Erythropoetin (EPO)
Mechanism of action
What Erythropoetin (EPO) does in the body — step by step.
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.
Research status
How far along is the evidence?
Known risks
Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:
Cited studies
Chronological — links lead to the source.
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.
What is Erythropoetin (EPO) used for?+
In research, Erythropoetin (EPO) has primarily been investigated in the context of: Metabolism, Recovery. These are research findings (evidence: clinically established), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.
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).
Is Erythropoetin (EPO) FDA-approved / legal in the US?+
Erythropoetin (EPO) is a prescription, FDA-approved medication in the US.
Is Erythropoetin (EPO) legal in Canada?+
Erythropoetin (EPO) is a prescription medication authorized by Health Canada.
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.
What is the dosage of Erythropoetin (EPO)?+
Peptica publishes no dosing. Erythropoetin (EPO) is a prescription medicine — any dosing is determined individually by a physician. This is not medical advice.
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).
Which peptides are related to Erythropoetin (EPO)?+
Closely related entries: IGF-1, Somatropin (HGH), ARA 290 (Cibinetid). A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Dossier
Legal · Structure · Sources.
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.
Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.