| Theme | Erythropoietin Up-To-Date | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Novel erythropoiesis stimulating protein (NESP) for managing renal anemia | |
| Publish Date | 2003/04 | |
| Author | Nobuo Nagano | Pharmaceutical Development Laboratories, Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| [ Summary ] | The discovery of a novel erythropoiesis stimulating protein (NESP) resulted from the addition of two N-linked carbohydrate chains based on the hypothesis that increasing the sialic acid content of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) would increase its serum half-life and thereby the in vivo biological activity of the molecule. NESP has a 3-times longer serum half-life and greater in vivo biological activity than rHuEPO. Clinical trials have demonstrated that NESP can maintain hemoglobin concentrations as effectively and safely as rHuEPO in pre- and dialysis patients, but with a reduced dose frequency, either once weekly or once every other week. | |