatment delays due to FN in pediatric cancer patients.
Abstract licence: CC BY
J. Glaspy, I. Bondarenko, D. Krasnozhon, et al.
Supportive Care in Cancer, 2024
- Breast Neoplasms
- Neutropenia
- Filgrastim
Abstract Purpose Evaluate the safety and efficacy of efbemalenograstim alfa for neutrophil support in breast cancer patients undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy in a phase 2, dose-finding, open-label study (NCT01648322, ClinicalTrials.gov, 2012–07-19). Methods 232 patients received up to 4 cycles of chemotherapy, 141 patients with docetaxel + cyclophosphamide (TC) and 91 patients with docetaxel + doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide (TAC). Patients were randomized to efbemalenograstim alfa (80, 240, or 320 µg/kg [TC]; 240 or 320 µg/kg [TAC]) or pegfilgrastim (6 mg) on Day 2 of each cycle. Results Efbemalenograstim alfa was non-inferior to pegfilgrastim in duration of moderate and severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] < 1.0 × 10 9 /L) in TAC Cycle 1 (mean [SD] of 2.1 [1.58] and 2.1 [1.46] days for 240 µg/kg and 320 µg/kg efbemalenograstim alfa, respectively, and 1.8 [1.28] days for pegfilgrastim), with a difference (95% CI) of 0.3 (-0.4, 1.1) days. ANC nadir occurred between Days 7–8 of TAC Cycle 1, with mean [SD] of 0.68 [1.064], 0.86 [1.407] and 0.78[1.283] × 10 9 /L for 240 µg/kg, 320 µg/kg efbemalenograstim alfa and pegfilgrastim, respectively. Time to ANC recovery post nadir (defined as an ANC > 2.0 × 10 9 /L after the expected ANC nadir) was 2.0–2.4 and 1.9 days for TAC patients treated with efbemalenograstim alfa and pegfilgrastim, respectively. No significant difference was found between any dose of efbemalenograstim alfa and pegfilgrastim in TAC Cycle 1 for incidence of moderate to severe neutropenia (76%-77% of patients) or incidence of severe neutropenia (ANC < 0.5 × 10 9 /L; 63%-72%). Efbemalenograstim alfa exhibited similar safety profile to pegfilgrastim. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 4 (1.8%) patients, 2 patients each for 320 µg/kg efbemalenograstim alfa and pegfilgrastim, with no event considered related to study drug. Conclusion Efbemalenograstim alfa was comparable to pegfilgrastim in efficacy and safety. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01648322.
Abstract licence: CC BY
J. Glaspy, I. Bondarenko, S. Tjulandin, et al.
JCO Oncology Advances, 2025
PURPOSE This phase III noninferiority (NI) trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of efbemalenograstim alfa, a novel non-PEGylated, long-acting, human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor for the management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN), in patients with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult patients with stage I-III invasive breast cancer (n = 393) undergoing docetaxel and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy treatment were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a single fixed dose of efbemalenograstim alfa or pegfilgrastim 24 hours after each chemotherapy administration. The primary objective was to demonstrate NI or potential superiority of efbemalenograstim alfa compared with pegfilgrastim. The primary end point is the duration of severe neutropenia (DSN) in cycle 1 with a NI margin of 0.6 days. Additional end points included incidence of severe neutropenia (ISN), febrile neutropenia, infections, and incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). RESULTS Among patients randomly assigned to efbemalenograstim alfa (n = 197), the mean DSN in cycle one was 0.2 ± 0.51 days, compared with 0.2 ± 0.45 days for the pegfilgrastim group (n = 196), with a CI of –0.1 to 0.1 days ( P = .7) for the treatment comparison, confirming NI. There was a lower ISN in those receiving efbemalenograstim alfa at cycle 4 ( P = .050). Lower ISN in later cycles was observed in all three efbemalenograstim alfa phase III trials. Treatment with efbemalenograstim alfa was safe, with low incidences of serious AEs and TEAEs, and an overall safety profile comparable with the pegfilgrastim group. Similar to ISN, fewer grade 4 neutropenias in the efbemalenograstim alfa group were observed compared with pegfilgrastim. CONCLUSION Results demonstrated that efbemalenograstim alfa was noninferior to current CIN therapy (pegfilgrastim) with comparable efficacy and safety profiles in cycle 1 and showed evidence of less neutropenia in later cycles.
Abstract licence: CC BY
C. De Oliveira Brandao, Sandra Lewis, D. Sandschafer, et al.
Current Medical Research and Opinion, 2023
- Neoplasms
- Chemotherapy-Induced Febrile Neutropenia
- Filgrastim
Ivo Abraham, Jeffrey Crawford, L. Schwartzberg
Cancer treatment and research communications, 2024
- Filgrastim
- Neutropenia
- Polyethylene Glycols
INTRODUCTION: Myelosuppression, a challenge in cancer treatment, often results in severe complications. Prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, particularly pegfilgrastim, mitigate chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. This narrative review evaluates the role of on-body injector (OBI) devices for pegfilgrastim administration. A comprehensive search strategy of PubMed and AI-powered intuitive search tools, complemented by authors' contributions, yielded a body of papers presenting evidence on OBI devices, their effectiveness and safety, the benefits and challenges of OBI versus pre-filled syringe administration, patient preferences for pegfilgrastim administration, and economic considerations. DISCUSSION: OBI devices prove effective and safe, with advantages such as reduced clinic visits and enhanced adherence. Studies highlight cost-efficiency and expanded access, emphasizing the socioeconomic context. Patient and provider preferences underscore the potential of OBI devices in cancer care, with implications for healthcare resource utilization and pharmacoeconomics. CONCLUSION: The value proposition of OBI devices lies in improving patient outcomes, convenience, resource optimization, and enhancing the overall cancer care experience. As biosimilar OBIs enter the market, they may offer cost savings, further influencing their adoption and their positioning as a cost-efficient alternative in cancer care. Ongoing research and technological advancements are expected to contribute to the broader acceptance of OBI devices in cancer care delivery.
Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND
Yuefei Zhu, D. Tavakol, Huaxi Wang, et al.
Advanced functional materials, 2025
Abstract The increasing risks of ionizing radiation (IR) from deep space travel and nuclear accidents necessitate the development of effective countermeasures. Acute radiation syndrome (ARS), particularly hematopoietic ARS (H‐ARS), leads to life‐threatening anemia and bone marrow failure, with long‐term risks including cancer and cardiovascular disease. This study presents phenylboronic acid‐functionalized chitosan‐polyethylenimine (CPB) polymers designed for efficient oral delivery of pegfilgrastim (PF), an FDA‐approved radioprotective agent. Nanoparticles are prepared through complexation of PF with tannic acid, forming a negatively charged core, followed by encapsulation with a CPB polymer shell. This supramolecular strategy enables efficient protein condensation into uniform nanoparticles. The nanosystem effectively reduces H‐ARS‐associated anemia in mice by promoting blood cell reconstitution, supported by in vitro results with human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Additionally, the material reduces toll‐like receptor activation in multiple human cell types post‐radiation. This system may mitigate radiation injury risks from accidental exposure on Earth and during extended space missions.
Abstract licence: CC BY-SA
P. Ye, Yixuan Cheng, Jiaying Lian, et al.
British Journal of Haematology, 2024
- Filgrastim
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
- Cytarabine
M. Martino, M. Gori, G. Porto, et al.
Annals of Hematology, 2023
- Multiple Myeloma
- Filgrastim
- Melphalan
Shinya Tsuboi, T. Hayama, K. Miura, et al.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Care and Sciences, 2023
BACKGROUND: Pegfilgrastim is widely used for the prevention of febrile neutropenia (FN) in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy for various types of cancer. However, pegfilgrastim-induced bone pain (PIBP) is a relevant adverse event occurring during cancer treatment. Thus, we aimed to determine the risk factors for PIBP in real-world clinical practice. MAIN BODY: We retrospectively collected the clinical records of patients who received pegfilgrastim to support myelosuppressive chemotherapy with at least a 10% risk of FN between 2015 and 2018 at our center. Patients received pegfilgrastim 3.6 mg between days 2 and 7 after chemotherapy administration (day 1) for primary or secondary prophylaxis against FN. All adverse events were recorded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Patients who experienced intermittent bone pain in the back, femur, or other anatomic sites after the pegfilgrastim administration were considered to have PIBP. To evaluate the relationship between PIBP incidence and patient characteristics, we performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) of possible risk factors for PIBP. We analyzed the data of 305 patients (median age: 63 years), who underwent 1220 chemotherapy cycles with pegfilgrastim per cycle. Univariate analysis revealed that female sex (vs. male sex), younger age (< 55 years vs. ≥ 55 years), and solid cancers (vs. hematologic cancers) had significantly higher ORs (p < 0.05). However, only younger age (< 55 years) was an independent risk factor for PIBP on multivariate analysis (OR 3.62, 95% confidence interval 1.51-8.69, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Younger age (< 55 years) was significantly associated with a higher risk of PIBP among patients receiving chemotherapy with a ≥ 10% risk of FN. Therefore, oncologists should meticulously formulate management plan for PIBP in younger patients after administering pegfilgrastim.
Abstract licence: CC BY
Sources: aggregated from Europe PMC (EMBL-EBI), OpenAlex, Crossref, PubMed and other open scholarly databases. Retracted articles are excluded. Study information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank
Key facts
Drug status
Approved
Major interactions
None known
Half-life
15 to 80 hours
Mechanism
Neutrophils are short-lived immune cells that are highly susceptible to cell dea…
Food interactions
None known
Human targets
1 target
Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Pharmacokinetics at a glance
Absorption
Half-life
15 to 80 hours
Protein binding
[L10022]
Volume of distribution
170 L
[A33290]
Metabolism
[L10022]…
Elimination
[A187607]…
Clearance
14 mL
[A29][A187631]…
Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
First developed by Amgen, pegfilgrastim was initially approved by the FDA in 2002 and marketed as Neulasta. It is typically administered via a subcutaneous injection. There are several pegfilgrastim biosimilars (Fulphila, Pelgraz or Lapelga, Pelmeg, Udenyca, Ziextenzo, Grasustek, Fylnetra, Stimufend) by Health Canada, European Union (EU), and FDA that are approved to reduce infection risk.[L9779][L9785][L43050] These biosimilars are highly similar to the reference product, Neulasta, in terms of pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profile and conditions of use.[L9974]
NIOPEG (pegfilgrastim), a biosimilar of NEULASTA®, was approved by Health Canada in April 2024 for the prevention of febrile neutropenia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy[L53078].
[L44221][L52655]
It is also indicated to increase survival in patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation (Hematopoietic Subsyndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome).
[L44221]
Known interactions with other medications. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Showing 45 of 45 interactions
[A248855]
Overdosage of pegfilgrastim may result in leukocytosis and bone pain. Events of edema, dyspnea, and pleural effusion have been reported in a single patient who self-administered pegfilgrastim on 8 consecutive days in error. In the event of overdose, the patient should be monitored for signs and symptoms of toxicity and responded with appropriate general supportive care.
[L9746][A248855]
G-CSF is an endogenous haematopoietic growth factor that stimulates granulopoietic cells of the neutrophil lineage. Pegfilgrastim mimics its biological actions and binds to the same G-CSF receptor expressed on cells of myeloid lineage, such as granulocytic precursors and mature neutrophils.[A29] Upon binding of the ligand, G-CSF receptor undergoes a conformational change and activates several downstream signalling pathways including JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK.[A187868] These pathways work to increase proliferation and differentiation of granulocyte progenitor cells, induce maturation of the progenitor cells, and enhance survival and function of mature neutrophils.[A29]
During chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, the clearance of pegfilgrastim is significantly reduced and the concentration of pegfilgrastim is sustained until the onset of neutrophil recovery.[A29] Serum concentrations of pegfilgrastim decline as the neutrophil count increases as neutrophil and neutrophil precursors are involved in cell-mediated clearance of the drug.[A187601] Due the addition of polyethylene glycol group to its structure, Pegfilgrastim is a long-acting form of filgrastim with an extended serum half-life and reduced renal clearance.[A187607] Although it is more slowly absorbed than filgrastim, self-regulation of pegfilgrastim is more efficient and the drug effects are maintained during one chemotherapy cycle (2-3 weeks).[A29]
How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
[A29]
[A187607][L9746]
[L10022]
[A33290]
[L10022]
Once it binds to the therapeutic target, pegfilgrastim is internalized by the neutrophil and undergoes nonspecific degradation.
[A29]
[A187607]
This elimination pathway is initiated by the binding of pegfilgrastim to the G-CSF receptor on the neutrophil cell surface, leading to the internalization of the pegfilgrastim-receptor complex via endocytosis and subsequent degradation inside the cell. While hepatic clearance has not been well characterized for pegfilgrastim, its non-PEGylated precursor filgrastim is known to be unaffected by changes in hepatic clearance.
[A29]
[A29][A187631]
The clearance is dependent on the number of neutrophils and body weight of the patient: the clearance increases with increasing number of granulocytes and lower body weights.
[L9746]
Pegfilgrastim is not eliminated from the circulation until neutrophils start to recover following chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and its clearance is increased as neutrophil counts also increase.
[A187631]
The apparent serum clearance is 14 mL/h/kg.
[L10022]
Proteins and enzymes this drug interacts with in the body
Enzymes involved in drug metabolism — important for understanding drug interactions
ATC L03AA13
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
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Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Pegfilgrastim
Additional database identifiers
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
12313
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2439
GenAtlas
CSF3R
GeneCards
CSF3R
GenBank Gene Database
X55721
GenBank Protein Database
31697
Guide to Pharmacology
1719
UniProt Accession
CSF3R_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:3309
GenAtlas
ELA2
GeneCards
ELANE
GenBank Gene Database
Y00477
GenBank Protein Database
296665
Guide to Pharmacology
2358
UniProt Accession
ELNE_HUMAN
DrugBank citations
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Structured knowledge from the free knowledge base
ATC classifications (Wikidata)
Linked open data from Wikidata (Q1592932), a free and open knowledge base operated by the Wikimedia Foundation. Data is available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication. WHO INN from the World Health Organization.