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Epoetin alfa once every two weeks
Epoetin alfa is a recombinant erythropoietin that stimulates red blood cell production by binding to erythropoietin receptors on bone marrow progenitor cells.
Epoetin alfa is a recombinant erythropoietin that stimulates red blood cell production by binding to erythropoietin receptors on bone marrow progenitor cells. Used for Anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, Anemia in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy, Anemia in patients undergoing elective surgery.
At a glance
| Generic name | Epoetin alfa once every two weeks |
|---|---|
| Also known as | PROCRIT |
| Sponsor | Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C. |
| Drug class | Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) |
| Target | Erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Hematology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Epoetin alfa is a glycoprotein that mimics endogenous erythropoietin, a hormone that regulates red blood cell production. By binding to erythropoietin receptors on erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, it promotes their proliferation, differentiation, and maturation into mature red blood cells. This increases hemoglobin levels and oxygen-carrying capacity in patients with anemia.
Approved indications
- Anemia associated with chronic kidney disease
- Anemia in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy
- Anemia in patients undergoing elective surgery
Common side effects
- Hypertension
- Headache
- Arthralgia
- Fatigue
- Thrombotic events (venous thromboembolism)
- Pure red cell aplasia
Key clinical trials
- Darbepoetin Alfa Once Monthly Dosing Schedule Maintains Hemoglobin Concentration Comparable to Every 2 Weeks Dosing Schedule in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Not on Dialysis: A Multicenter, Phase 4 Study (PHASE4)
- Comparison Study of Standard Care Against Combination of Growth Factors Agents for Low-risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (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)
- Anemia Study in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) : Erythropoiesis Via a Novel Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor (PHI) Daprodustat -Forearm Blood Flow (ASCEND-FBF) (PHASE2)
- Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents for Anemia Management in Egyptian Hemodialysis Patients
- Study to Assess Darbepoetin Alfa Dosing for the Correction of Anemia in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (PHASE3)
- RED-HF™ Trial - Reduction of Events With Darbepoetin Alfa in Heart Failure Trial (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 |
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