Darbepoetin-alpha: a review of the literature.
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-alpha, 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-alpha 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.
Overbay
Debra K
DK
Dialysis Clinic, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
Manley
Harold J
HJ
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000068256:Darbepoetin alfa; D004300:Doping in Sports / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism
D004921:Erythropoietin; D000068256:Darbepoetin alfa