How It Works
The kidney regulates oxygen supply by producing, in times of need, a glycoprotein called erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is secreted into the blood stream and travels to the bone marrow where it stimulates red blood cell (RBC) production. In patients with chronic renal failure, EPO production is impaired, leading to anemia. Peginesatide (formerly known as is an erythropoiesis stimulating compound which is in development to stimulate RBC production.
Peginesatide is believed to bind to EPO receptors on bone marrow cells causing the cells to proliferate and change into RBC precursors.
RBC precursors (reticulocytes) are released from the bone marrow into the circulation and mature into RBCs over a period of 5-7 days.
RBCs transport oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues and carry away waste products such as carbon dioxide.
Peginesatide is expected to offset the kidney’s inability to make EPO in patients with chronic renal failure by stimulating RBC production and raising hemoglobin levels. The drug is being evaluated in clinical trials to treat anemia.