Last reviewed · How we verify
Epoetin alfa once weekly
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 weekly |
|---|---|
| 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 produced by the kidneys that regulates red blood cell formation. 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. The once-weekly formulation allows for less frequent dosing while maintaining therapeutic erythropoiesis.
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
- Lenalidomide With or Without Epoetin Alfa in Treating Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Anemia (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)
- A Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of QLG1218(Daprodustat) in Chinese Hemodialysis (HD)-Dependent Subjects With Anemia Associated With Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (PHASE3)
- Darbepoetin Trial to Improve Red Cell Mass and Neuroprotection in Preterm Infants (PHASE3)
- National Collaborative Centre for Hepatic Regenerative Medicine (NC-CHRM): Single vs Repeated Cycle of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (GCSF) & Darbepoetin in Early Decompensated Cirrhosis (NA)
- Effect of Single vs Repeated Cycles of a Combination of Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor and Darbepoetin vs Standard Medical Treatment on Immunometabolic Profile in Patient With Early Decompensated Cirrhosis. (NA)
- Trial Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Vadadustat Once Daily (QD) and Three Times Weekly (TIW) for the Maintenance Treatment of Anemia in Hemodialysis Subjects Converting From Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs) (PHASE3)
- Roxadustat in the Treatment of Anemia in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Patients on Stable Dialysis (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: