rhEPO-Fc

rhEPO-Fc is a novel long-acting recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) Fc fusion protein designed to treat anemia, particularly anemia caused by chronic renal failure or tumor chemotherapy. The drug fuses the erythropoietin molecule with the Fc region of human immunoglobulin G (IgG), which significantly prolongs its serum half-life compared to traditional EPO therapies. This extension is achieved by increasing molecular weight—reducing glomerular filtration—and enabling recycling via the neonatal Fc receptor pathway. Mechanistically, rhEPO-Fc stimulates proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow erythroid progenitor cells by binding to the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR), activating downstream signaling pathways such as JAK2/STAT5 that promote red blood cell production and inhibit apoptosis in these progenitors. Preclinical studies in rodents and primates have shown that rhEPO-Fc increases reticulocyte counts, red blood cell numbers, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels with less frequent dosing than standard EPO[2][3][5]. It is being developed as a first-in-class new drug in China with independent intellectual property rights[5].

Brand names

erythropoietin-Fc

Other names

recombinant human erythropoietin Fc fusion proteinEPO-Fc