epoetin alpha

Epoetin alpha is a recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) that acts as an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent. In an investigational study led by the University of Ulsan, it was evaluated for the prevention of acute mountain sickness (AMS). The drug works by binding to and activating the erythropoietin receptor, stimulating the production of red blood cells to increase oxygen-carrying capacity before high-altitude exposure. Additionally, it may exert non-erythropoietic neuroprotective effects that help mitigate symptoms of hypoxia. In the clinical trial (NCT01665781), healthy volunteers received weekly injections of 10,000 IU for four weeks prior to ascending to 4,130 meters, resulting in significantly lower Lake Louise scores compared to controls.

Brand names

Epokine

Other names

erythropoietinrecombinant human erythropoietinrhEPO