Epoetin alfa

Epoetin alfa (rINN) /ɛˈpoʊ.ᵻtᵻn/ is human erythropoietin produced in cell culture using recombinant DNA technology. Authorised by the European Medicines Agency on 28 August 2007, it stimulates erythropoiesis (increases red blood cell levels) and is used to treat anemia, commonly associated with chronic renal failure and cancer chemotherapy. Epoetin is manufactured by Amgen and is marketed by Amgen under the trade names Epogen and by Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary, Janseen Biotech, formerly Ortho Biotech Products, LP, as Procrit, pursuant to a Product License Agreement. Epogen and Procrit are the same drug. Its annual cost to U.S. patients was $8,447 per patient per year in 2009. Darbepoetin alfa (rINN) /dɑrbəˈpɔɪtɨn/ is a glycosylation analog of erythropoietin containing 2 additional N-linked carbohydrate chains, also manufactured by Amgen. Darbepoetin is marketed by Amgen under the trade name Aranesp. The FDA warnings and safety precautions for Procrit, Epogen and Aransep are identical.