Gramal

Quick links to important sections

Gramal

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Gramal

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Molgramostim
Form Solution for injection (Ampoules)
Pharmacological Class Colony-Stimulating Factor (CSF)
General Purpose Hematological support, Myelosuppression management
Origin Recombinant protein, Biotechnology derived

What Type of Medicine is Gramal (Molgramostim)?

Gramal is a prescription-only biological medicine classified as a Colony-Stimulating Factor (CSF). The active ingredient, Molgramostim, is specifically a recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhuGM-CSF). This classification establishes its nature as a therapeutic protein derived through advanced biotechnology, which functionally mimics a naturally occurring cytokine within the human body. Clinically recognized for its role in restoring immune components, Molgramostim differs from simple granulocyte-specific factors (G-CSFs) because it stimulates both granulocytes and macrophages.

The Active Ingredient and Composition of Gramal

The composition of Gramal centers exclusively on Molgramostim, making it a single active ingredient product. This protein is typically produced using recombinant DNA technology via specialized cellular systems. Gramal is manufactured as a sterile solution for injection in an aqueous solution base, packaged in ampoules, a form designed for parenteral administration. This injectable format is used because this delicate protein structure would be subject to degradation if taken orally.

What is the General Therapeutic Purpose of Molgramostim?

The general purpose of Molgramostim is to provide hematological support by stimulating the bone marrow's regenerative capacity. As a hematopoietic growth factor, its core function is to promote the proliferation and differentiation of myeloid progenitor cells into mature immune cells. This mechanism connects to its role in myelosuppression management, aiding the body in recovering from states of low white blood cell counts, such as neutropenia, and maintaining defense functions.

What side effects are possible with Gramal?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety profile of Gramal (Molgramostim) is established by regulatory-grade clinical trials, primarily for its use as an inhaled solution in Autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (aPAP). The documentation is structured by frequency and the physiological systems affected, in line with government health authority standards.

Adverse Reaction Classification

Adverse events are categorized by the body systems affected. Those classified as Common—occurring in at least 1 out of every 10 patients—include general disorders such as fever (pyrexia) and headache. Other common effects documented in regulatory reports involve the musculoskeletal system, such as joint pain (arthralgia), and the respiratory system, including cough and nasopharyngitis.

System-Organ Class Common Adverse Reactions (Official Documentation)
General Disorders Pyrexia (Fever), Headache
Respiratory Disorders Cough, Nasopharyngitis
Musculoskeletal Arthralgia (Joint Pain)

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Official regulatory documents track Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) observed during clinical studies, which have included the worsening of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis and Respiratory failure. The overall incidence of SAEs was reported as comparable between the treatment and placebo groups.

Safety limitations are defined by formal exclusionary criteria used in the clinical trials. These restrictions prohibit use in individuals with a known history of allergic reactions to GM-CSF or pre-existing conditions such as myeloproliferative disease or leukaemia. Furthermore, specific reproductive safety constraints apply, including the requirement for highly efficient contraception for females of childbearing potential, as stipulated in official trial protocols. These classifications reflect how government regulatory documents organize and communicate the medicine’s risk profile.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose with Gramal (Molgramostim) is defined by the potential for an exaggeration of the drug's known serious and life-threatening systemic effects, which are detailed in official regulatory documents. Immediate medical attention is required if an overdose is suspected or if any severe manifestations occur.

Documented Manifestations and Serious Outcomes

Classification Manifestations and Outcomes (Regulatory Documented)
Cardiovascular/Systemic Hypotension, Cardiac failure, Cardiac rhythm abnormalities, and Pericardial effusion are severe outcomes.
Respiratory/Pulmonary Acute symptoms include severe Dyspnea and Bronchospasm, along with the risk of Pleural effusion.
Life-Threatening Events Immediate complications include Anaphylaxis (acute hypersensitivity) and Capillary Leak Syndrome (CLS).

Emergency Actions and Management

Regulatory guidance emphasizes that there is no specific antidote known for Molgramostim overdose; therefore, treatment is limited to symptomatic and supportive care. If severe or life-threatening reactions occur, the medicine must be immediately withdrawn. Patients presenting with suspected overdose require intensified haematological monitoring, including observation of platelet count and haematocrit levels. Urgent medical assistance must be sought for any signs of the documented severe systemic effects.

Therapeutic Uses of Gramal

Gramal (Molgramostim) is applied in contexts requiring supportive care for symptomatic manifestations of immune dysfunction and a specific chronic lung disorder.

The therapeutic uses are commonly associated with the management of Autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (aPAP) and supportive care for severe neutropenia (low white blood cell count) following intensive treatments like chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant.

For the rare lung condition aPAP, Gramal is applied in this chronic setting for conditions where functional stability becomes affected. This supports the patient by easing the impact of symptoms related to reduced pulmonary gas transfer, such as dyspnea (shortness of breath), and assisting with maintaining functional stability during daily activities. The medication is considered relevant in the context of improving these functional measures.

For hematological support, Gramal is commonly used in clinical scenarios requiring supportive care for the restoration of immune components. The medicine may assist with symptomatic support for conditions marked by increased physiological stress, contributing to easing the overall symptom load during periods of physiological strain. The use is generally aligned with symptomatic relief:

“The therapy may assist patients by easing the overall symptom burden related to functional impairment and severe immune deficit.”


QuickFact Block

Property Description
Quick Fact: Dual-domain therapeutic support.
Main Condition Autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (aPAP).
Symptom Relieved Dyspnea and symptoms associated with severe neutropenia.
Benefit Category Functional stability and immune system support.
Context of Use Chronic disease management and post-treatment recovery.

Regulatory References

  1. ClinicalTrials.gov study details

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Gramal?

This medicine is contraindicated and must not be used by patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to the drug substance or any of its inactive components.

Regulatory documents also establish specific restrictions based on a patient's cardiovascular status.

Contraindications and Restrictions

Classification Population/Condition
Contraindicated Known Hypersensitivity to Gramal or any excipients
Use Prohibited for Initiation Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension. Blood pressure must be adequately controlled before starting therapy.
Permanent Discontinuation Required Development of Grade 3 or 4 Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction during treatment.
Use Not Assessed Patients with a baseline Ejection Fraction below 50%.

These official rules strictly define the patient population that is ineligible for the therapy or its continuation. Use is permitted only for those who meet the approved therapeutic indications and do not possess these documented contraindications or conditions requiring restriction.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents for Gramal (Molgramostim) define specific interaction patterns and mandatory constraints for its use with other medicines and treatments. The most stringent constraint is the formal contraindication against co-administration with wide field radiotherapy due to an officially documented increased risk of severe pulmonary adverse events.

A mandatory timing rule also applies to cytotoxic treatments: Molgramostim must not be administered within 24 hours of the last dose of myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs, enforcing a strict separation window to manage risk.

Pharmacodynamic Effects

Certain combinations are subject to caution due to additive physiological outcomes. Co-administration with agents such as Lithium and Corticosteroids may potentiate the medicine's myeloproliferative effects. The official profile also documents an increased risk of Thrombosis when Molgramostim is combined with Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents, and an elevated risk of methemoglobinemia when used alongside certain Local Anesthetics or similar agents. Use with Bleomycin may increase the risk of pulmonary toxicity.

Exposure Modification

The medicine's official pharmacokinetic profile includes a note regarding highly protein-bound drugs. Molgramostim use has been associated with a decrease in serum albumin, which may require monitoring and potential adjustment for any concurrently administered medicine that relies heavily on serum albumin for binding. No specific interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal products are explicitly documented in official regulatory sources.

Mechanism of Action

Gramal's mechanism centers entirely on mimicking a crucial endogenous growth factor to stimulate and modulate key components of the innate immune system at the cellular level.

Targeted Agonism of the GM-CSFR Complex

The drug initiates its action through direct agonism of the Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor ( GM-CSFR), a specific cell surface target found primarily on hematopoietic progenitor cells and mature myeloid cells. This binding and receptor activation is the essential first step that controls the survival, differentiation, and proliferation signals within the blood cell production line.

️ Intracellular Cascades for Myeloid Cell Production

Receptor activation triggers the JAK2-STAT5 signaling cascade, a key intracellular pathway that drives accelerated myelopoiesis. This complex signaling sequence ensures the rapid maturation of progenitor cells into functional granulocytes and monocytes, leading to an increase in the output of white blood cells from the bone marrow into the circulation.

Functional Priming and Immune Modulation

Beyond increasing cell quantity, Gramal's mechanism results in the functional priming of existing mature neutrophils and macrophages. This effect enhances their phagocytic and microbicidal activity, thereby modulating the functional capacity of circulating myeloid cells.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Gramal (Molgramostim) is Used

Gramal (Molgramostim) usage is defined by two distinct administration methods: inhalation for local action in chronic pulmonary conditions and injection for systemic hematological support. The choice of route and dose is strictly determined by the therapeutic context.


Administration Routes and Forms

Usage Type Administration Route Dosing Form
Autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (aPAP) Inhalation via a specialized nebulizer system Sterile Solution for Inhalation
Hematological Support Parenteral (Subcutaneous or Intravenous) injection Sterile Solution for Injection

Dosing and Schedule Patterns

The standard adult regimen for the inhaled solution is 300 micrograms (μg), administered once daily (qDay). This schedule is often structured into intermittent cycles, such as one week on and one week off, when treating chronic conditions like aPAP. For hematological support, Molgramostim is used short-term and goal-directed, administered until specific blood cell counts are restored.

Contextual and Procedural Instructions

The inhalation solution requires delivery via a specific hand-held nebulizer system and is not interchangeable with standard injection equipment. Administration is typically advised to occur in the morning after any necessary airway clearance routines. Molgramostim should be administered last in the sequence if used with other inhaled drugs. The established dosage is for the adult population (18 years and older).

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Gramal (Molgramostim)

This section provides an overview of the official research evidence for Gramal (molgramostim), focusing only on the structure of the studies, the outcomes they measured, and documented research limitations, as reported in authoritative scientific sources. The text remains neutral and non-advisory.


Evidence for Use in Autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (aPAP)

The research for aPAP includes large-scale, controlled clinical trials. These studies were used in research exploring how symptoms change over time in patients with this rare lung condition.

Research evidence includes global, multi-center, Phase 3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials, which typically tracked adult patients for an initial period of 48 weeks. Studies examined outcomes related to functional and physiological measures, including the change in Pulmonary Gas Transfer (DLco%) and patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and quality of life (e.g., SGRQ scores).

Findings from these trials reported measurements related to these outcomes. Specifically, data show patterns related to differences in DLco% measurements between the group receiving molgramostim and the placebo group after 24 and 48 weeks. Additionally, studies monitored the frequency of needing Whole-Lung Lavage (WLL) procedures as rescue therapy.

Evidence for Hematological Support

Evidence regarding Gramal was evaluated in research exploring its systemic use in contexts involving recovery of immune components following intensive medical treatments. The evidence base includes older Randomized Controlled Trials and research that compared molgramostim to other treatments.

Study outcomes examined the time required for the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) to recover to a pre-defined level and the overall duration of severe neutropenia. Findings described patterns where differences in the time to ANC recovery were measured between patient groups receiving GM-CSF and those receiving a placebo.

What Remains Uncertain or Under Research

For aPAP, the primary controlled follow-up durations extended up to 48 weeks. Long-term outcomes remain uncertain beyond this period, and available data are primarily derived from subsequent non-randomized, open-label observation. In the context of severe neutropenia, comparative evidence specifically for molgramostim against other factors may be limited in the most recent literature. Research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly; findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes.

Key Studies & References

  1. Inhaled Molgramostim for Autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Gramal (FAQ)

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Regulatory documents recommend storing Gramal capsules or tablets at room temperature, specifically between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). If you are using a liquid solution, it must be stored in the refrigerator, and it should not be frozen.

Q: Can I take this medicine with alcohol?

A: Official warnings state that Gramal should generally not be taken with alcohol. Alcohol, as well as other medicines that can cause sleepiness or decrease alertness, may increase the serious side effects of Gramal, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and slow or shallow breathing.

Q: Does it make you sleepy?

A: Yes, dizziness and somnolence (sleepiness) are common side effects that were reported in clinical studies of Gramal. This information is consistently reported in the medicine's official Adverse Reactions section.

Q: Is it safe to use this medication during pregnancy?

A: Official information indicates there are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Gramal use in pregnant women. While there are no adequate studies in pregnant women, animal studies suggest the drug may carry a risk of developmental toxicity, including skeletal and visceral abnormalities in the offspring. A Pregnancy Registry is often made available to monitor pregnant patients who have been exposed to this medicine.

Q: What if I have an allergic reaction?

A: Gramal is contraindicated in anyone with a demonstrated hypersensitivity (severe allergy) to the drug or its ingredients. Official safety information highlights the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis and DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms), which have been reported.

Q: Can children 2 years old use it?

A: Official labelling states that Gramal is indicated as an add-on therapy for treating partial onset seizures in children who are 3 years of age and older. It is not indicated for this use in children younger than 3 years of age, according to the regulatory scope.

Q: Is it safe long-term?

A: Regulatory agencies have issued warnings regarding the potential for serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression when Gramal is used long-term alongside other central nervous system depressants. This risk is also noted in elderly patients or those with existing breathing problems. Concerns regarding the long-term effects of chronic use should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Q: Should I take it with food?

A: According to the official Dosage and Administration section, Gramal can be taken orally either with or without food. Food intake does not affect the administration conditions of the medicine.

How should Gramal be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Gramal (Molgramostim) is a sensitive biological medicine requiring strict adherence to regulatory storage conditions to maintain stability. The unopened product must be stored below 30 C and should not be frozen. It must be kept in the original outer packaging to ensure protection from light.

Once the product is reconstituted or diluted, the official labeling mandates immediate use is recommended. The prepared solution may be stored for a maximum of 24 hours only if refrigerated between 2 C and 8 C. The product must not be mixed with other medicinal products. Any unused portion of the solution must be discarded according to local pharmaceutical waste regulations, as it loses stability quickly outside of controlled conditions.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Gramal found in:

A-Z Index: