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Darbepoetin Alfa Injection
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, Chemotherapy-induced anemia in cancer patients, Anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
At a glance
| Generic name | Darbepoetin Alfa Injection |
|---|---|
| Also known as | aranesp, Darbe |
| Sponsor | University of New Mexico |
| Drug class | Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) |
| Target | Erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Hematology/Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Darbepoetin alfa is a recombinant human erythropoietin analog with a longer half-life than epoetin alfa due to additional carbohydrate chains. It binds to erythropoietin receptors on erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, promoting their proliferation, differentiation, and maturation into mature red blood cells. This mechanism increases hemoglobin levels and reduces the need for blood transfusions in patients with anemia.
Approved indications
- Anemia associated with chronic kidney disease
- Chemotherapy-induced anemia in cancer patients
- Anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy
Common side effects
- Hypertension
- Headache
- Arthralgia
- Myalgia
- Thrombotic events (stroke, MI, DVT)
- Pure red cell aplasia
Key clinical trials
- Luspatercept + Darbepoetin in MDS (PHASE2)
- Darbe Plus IV Iron to Decrease Transfusions While Maintaining Iron Sufficiency in Preterm Infants (PHASE2)
- Canakinumab With Darbepoetin Alfa in PTs With Lower-Risk MDS Who Have Failed ESA (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Study of the Efficacy and Safety of BCD-131 and Mircera® in the Treatment of Anemia in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease on Dialysis (PHASE3)
- Roxadustat in the Treatment of Anemia in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Patients on Stable Dialysis (PHASE3)
- Roxadustat in the Treatment of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Patients, Not on Dialysis, in Comparison to Darbepoetin Alfa (PHASE3)
- A Phase 3 Study of Efepoetin Alfa for Treatment of Anemia in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease on Dialysis (PHASE3)
- Anemia Studies in Chronic Kidney Disease: Erythropoiesis Via a Novel Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor Daprodustat-Non-Dialysis (ASCEND-ND) (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Darbepoetin Alfa Injection CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Darbepoetin Alfa Injection updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of New Mexico portfolio CI