Pharmacological action of epoetin beta in the treatment of anemia in patients with kidney diseases

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease is becoming one of the leading causes of death globally. Anemia, a common complication in chronic kidney disease, not only diminishes patients’ life quality but also increases the risk of heart-related problems. The use of recombinant human erythropoietin has revolutionized the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients. By reaching the desired levels of hemoglobin with recombinant human erythropoietin, patients experience significant improvements in life quality and a decrease in death rates. Epoetin beta is among the various erythropoiesis stimulating agents available in the market. Research indicates that weekly doses of epoetin beta are as effective as three weekly doses of epoietin alpha for reaching hemoglobin goals in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy. This not only enhances patients’ adherence to the treatment but also cuts down on the time and costs associated with managing renal anemia, thus allowing for a therapy that is more tailored to patient needs. On the one hand, this improves patients’ adherence to the treatment. On the other hand, the time and cost burden in the management of renal anemia is decreased due to reduction in recombinant human erythropoietin prescribing rates, which eventually makes it possible to better tailor therapy to the patients’ needs. The proven efficacy and safety profile of epoetin beta combined with the increased convenience of less frequent dosing, make epoetin beta a safe and effective treatment option that can help more patients with chronic kidney disease to reach their target hemoglobin levels.