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Erythropoietins (EPO)
Erythropoietins stimulate bone marrow erythroid progenitor cells to increase red blood cell production and hemoglobin levels.
Erythropoietins stimulate bone marrow erythroid progenitor cells to increase red blood cell production and hemoglobin levels. Used for Anemia of chronic kidney disease, Chemotherapy-induced anemia, Anemia in patients with HIV infection on antiretroviral therapy.
At a glance
| Generic name | Erythropoietins (EPO) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Shanghai East Hospital |
| Drug class | Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) |
| Target | Erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Hematology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
EPOs are glycoprotein hormones that bind to erythropoietin receptors on the surface of erythroid progenitor and precursor cells in the bone marrow, activating JAK2 signaling pathways. This promotes proliferation, differentiation, and survival of red blood cell precursors, leading to increased reticulocyte production and circulating hemoglobin. EPOs are used to treat anemia by restoring endogenous erythropoiesis.
Approved indications
- Anemia of chronic kidney disease
- Chemotherapy-induced anemia
- Anemia in patients with HIV infection on antiretroviral therapy
Common side effects
- Hypertension
- Thrombovascular events (stroke, myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolism)
- Headache
- Fever
- Injection site reactions
- Pure red cell aplasia (rare)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Erythropoietins (EPO) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Erythropoietins (EPO) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Shanghai East Hospital portfolio CI