Erythropoietin and Grow Hormone

Two categories of biologic products are covered in this session Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced primarily by the kidneys. It plays a key role in the production of red blood cells (RBCs), which transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Growth hormone (GH) or somatotropin is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. It is thus important in human development.

First, the erythropoetic cycle is depicted. Two well know original erythropoietin products are presented: Erythropoietin alpha (Epogen, Procrit), half-life 8 hr, given IV or SC, 2-3 times weekly
Darbepoietin, pegylated erythropoietin to extend half-life to 50 hr, for administration once a week. Biosynthesis pathways of growth hormone is also sketched. Two original human growth hormone products are presented, Humatrope (somatotropin) and Protropin (somatrem). Both erythropoietin and growth hormone have popular biosimilars on the market.