Role of biosimilar pegfilgrastim in the treatment of febrile neutropenia: A Mini Review

Abstract

Biologics have no true generics due to their complex nature but biosimilars offer a hopeful alternative. Biosimilars are similar to biologics as tested with comparable safety and efficacy profiles to the reference product. With more cancer patients needing extensive chemotherapy, life threatening complications like febrile neutropenia (FN) can be fatal. FN is a medical condition characterized by fever and a dangerously low count of neutrophils; a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections. Pegfilgrastim, a modified long-lasting form of the medication filgrastim, has helped patients recover without comprising their active chemotherapy regimens. Yet, for many cancer patients, the expenses associated with essential treatments persist as a significant challenge, leaving limited resources available to address the accompanying adverse effects. Biosimilars to pegfilgrastim can contribute to cost-savings, increase in accessibility and variability. This article delves into the fundamental advantages of biosimilars comparing financial benefits and availability with special reference to biochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic roles of pegfilgrastim in FN. It also undertakes the task of evaluating and synthesizing the safety and efficacy profiles of pegfilgrastim biosimilars, encompassing those both available and pending approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It provides hope and benefits for patients, clinicians, and healthcare organizations in the treatment of FN. Thus, we conclude that biosimilars to pegfilgrastimare by-and-large comparable in regard to pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles to the reference products with no significant differences in safety and efficacy while treating FN.