EPO-R76E

EPO-R76E is a **mutant form of erythropoietin (EPO)** designed to retain the neuroprotective and antioxidant properties of wild-type erythropoietin, but **with greatly attenuated erythropoietic (red cell-forming) activity**, meaning it does not significantly increase hematocrit. EPO-R76E achieves neuroprotection by blocking neuronal death, reducing oxidative stress, and activating cellular antioxidant pathways, notably through the **NRF2/ARE pathway**. It has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models of **glaucoma, traumatic optic neuropathy, and retinal degeneration** by preserving retinal neurons and optic nerve axons, reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and upregulating antioxidant gene expression. EPO-R76E is evaluated as a sustained-release therapy, often encapsulated in biodegradable microparticles (PLGA or PPS based) or delivered via gene therapy vectors (rAAV).

Other names

recombinant erythropoietin R76E mutant