Molgramostim

Q: What are the contraindications for the use of molgramostim?

Contraindications for the use of molgramostim include: Leukemias — due to the risk of stimulating malignant cells.Lactation period.

For medical students2 min readUpdated 2026-10-10

Molgramostim is a recombinant analogue of human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The drug belongs to the class of hematopoietic agents and is used to stimulate myeloid hematopoiesis.

Pharmacological classColony-stimulating factors (GM-CSF)

Mechanism of actionStimulation of proliferation and differentiation of granulocyte and macrophage progenitor cells

Available formsLyophilizate in vials (50–700 mcg) for solution preparation

Routes of administrationSubcutaneous or intravenous infusion

Dosage10 mcg per 1 kg of body weight

Mechanism of Action

The drug is a recombinant analogue of human GM-CSF. It acts on bone marrow progenitor cells, stimulating their proliferation and differentiation. Unlike G-CSF (e.g., filgrastim), molgramostim has a broader spectrum of activity, affecting the growth and functional activity of granulocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils.

Pharmacological Effects

In addition to quantitatively increasing leukocyte counts, molgramostim provides functional activation of mature cells. The drug enhances phagocytosis, oxidative metabolism, and leukocyte cytotoxicity, which increases the body's ability to resist infectious agents and malignant cells.

Indications

The main objective of administration is the treatment and prevention of leukopenia, as well as accelerating the recovery of myeloid hematopoiesis following chemotherapy cycles. The drug effectively reduces the risk of infectious complications associated with suppressed leukopoiesis.

Side Effects and Contraindications

The most frequently noted adverse effect is flu-like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia, bone pain). Dyspnea, digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting), asthenia, headache, and injection-site reactions may also occur. Contraindications: leukemias (due to the risk of stimulating tumor cells) and lactation.

Administration Details

The drug is available as a lyophilized powder in vials ranging from 50 to 700 mcg. Water for injection is used as a solvent. Dosage calculation is performed individually: 10 mcg per 1 kg of the patient's body weight.

Mnemonic

Molgramostim — "Mol" (multiple) "gran" (granulocytes) "ostim" (ostimulating / building the path to their growth). GM-CSF = Granulocytes + Macrophages.

Frequently asked questions

What are the contraindications for the use of molgramostim?

Contraindications for the use of molgramostim include:

Leukemias — due to the risk of stimulating malignant cells.
Lactation period.

What are the pharmacokinetics of molgramostim?

Molgramostim is administered parenterally — subcutaneously and intravenously. With subcutaneous administration, the peak concentration of the drug is reached within 3–4 hours.

What is the fundamental difference between molgramostim and filgrastim?

Molgramostim is a GM-CSF and stimulates granulocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils. Filgrastim is a G-CSF, which selectively stimulates the growth of neutrophil granulocytes only.

Can molgramostim be used for iron deficiency anemia?

No, molgramostim is a stimulant of leukopoiesis, not erythropoiesis. Iron preparations are used to treat iron deficiency anemia.

Why is molgramostim contraindicated in leukemias?

The drug stimulates progenitor cell proliferation, which in leukemias can lead to the undesirable growth of malignant cells.

Go deeper

Comparative characteristics of G-CSF and GM-CSF.
Differential diagnosis of immunostimulants (myelopid, amixin, CSFs).
Pharmacokinetic parameters following subcutaneous administration (Tmax).
The role of colony-stimulating factors in chemotherapy protocols.
Mechanisms of flu-like syndrome development during cytokine therapy.