Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

rhEPO

rhEPO stimulates erythropoiesis by binding to the erythropoietin receptor.

rhEPO stimulates erythropoiesis by binding to the erythropoietin receptor. Used for Anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, Anemia associated with chemotherapy.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

rhEPO, or recombinant human erythropoietin, is a glycoprotein that mimics the action of endogenous erythropoietin. It binds to the erythropoietin receptor on the surface of erythroid progenitor cells, stimulating their proliferation and differentiation into mature red blood cells. This results in an increase in red blood cell mass and hemoglobin levels.

Approved indications

• Anemia associated with chronic kidney disease
• Anemia associated with chemotherapy

Common side effects

• Thromboembolism
• Increased risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and thromboembolism

Key clinical trials

• Study of SSS06 for Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia in Non-Myeloid Malignancies (PHASE2)
• Anemia Studies in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Erythropoiesis Via a Novel Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor (PHI) Daprodustat in Non-Dialysis Subjects Evaluating Hemoglobin (Hgb) and Quality of Life (ASCEND-NHQ) (PHASE3)
• Anemia Studies in CKD: Erythropoiesis Via a Novel Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor (PHI) Daprodustat- Iron (ASCEND: Fe) (PHASE2)
• Study to Compare the Safety and Efficacy of UB-851 and Eprex® (PHASE3)
• The Effect of Erythropoietin on Alveolar Fluid Clearance in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (NA)
• A Study of YPEG-rhEPO in Patients Suffered From Anemia Due to Chronic Kidney Disease (PHASE2)
• Anemia Studies in Chronic Kidney Disease: Erythropoiesis Via a Novel Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor Daprodustat-Dialysis (ASCEND-D) (PHASE3)
• Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Improve Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Extremely Preterm Infants (NA)

Primary sources

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