Bleomycin (Sulfate), 10 mg

A glycopeptide-derived antibiotic supplied by STEMCELL Technologies, this compound is isolated from the bacterium Streptomyces verticillus. It creates DNA strand scission and exhibits antitumor activity against squamous cell carcinomas and malignant lymphomas, and has been used in cancer research to induce single- and double-strand DNA breaks in tumor cells. The molecule also induces lung injury leading to acute inflammatory response and pulmonary fibrosis, and is used in disease modeling to induce lung fibrosis in mice.

This product is provided as the sulfate salt and is a mixture of bleomycin A2 and bleomycin B2 with a purity of ≥ 95%. The molecular weight is 1415.6 g/mol for the A2 component and 1425.5 g/mol for the B2 component. It appears as a crystalline solid and is stable at -20 °C as supplied. The product should be protected from prolonged exposure to light and kept with a desiccant for long-term storage; it remains stable as supplied for 12 months from date of receipt. Reported solubility is ≤ 7.0 mM in PBS (pH 7.2) and ≤ 9.1 mM in DMSO.

According to the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet, the chemical is considered hazardous under the 2012 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. Hazard statements indicate that it may cause genetic defects, is suspected of causing cancer, and is suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child. It is classified as Germ cell mutagenicity Category 1B, Carcinogenicity Category 2, and Reproductive toxicity Category 2. Recommended precautions include wearing protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face protection, and storing the material locked up.