ATC code B03XA01 (WHO) | CAS Number 122312-54-3 | |
Trade names NeoRecormon, Betapoietin, others AHFS/Drugs.com International Drug Names Routes of
administration Intravenous, subcutaneous Legal status In general: ℞ (Prescription only) | ||
Epoetin beta (rINN) /ɛˈpoʊ.ᵻtᵻn/ is a synthetic, recombinant form of erythropoietin. It stimulates erythropoiesis (increases red blood cell levels) and is used to treat anemia, commonly associated with chronic renal failure and cancer chemotherapy.
Contents
Epoetin beta is marketed under the trade name NeoRecormon, among others.
Chemistry
Epoetin beta is a recombinant form of human erythropoietin which is produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells. It has the same protein sequence as natural human erythropoietin, being composed of 165 amino acids with about 30 KDa molecular weight.
History
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced in the kidneys. The existence of this hormone has been known since 1906, when scientists first started isolating it, and since the 1980s, a recombinant version of the hormone has been available for use in medical treatment.