Filgrastim

Filgrastim is a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) analog used to stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of granulocytes. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology. The gene for human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is inserted into the genetic material of Escherichia coli. The G-CSF then produced by E. coli is different from G-CSF naturally made in humans.

It is marketed by Amgen under the brand name Neupogen, in India it is also marketed by Abbott Healthcare under the brand name Imumax, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories under the brand name Grafeel, CCL Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd under the brand name Grastin, Zenotech Laboratories Limited under the brand name Nugraf, Raichem lifesciences under the brand name Shilgrast, Intas Biopharmaceuticals under the brand name Neukine, Emcure biopharmaceuticals under the brand name Emgrast, Reliance Life Sciences under the brand name Religrast and Sandoz under the name Zarzio.

Apricus Biosciences is currently developing and testing a product (under the brand name Nupen) which can deliver filgrastim through the skin to improve post-chemotherapy recovery of neutrophil counts.