Bleomycin sulfate, lyophil. pure

Group of glycopeptide antibiotics from Streptomyces verticillus with antineoplastic properties by inhibition of DNA synthesis. Bleomycin sulfate is a mixture of bleomycin A2 and bleomycin B2 as the major components. Bleomycin sulfate occurs as a cream-colored, amorphous powder and is very soluble in water and sparingly soluble in alcohol. The potency of bleomycin is assayed microbiologically, the activity of 1 unit of bleomycin is equivalent to the activity of 1mg of bleomycin A2 reference standard. For chemistry and action of bleomycin, see: Umezaw, H. (1980) Med. Chem. 16, 147-66.