Epoetin Alfa

Epoetin Alfa (also known as Epoetin alpha, Epoetina alfa, binocrit, Abseamed) is a nootropic research peptide. Epoetin Alfa is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) that acts as an erythropoietin receptor agonist, primarily used to treat anemia.

Epoetin Alfa, also known as Epoetin alpha, is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) and an erythropoietin receptor agonist. It is FDA-approved and indicated for the treatment of anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, zidovudine in HIV-infected patients, and myelosuppressive chemotherapy in cancer patients. It is also used to reduce the need for allogeneic red blood cell transfusions in patients undergoing elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery. Research on Epoetin Alfa has explored its neuroprotective properties and its role in various conditions beyond anemia, including myelodysplastic syndromes and certain neoplasms. The compound was first approved in 1989 and has been the subject of over 1,100 PubMed papers.

1 Mechanism of action

Erythropoietin receptor agonist (agonist)

Primary targets: Erythropoietin receptor

2 Reported effects

Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.

2.1 Indicated / studied for

• Anemia due to Chronic Kidney Disease
• Anemia due to Zidovudine in HIV infection
• Anemia due to Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients
• Reduction of Allogeneic Red Blood Cell Transfusions in surgery patients

2.2 Side effects

• Increased Mortality
• Myocardial Infarction
• Stroke
• Thromboembolism
• Hypertension
• Seizures

3 Chemical and physical properties

4 Research dosages

50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly (adults) and 50 Units/kg 3 times weekly (pediatric patients) for CKD; 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly for HIV; 40,000 Units weekly or 150 Units/kg 3 times weekly (adults) or 600 Units/kg intravenously weekly (pediatric patients ≥ 5 years) for Cancer on Chemotherapy; 300 Units/kg per day daily for 15 days or 600 Units/kg weekly for Surgery Patients

5 Research studies (8)

1. Epoetin Alfa
   (2006) · Review
2. Epoetin Alfa
   (2026)
3. [Biosimilars]
   Therapeutische Umschau. Revue therapeutique (2011) · Review
4. Neuroprotective properties of epoetin alfa
   Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association (2002) · Review
5. Pharmacist-driven epoetin alfa-epbx dosing for hospitalized patients
   American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (2023)
6. Effects of Epoetin alfa on hemostasis in chronic renal failure
   American journal of nephrology (1998) · Review
7. Switching epoetin alfa and epoetin zeta in patients with renal anemia on dialysis: Posthoc analysis
   Advances in therapy (2010) · Meta-Analysis
8. Epoetin alfa versus darbepoetin alfa in chemotherapy-related anemia
   The Annals of pharmacotherapy (2006) · Review

6 Safety and risk profile

6.1 Regulatory status

Epoetin Alfa is currently classified as FDA approved. Approval applies to specific clinical indications and dosing; research-grade material is not the approved product.

6.2 Contraindications

Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:

• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) after treatment with erythropoietin protein drugs
• Serious allergic reactions to Epogen
• Use of multiple-dose vials containing benzyl alcohol in neonates, infants, pregnant women, and lactating women

6.3 Long-term risks

• Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism
• Increased Mortality and/or Increased Risk of Tumor Progression or Recurrence in Patients with Cancer
• Hypertension
• Seizures
• Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA)

6.4 Research best practices

• Store at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
• Do not freeze
• Do not shake
• Store Epogen vials in the original carton until use to protect from light

7 Frequently asked questions

What is Epoetin Alfa used for?

Epoetin Alfa is used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, zidovudine in patients with HIV infection, and myelosuppressive chemotherapy in cancer patients. It is also indicated for reducing the need for allogeneic red blood cell transfusions in patients undergoing certain elective surgeries.

How does Epoetin Alfa work?

Epoetin Alfa functions as an erythropoietin receptor agonist. It stimulates erythropoiesis, the process of red blood cell production, by binding to and activating erythropoietin receptors, thereby increasing red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels.

Is Epoetin Alfa FDA approved?

Yes, Epoetin Alfa is FDA approved. It received its first approval in 1989 and is marketed under the brand name EPOGEN for its indicated uses.

What are the serious side effects of Epoetin Alfa?

Serious side effects of Epoetin Alfa can include increased mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, and thromboembolism. Other serious adverse reactions include hypertension, seizures, pure red cell aplasia, and severe allergic or cutaneous reactions.

How is Epoetin Alfa administered?

Epoetin Alfa is administered either intravenously or subcutaneously. The specific route and dosage depend on the patient's condition and the indication for treatment.

8 References

1. Epoetin Alfa — compound summary PubChem. View source
2. Epoetin Alfa — molecule record ChEMBL. View source
3. Epoetin Alfa — FDA approved prescribing information U.S. Food and Drug Administration. View source
4. Epoetin Alfa — published literature (1,140 records) PubMed. View source

9 See also

• Peptide encyclopedia index
• Peptide reconstitution calculator
• Glossary of peptide research terms