epoetin omega

Epoetin omega is a recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) primarily used for the treatment of renal anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is unique among epoetins because it is expressed in baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, whereas epoetin alfa and beta are produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. This difference in host cell line results in a distinct glycosylation pattern, specifically characterized by different sugar moieties and a lower content of O-bound sugars. These structural variations lead to a different isoelectric focusing profile and enhanced bioavailability when administered subcutaneously compared to epoetin alfa. Epoetin omega acts as an agonist of the erythropoietin receptor, promoting the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, thereby increasing red blood cell production and hemoglobin levels.

Brand names

EpomaxHemax

Other names

recombinant human erythropoietin omega