The development of new erythropoietic stimulating agents (ESAs) has significantly increased in recent years. Researchers are focused on different and interesting conceptsnamelymethods to increase half-life of erythropoietin (EPO)finding different routes of administration and new ESA or modified EPO molecules. Scientific literature presents evidence that EPO has other effects beyond erythropoietic stimulation. These pleiotropic effects of EPO appear to result from the existence of two different EPO receptors (EPOR) with different affinities for EPO. The discovery of new EPO actions beyond the hematopoietic system has opened a new field of investigation with these agents. Several molecules have been developed to present the protective actionwithout the activation of the hematopoietic system. These agents can be potentially used in several diseases of the brain/central and peripheral nervous systemeyeheart and kidney.
This volume of Frontiers in Drug Discovery includes a revision of articles on erythropoiesis and EPO gene regulationmicroRNAs and their potential contribution to the development of new therapeutic strategiesanimal models for studying kidney disease-associated anemia as well as benefits/risks of ESA therapy. The biological effects of new ESA moleculesheparin-binding erythropoietin and of pHBSPand the potential applications of ESAare also elicited in this volume.
This volume isthereforea useful reference for medicinal chemists and hematologists interested in drug development and medicine related to ESAs.
