Comparing the effectiveness of biosimilar filgrastim (Nivestim®) versus original filgrastim (Neupogen®) for stem cell mobilization in adult and pediatric healthy donors.

INTRODUCTION: Filgrastim is used for the mobilization of stem cells in healthy donors. Though several biosimilar filgrastim products have been approved, there is limited literature evaluating biosimilar products for stem cell mobilization. Therefore, we conducted this study to compare the effectiveness of the original filgrastim, Neupogen®, to the biosimilar product, Nivestim®, for stem cell mobilization(SCM) in healthy donors.

METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included all healthy donors: adults and pediatrics, who received Neupogen® or Nivestim® for stem cell mobilization between 2014 and 2016 at a comprehensive cancer center. Donors received filgrastim at a dose of 5 mcg/kg every 12 h for 4 days to achieve the target CD34  +  cell count of 5-10 × 106 CD34 + /kg of recipient body weight. Additional doses of filgrastim were administered and/or the dose increased if target CD34  +  was not achieved. The primary endpoint was the number of doses required to achieve the target CD34  +  cell count.

RESULTS: Over the study period, 89 donors received Neupogen® and 68 received Nivestim®. The median age of donors was 19.5 years (3-64) in the Nivestim® group and 15 years (2-16) in the Neupogen® group. The median number of doses required for SCM was eight doses (6-10) in the Nivestim group and eight (6-16) in the Neupogen® group.

CONCLUSION: Biosimilar Nivestim® was as effective as the original, Neupogen®, for stem cell mobilization for healthy adult and pediatric donors. Larger randomized studies are necessary to evaluate the safety and transplant outcomes of the use of Nivestim®.