Merck, B8416-15UN, Bleomycin sulfate from Streptomyces verticillus

General description
Bleomycin Sulfate is an antineoplastic antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces verticillus. It is recommended for use as a cell culture agent at 10-100 μg/mL.
Chemical structure: glycopeptide
Application
Bleomycin is used in combination with Etoposide and Cisplatin to treat testicular, ovarian and cervical cancer. This combination is popular as BEP chemotherapy and has also been demonstrated as effective and most successful chemotherapy regimen in germ-cell tumors. Since it is a cytotoxic agent, bleomycin is known to induce endothelial damage the lung vasculature referred to as bleomycin-induced lung-injury or bleomycin-induced pneumonitis (BIP). Researchers have used this property of bleomycin to induce lung fibrosis in mouse and rat models.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Bleomycin sulfate binds to DNA, causes ssDNA scission at specific base sequences and inhibits DNA synthesis. This inhibitory action requires bleomycin to bind oxygen and a metal ion. It can also cleave RNA, to a lesser degree but more selectively. It acts as an inducer and regulator of apoptosis and inhibits tumor angiogenesis.
Preparation Note
The product is soluble in water in water at 20 mg/mL and is active for several days. A solution of 2 units/mL in 0.1 M neutral potassium phosphate should be used within 14 days. A solution is active for three months at 3 units/mL in normal saline.
Other Notes
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place, strongly hygroscopic
This product is a mixture of glycopeptides antibiotics containing Bleomycin A₂ (70%) and B₂(30%). Bleomycins differ from each other in the terminal amine and show varying biological activity.
Disclaimer
This product should be stored at 2-8°C.