Catalog4 refs
Erythropoietin (EPO)
OtherResearch use only
Educational use only. Not medical advice. Verify all information with primary sources and a licensed clinician before use.
Body Map
CirculationMuscles
Overview
Erythropoietin (EPO) is an essential glycoprotein hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. Naturally produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels, recombinant human EPO is FDA-approved for treating anemia in chronic kidney disease and chemotherapy patients. EPO binds to erythropoietin receptors (EPOR) on erythroid progenitor cells in bone marrow, activating JAK2/STAT5, PI3K/AKT, and RAS/MAPK signaling pathways, promoting survival of red blood cell precursors, accelerating proliferation and differentiation of erythroid cells, and increasing hemoglobin production.
Primary Uses
CKD-related anemia treatment
Chemotherapy-induced anemia treatment
Surgical blood loss reduction
Endurance enhancement (banned in sports)
Altitude acclimatization
Protocol Reference
Dose
50-300 IU/kg based on medical indication; individualized based on hemoglobin levels with targets kept below 11-12 g/dL
Frequency
1-3 times weekly depending on response
Half-life
4-12 hours (IV), ~25 hours (SubQ)
Route
Subcutaneous · Intravenous
Evidence
Extensively Studied
Research Models
Human
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