Leukine (sargramostim)
Company: Immunex
Approval Status: Approved November 1996
Treatment for: replenishment of white blood cells, fungal infections
Areas: Hematology; Immunology/Infectious Diseases; Oncology
Possible similar drugs: Leukine
General Information
A new liquid, multiple-dose formulation of Leukine has been approved. Leukine, a yeast-expressed granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), has been available in the United States since 1991.
Leukine helps older adult leukemia subjects’ white blood cells recover quickly, and it helps prevent life-threatening infections, including fungal infections, which often complicate their recovery and increase their risk of complications. A liquid formulation is designed for easier use in the hospital or clinic and will be simpler for subjects to administer at home.
Leukine Liquid will be available initially in a 500-mcg-vial size. Immunex will continue marketing the 250 mcg and 500 mcg lyophilized product.
GM-CSF is an immune modulator that stimulates production and function of white blood cells that are vital for preventing life-threatening infections, especially fungal infections. Leukine is used for bone marrow and peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantations, and the exclusive indication for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in older adult subjects with acute myelogenous leukemia.
The FDA drug information shown here is licensed from Thomson CenterWatch. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice which should be sought from qualified medical and pharmaceutical advisers.
