Comparison of Three Routes of Administration of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Expressed in C-127 Mouse Cells

Abstract

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a highly glycosylated hormone produced by peritubular cells of the kidney which triggers the differentiation and proliferation of progenitor cells of the erythropoiesis in mammals and humans. By means of recombinant DNA technology sufficient amounts of purified recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) have recently become available. Clinical studies have shown that rHuEPO is able to correct the anemia of end-stage renal disease [1, 2].The pharmacokinetic properties of rHuEPO (produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells, CHO cells) have been investigated for three routes of administration: intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SC), and intraperitoneal (IP). The results of these pharmacokinetic studies with rHuEPO showed considerable differences in these approaches. The bioavailability was 20%-80% after SC administration and 10%-35% after IP administration. The serum peak level (C_max) of rHuEPO was higher after IV injection than after SC and IP administration. The SC and IP routes were characterized by a prolonged absorption phase [3–8].