Carbamylated erythropoietin to treat neuronal injury: new development strategies.
BACKGROUND
Carbamylated erythropoietin (CEPO) is a modified erythropoietin molecule not affecting hematocrit. It is a potentially important pharmacological agent that may be applied to the treatment of several diseases affecting central and peripheral system neurons.


OBJECTIVE
Carbamylated erythropoietin is a prime candidate for development because of its potent cell survival and function enhancing effects. This article reviews the preclinical development profile of CEPO in animal models to determine whether further clinical development is justified.


METHODS
The review spans a detailed analysis of patents and scientific publications related to CEPO in animal models.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of CEPO in treating diseases such as stroke and traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries is important because these conditions affect millions of patients every year. Extensive preclinical studies support further clinical studies of CEPO for acute ischemic stroke. However, further studies are required for testing CEPO in patients with many other indications.
Lapchak
Paul A
PA
University of California San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, MTF 316, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0624, USA. plapchak@ucsd.edu
D000818:Animals; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000188:drug therapy; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
C488171:carbamylated erythropoietin; D004921:Erythropoietin