Background.- Erythropoiesis: an overview.- Regulation of endogenous erythropoietin production.- Biology of erythropoietin.- Erythropoiesis-genetic abnormalities.- Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.- Studies of erythropoiesis and the discovery and cloning of recombinant human erythropoietin.- Commercial production of recombinant erythropoietins.- Biosimilar epoetins.- New molecules and formulations.- Erythropoietin receptor.- Structural basis for the signal transduction of erythropoietin.- Intracellular signaling by the erythropoietin receptor.- Mechanism of erythropoietin receptor activation.- Clinical utility.- Pharmacokinetics of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.- Use of erythropoietic stimulating agents in the setting of renal disease.- Abuse of recombinant erythropoietins and blood products by athletes.- Role and regulation of iron metabolism in erythropoiesis and disease.- Nonhematopoietic effects of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

A comprehensive one-source guide to the most current information on red blood cell formation and the action of recombinant human erythropoietins. Topics covered include: erythropoiesis, recombinant protein discovery and production, and treatment of patients with anemia. The newest theories in erythropoiesis (receptors, signaling), manufacturing, new formulations, and clinical research are discussed. The text is ideal for researchers and clinical investigators in academia, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies, as well as clinical research associates, clinical monitors, and physician investigators.