What is Granix (tbo-filgrastim), a granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: March 22, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Granix (tbo-filgrastim) is a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) medication used to stimulate bone marrow to produce neutrophils, primarily to prevent infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The standard adult dose is 5 mcg/kg/day given as a subcutaneous injection, typically starting 1 to 3 days after administration of myelotoxic chemotherapy, as recommended by the American Society of Clinical Oncology 1.

Key Points

  • The medication should be continued until reaching an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 2 to 3 x 10^9/L.
  • The preferred route of tbo-filgrastim administration is subcutaneous.
  • Patients should be monitored for bone pain, which is a common side effect that can be managed with analgesics.
  • Other potential side effects include allergic reactions, spleen enlargement, and rarely, acute respiratory distress syndrome.
  • Granix works by binding to specific receptors on neutrophil precursors in the bone marrow, stimulating their proliferation, differentiation, and activation, which helps prevent neutropenia-related infections during chemotherapy.

Administration and Storage

  • The medication should be stored in a refrigerator but can be kept at room temperature for a short period.
  • Patients should be educated on proper injection technique if self-administering and instructed to report any fever, shortness of breath, or severe abdominal pain immediately.

Clinical Guidelines

  • The use of G-CSF, including tbo-filgrastim, is recommended for primary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia in patients with a high risk of infection, as stated in the guidelines by the American Society of Clinical Oncology 1 and other organizations 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

GRANIX (tbo-filgrastim) is a non-glycosylated recombinant methionyl human granulocyte colony-stimulating growth factor (r-metHuG-CSF) manufactured by recombinant DNA technology using the bacterium strain E coli K802. Tbo-filgrastim is a human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) produced by recombinant DNA technology. Tbo-filgrastim binds to G-CSF receptors and stimulates proliferation of neutrophils.

Granix (tbo-filgrastim) is a granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), which is a type of protein that stimulates the production of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology and is used to increase neutrophil counts and activity in patients with certain medical conditions. 2 2 2

From the Research

Definition and Mechanism of Granix (tbo-filgrastim)

  • Granix (tbo-filgrastim) is a recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) used to reduce the duration of severe neutropenia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia 3.
  • G-CSF stimulates the proliferation, differentiation, and function of neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in fighting infections 4.

Clinical Safety and Efficacy

  • The clinical safety of tbo-filgrastim has been evaluated in three phase III studies in 677 patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and the results showed that tbo-filgrastim had a similar safety profile to Neupogen (filgrastim) 3.
  • Tbo-filgrastim has been shown to be effective in reducing the duration of severe neutropenia and the incidence of febrile neutropenia in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy 3.
  • The most common adverse events related to tbo-filgrastim were bone pain, myalgia, and asthenia 3.

Comparison with Other G-CSF Agents

  • Tbo-filgrastim has been compared to Neupogen (filgrastim) in clinical studies, and the results showed that tbo-filgrastim had similar efficacy and safety profiles to Neupogen 3.
  • Pegfilgrastim, a long-acting form of filgrastim, has also been studied as a potential alternative to daily filgrastim injections, and the results showed that pegfilgrastim had similar efficacy and safety profiles to filgrastim 4, 5.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.