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Darbepoetin‐α: A Review of the Literature
Author(s) -
Overbay Debra K.,
Manley Harold J.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1592/phco.22.11.889.33633
Subject(s) - darbepoetin alfa , history , medicine , kidney disease
Anemia is a chronic condition that affects many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These patients often require recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) to stimulate bone marrow to produce red blood cells. The agent often has to be administered 2–3 times/week for maximum efficacy. A new product, darbepoetin‐α, is a hyperglycosylated erythropoiesis‐stimulating protein that has a longer terminal half‐life than rHuEPO (25.3 vs 8.5 hrs), which allows for less frequent dosing. At an equivalent dosage as rHuEPO, darbepoetin‐α maintains hemoglobin values within target range and has a similar adverse effect profile. It is safe and effective for treatment of anemia of CKD. Pharmacoeconomic and quality‐of‐life studies are warranted to determine the compound's overall benefit.