Skip to content
Hematopoietic Peptides intermediate

Sargramostim

Recombinant GM-CSF that stimulates myeloid cell proliferation and function for neutropenia and stem cell mobilization.

By Encyclopeptide Editorial | 2 min read
GM-CSF myeloid neutropenia immunostimulant

Chemical Identity

PropertyValue
Molecular Weight~14-30 kDa (glycosylated)
Amino Acids127 (mature protein)
CAS Number123774-72-1
GeneCSF2 (GM-CSF)
RouteIV, SC

Structure

Sargramostim (Leukine) is recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) produced in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). It has a glycosylation pattern different from native human GM-CSF, which affects pharmacokinetics but not biological activity.

Mechanism of Action

GM-CSF binds GM-CSF receptors on myeloid progenitors, activating JAK2/STAT5 signaling. This stimulates proliferation and differentiation of neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages. GM-CSF also enhances phagocytic function, antigen presentation, and cytokine production by mature myeloid cells.

Clinical Applications

  • Autologous bone marrow transplant: Myeloid reconstitution
  • Allogeneic bone marrow transplant: Engraftment and GVHD reduction
  • Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia: Alternative to G-CSF
  • AML induction: Following chemotherapy
  • Radiation injury: Hematopoietic recovery (Nplate)

Pharmacokinetics

  • Half-life: 1-2 hours (IV), 2-3 hours (SC)
  • Tmax: 2-4 hours (SC)
  • Bioavailability: 60-80% (SC)
  • Dosing: 250 mcg/m2/day SC or IV
  • Route: IV, SC

Safety and Side Effects

Bone pain, fever, fatigue, myalgia, fluid retention, and capillary leak syndrome (high doses). More inflammatory side effects than filgrastim due to broader myeloid activation.

References

  • Nemunaitis, J., et al. (1993). GM-CSF for bone marrow transplant. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 11, 1643-1651.
  • Armitage, J.O. (1998). Emerging applications of recombinant human GM-CSF. Blood, 92, 4491-4508.

Test Your Knowledge

Reinforce what you learned about Sargramostim with interactive quizzes on Wikipept.

Take a Quiz on Wikipept