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epoetin
Epogen stimulates erythropoiesis by the same mechanism as endogenous erythropoietin.
Epogen (epoetin) is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) used primarily to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), HIV infection, and those undergoing chemotherapy. It works by stimulating red blood cell production similar to endogenous erythropoietin. However, it carries significant risks, including increased mortality, cardiovascular events, and tumor progression in cancer patients. The drug is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, pure red cell aplasia, and serious allergic reactions. It is also contraindicated in specific populations, such as neonates, infants, pregnant women, and lactating women when using multiple-dose vials containing benzyl alcohol.
At a glance
| Generic name | epoetin |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) |
| Drug class | Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) |
| Target | Erythropoietin receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Epogen binds to the erythropoietin receptor on erythroid progenitor cells, promoting their differentiation and proliferation, thereby increasing red blood cell production.
Approved indications
Boxed warnings
- ESAs increase the risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, thrombosis of vascular access, and tumor progression or recurrence in patients with chronic kidney disease and cancer.
Common side effects
- hypertension
- arthralgia
- muscle spasm
- pyrexia
- dizziness
- medical device malfunction
- vascular occlusion
- upper respiratory tract infection
- cough
- rash
- injection site irritation
Key clinical trials
- A Trial Comparing Three Different Treatment Options for Adults With Low-Risk Myelodysplasia and Anemia (A MyeloMATCH Treatment Trial) (PHASE2)
- MYELOMATCH: A Screening Study to Assign People With Myeloid Cancer to a Treatment Study or Standard of Care Treatment Within myeloMATCH (MyeloMATCH Screening Trial) (PHASE2)
- Lenalidomide With or Without Epoetin Alfa in Treating Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Anemia (PHASE3)
- ELEMENT-MDS: A Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Luspatercept in Participants With Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Anemia Not Receiving Blood Transfusions (PHASE3)
- Assessment of BHB Concentration Agreement Among Sampling Locations and the Impact of Ketosis on EPO, and More (NA)
- Vafseo Outcomes In-Center Experience (PHASE3)
- A Study to Compare Elritercept With Epoetin Alfa to Treat Anemia in Adults With Very Low, Low, or Intermediate Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Who Need Regular Blood Transfusions (PHASE3)
- Patient Blood Management in Cardiac Surgery (NA)
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 |
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