Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent

Erythropoiesis -Stimulating Agents ( short: ESA to German: erythropoiesis - stimulating agents ), are substances which promote the formation of red blood cells (erythrocytes) stimulate (see erythropoiesis ). This substance group includes some naturally occurring growth factors ( cytokines) such as the interleukins IL -3 and IL- ninth

The most famous ESA is the hormone erythropoietin. With the development of drugs that mimic the blood -forming properties of erythropoietin, numerous ESA were using molecular biological and biotechnological processes artificially (see EPO preparations of the next generation ).