Erythropoietin

Status: Preclinical development

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone in the blood that regulates growth and development of red blood cells. Recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO) is identical in structure to the naturally occurring endogenous hormone and exerts the same biological effects. It is administered parenterally and is used to promote the development and survival of red blood cells. Administrations of rhEPO may be used to treat anemia arising from several diseases, including;

• Anemia related to chronic renal failure
• Anemia related to cancer and chemotherapy
• Anemia related to AIDS

The only alternative to rhEPO therapy is regular blood transfusions. rhEPO may therefore offer patients and physicians a much more convenient option for treating anemias.

Biopartners is developing a formulation of EPO for the treatment of anemia due to renal failure and chemotherapy-induced anemia. 

The European market for EPO is estimated to be worth 2.542 billion USD in 2007,* driven by increased numbers of newly diagnosed hepatitis C patients.

* Datamonitor 2005