Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents
4 compounds in this family, each with its recorded mechanism, routes of administration, safety notes and references to published literature.
- CibinetideCibinetide (also known as ARA‑290, HBSP) is an investigational peptide derived from the helix‑B region of erythropoietin. It does not stimulate red‑cell production but selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heterodimer of the erythropoietin receptor and the β‑common (CD131) subunit. Pre‑clinical work shows anti‑inflammatory and tissue‑protective effects, and early human studies suggest benefits in islet transplantation and small‑fiber neuropathy associated with sarcoidosis.
- Epoetin betaEpoetin beta is a recombinant form of human erythropoietin used as a prescription erythropoiesis‑stimulating agent (ESA). It is administered intravenously or subcutaneously to treat anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease and chemotherapy‑induced anaemia. By stimulating red‑cell production, epoetin beta reduces the need for blood transfusions and can improve patients’ functional status, while its impact on overall survival remains uncertain.
- Epoetin deltaEpoetin delta is a recombinant human erythropoietin produced in human fibrosarcoma (HT‑1080) cells, engineered by homologous recombination to express the native EPO gene with human‑type glycosylation. It was intended as a short‑acting erythropoiesis‑stimulating agent for anemia of chronic kidney disease. Although it achieved regulatory approval in some jurisdictions, the product was later withdrawn for commercial reasons and is not presently marketed.
- Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin betaMethoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (MPG‑EPO), sold as C.E.R.A. or Mircera, is a pegylated erythropoietin analogue approved as a prescription erythropoiesis‑stimulating agent (ESA). It is used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, both in patients on dialysis and those not yet requiring dialysis. Its long circulating half‑life permits dosing intervals of up to four weeks, offering an alternative to more frequently administered ESAs.