Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta

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MIRCERA is a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (C.E.R.A.) indicated for the treatment of patients with anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease. It is the first approved, chemically synthesised erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). MIRCERA is marketed by F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and is supplied as a solution in pre-filled syringes for intravenous or subcutaneous administration. MIRCERA was approved for use in Europe in July 2007 by the European Commission, in September 2007 by the Swissmedic, and the FDA approved it in November 2007.

The active ingredient in MIRCERA is methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta. This differs from erythropoietin through the formation of a chemical bond between either the N-terminal amino group or the Єamino group of any lysine present in erythropoietin and methoxy polyethylene glycol butanoic acid.1 The average molecular weight of MIRCERA is approximately 60kDa.[1]

MIRCERA stimulates erythropoiesis by interacting with the erythropoietin receptor on progenitor cells in the bone marrow.[1]


[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Macdougall IC, Eckardt K-U. (2006), "Novel strategies for stimulating erythropoiesis and potential treatments for anaemia", Lancet, 368, p. 947–953.