The role of biosimilar granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) Zarzio for progenitor cell mobilization and the treatment of therapy-induced neutropenia in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Originator GCSF (Neupogen) has been used to mobilize progenitor stem cells and treat therapy-induced neutropenia in Canadian stem cell transplant settings for years. Although its benefit is not in question, viable alternatives are available. Biosimilar GCSF (Zarzio) is widely in use in Europe since 2009 and was recently approved in the U.S.for the same five indications as Neupogen. Zarzio is reported as safe, equally efficacious, more accessible and cost effective without negatively impacting patient outcomes. This paper summarizes the supporting evidence.