Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin is a Small molecule drug developed by Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University. It is currently FDA-approved for Anemia due to chemotherapy, Anemia in chronic kidney disease. Also known as: EPO, Eprex, No treatment, erythropoeitin.

At a glance

Approved indications

• Anemia due to chemotherapy
• Anemia in chronic kidney disease

Boxed warnings

• WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS AND TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS AND TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Chronic Kidney Disease: In controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL ( 5.1 ). No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks ( 2.2 ). Use the lowest PROCRIT dose sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions ( 5.1 ). Cancer: ESAs shortened overall survival and/or increased the risk of tumor progression or recurrence in clinical studies of patients with breast, non-small cell lung, head and neck, lymphoid, and cervical cancers ( 5.2 ). Use the lowest dose to avoid RBC transfusions ( 2.4 ). Use ESAs only for anemia from myelosuppressive chemotherapy ( 1.3 ). ESAs are not indicated for patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure ( 1.5 ). Discontinue following the completion of a chemotherapy course ( 2.4 ). Perisurgery: Due to increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), DVT prophylaxis is recommended ( 5.1 ). Chronic Kidney Disease: In controlled trials, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Use the lowest PROCRIT dose sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Cancer: ESAs shortened overall survival and/or increased the risk of tumor progression or recurrence in clinical studies of patients with breast, non-small cell lung, head and neck, lymphoid, and cervical cancers [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . To decrease these risks, as well as the risk of serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic reactions, use the lowest dose needed to avoid RBC transfusions [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Use ESAs only for anemia from myelosuppressive chemotherapy [see Indications and Usage (1.3) ] . ESAs are not indicated for patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure [see Indications and Usage (1.5) ] . Discontinue following the completion of a chemotherapy course [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Perisurgery: Due to increased risk of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT), DVT prophylaxis is recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .

Common side effects

• Thrombosis
• Myocardial infarction
• Erythema

Serious adverse events

• Thrombosis
• Myocardial infarction
• Erythema

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.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Erythropoietin CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Erythropoietin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Erythropoietin

Related

• Target: All drugs targeting Erythropoietin receptor
• Manufacturer: Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University — full pipeline
• Therapeutic area: All drugs in Hematology
• Indication: Drugs for Anemia due to chemotherapy
• Indication: Drugs for Anemia in chronic kidney disease
• Also known as: EPO, Eprex, No treatment, erythropoeitin, Neorecormon
• Compare: Erythropoietin vs similar drugs
• Pricing: Erythropoietin cost, discount & access