Granulocyte colony stimulating factor is referred as stimulating factor 3, which acts to increase production of stem cells and granulocytes. Filgrastim is a granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) prepared by recombinant DNA technology and often used in the treatment of low blood neutrophils. It is also frequently used in conditions where lukapheresis with increased white blood cells is observed. Common adverse effects of Filgrastim include joint pain, chest pain, hair loss, and vomiting.
Filgrastim is a recombinant form of naturally occurring G-CSF and functions by stimulating neutrophil production. It was approved in the U.S. in 1991 for the treatment low blood neutrophils. The World Health Organization declared Filgrastim in the List of Essential Medicines as safe and most effective medicine. Filgrastim was first discovered by Amgen, Inc. and sold under the brand name Neupogen. Large number of biosimilar companies are engaged in the manufacture and marketing of Filgrastim across the world. Filgrastim costs around US$ 200 in the U.S, around GBP 50 in the U.K., and US$ 100 in developing countries.
Filgrastim is prescribed for neutropenia, which is caused due to bone marrow transplantation and chemotherapy. It has been considered a supportive therapy in various types of cancers. In the last decade, there has been significant increase in cancer prophylaxis in developed countries and awareness initiatives taken by governments to educate about early treatment. These factors are expected to fuel the growth of the global Filgrastim market. Approved biosimilars such as Grafeel, Colstim, Neukine, and Filcad, which are much cheaper and readily available in developing countries, are expected to fuel the growth of the global Filgrastim market.
Ongoing biosimilars research and strong pipeline drugs are likely to boost the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Increase in the number of cancer patients, particularly in developing countries such as China and India, is one of the key factors likely to propel the global Filgrastim market during the forecast period. However, high cost of branded biologics and stringent regulatory guidelines for the approval of biosimilars in developed countries act as major restraints of the global market.