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Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa)

Amgen · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) is a Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) Small molecule drug developed by Amgen. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, Anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy, Anemia of chronic disease.

Darbepoetin alfa is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent that binds to the erythropoietin receptor to stimulate red blood cell production.

Darbepoetin alfa is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent that binds to the erythropoietin receptor to stimulate red blood cell production. Used for Anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, Anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy, Anemia of chronic disease.

At a glance

Generic nameAranesp® (darbepoetin alfa)
SponsorAmgen
Drug classErythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)
TargetErythropoietin receptor (EPOR)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaHematology/Oncology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Darbepoetin alfa is a recombinant human erythropoietin analog engineered with two additional N-linked carbohydrate chains, which extends its half-life compared to epoetin alfa. It binds to erythropoietin receptors on erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, activating JAK2 signaling and promoting proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of red blood cells. This mechanism increases hemoglobin levels and reduces the need for blood transfusions in patients with anemia.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa)

What is Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa)?

Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) is a Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) drug developed by Amgen, indicated for Anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, Anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy, Anemia of chronic disease.

How does Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) work?

Darbepoetin alfa is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent that binds to the erythropoietin receptor to stimulate red blood cell production.

What is Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) used for?

Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) is indicated for Anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, Anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy, Anemia of chronic disease.

Who makes Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa)?

Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) is developed by Amgen (see full Amgen pipeline at /company/amgen).

What drug class is Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) in?

Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) belongs to the Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) class. See all Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) drugs at /class/erythropoiesis-stimulating-agent-esa.

What development phase is Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) in?

Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa)?

Common side effects of Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) include Hypertension, Thrombovascular events (stroke, myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolism), Headache, Fatigue, Arthralgia, Injection site pain.

What does Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) target?

Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) targets Erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) and is a Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA).

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