Structure · schematic
Peptide chain of 165 amino acids · Sonstiges
Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid (shown truncated).
Research areas*
* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.
Mechanism of action
- Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycosylated protein hormone (165 amino acids) produced predominantly in the kidney.
- It binds to the EPO receptor on erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow and stimulates their survival, division and maturation into red blood cells.
- This increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
- Recombinant EPO (epoetin) mimics this physiological action.
Research status
- Recombinant EPO is an established, approved medicine for treating renal anaemia and chemotherapy-associated anaemia.
- Reviews describe the mechanisms of anaemia in chronic kidney disease.
- A Phase III study (ROCKIES, 2022) compared the oral HIF stabiliser roxadustat with epoetin alfa in dialysis patients.
- Use for performance enhancement in sport is banned and carries health risks.
Evidence level
Cited studies
Known risks
- 01Increased thrombosis risk through raised haematocrit
- 02Hypertension, hypertensive crises possible
- 03Life-threatening cardiovascular events with misuse
- 04Rare antibody-mediated pure red cell aplasia (PRCA)
- 05WADA ban; considerable doping-law and health risks
- 06Product quality cannot be verified from unapproved sources
Frequently asked questions
What is Erythropoetin (EPO)?
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycosylated protein hormone (165 amino acids) produced predominantly in the kidney.
What type of peptide is Erythropoetin (EPO)?
Erythropoetin (EPO) belongs to the Other class.
Is Erythropoetin (EPO) legal in Germany?
Erythropoetin (EPO) is prescription-only in Germany and may only be obtained with a medical prescription. It is additionally relevant under the German Doping Agent Quantity Ordinance (DmMV).
Where can I buy Erythropoetin (EPO)?
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Erythropoetin (EPO) is "prescription-only" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
Is Erythropoetin (EPO) banned in sport (WADA)?
Yes. Erythropoetin (EPO) is on the WADA Prohibited List and is therefore banned in competitive sport.
What are the known risks of Erythropoetin (EPO)?
Documented risks include: Increased thrombosis risk through raised haematocrit; Hypertension, hypertensive crises possible. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is Erythropoetin (EPO)?
The evidence is classified as “clinically established”. 2 studies are cited on this page.
What is the molecular weight of Erythropoetin (EPO)?
Erythropoetin (EPO) has a molar mass of about 30400 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~7–24 hours (route-dependent).
Legal status
Germany
prescription-onlyAustria
prescription-onlySwitzerland
prescription-onlyEU
approved medicineUSA
prescription-onlyCanada
prescription-onlyLegal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Sources & methodology
- 2 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
- Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature.
- Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.
Last editorially reviewed: 30 May 2026
Legal assessment
Recombinant EPO is an approved, prescription-only medicine. As an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent it is on the WADA Prohibited List (S2) and is doping-relevant. Misuse for performance enhancement is illegal and can cause life-threatening complications.
Important notice
This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.
This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.
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