Definition

A long-acting form and covalent conjugate of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) filgrastim with 30 kDa polyethylene glycol (PEG), with potential hematopoietic activity. Upon administration, empegfilgrastim acts similarly to endogenous G-CSF and binds to and activates specific cell surface receptors, stimulating neutrophil progenitor proliferation and differentiation and selected neutrophil functions. Therefore, this agent may prevent the incidence and shorten the duration of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Conjugation of the cytokine with a PEG molecule significantly increases this agent’s therapeutic half-life compared to filgrastim.