What is the Difference Between Erythropoietin Alpha and Beta

The key difference between erythropoietin alpha and beta is that erythropoietin alpha is a glycoprotein hormone that has a lower molecular weight, while erythropoietin beta is a glycoprotein hormone that has a higher molecular weight.

There are four currently available erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) produced through recombinant DNA technology. They are erythropoietin alpha, beta, zeta, and omega. Three out of four (alpha, beta, omega) are composed of an identical amino acid sequence but possess slight differences in glycosylation. Glycosylation varies as a result of the type and host cell-specific differences in the production process.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Erythropoietin Alpha
3. What is Erythropoietin Beta
4. Similarities – Erythropoietin Alpha and Beta
5. Erythropoietin Alpha vs Beta in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Erythropoietin Alpha vs Beta

What is Erythropoietin Alpha?

Erythropoietin alpha is a glycoprotein hormone that has a lower molecular weight. It is a human erythropoietin hormone produced in cell culture using recombinant DNA technology. Erythropoietin alpha was authorized by the European Medicines Agency in 2007. Generally, erythropoietin alpha stimulates erythropoiesis by increasing red blood cell levels. It is used for the treatment of anemia commonly associated with chronic kidney failure. It is also used for the reduction of transfusion requirements in adults receiving chemotherapy for solid tumors, malignant lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and those who are at risk of transfusion as assessed by their general status (e.g., cardiovascular status, pre-existing anemia at the start of chemotherapy).

Erythropoietin alpha is manufactured and marketed by Amgen under the brand name Epogen, while the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Jansssen Biotech sells the same drug under the name Procrit pursuant to a product license agreement. The average of this drug per patient in the U.S was $8,447 in 2009. Usually, erythropoietin alpha is well tolerated. However, common side effects include high blood pressure, headache, disabling cluster migraine, joint pain, and clotting at the injection site. The rare side effects include stinging at the injection site and flu-like symptoms.

What is Erythropoietin Beta?

Erythropoietin beta is a glycoprotein hormone with a higher molecular weight. Although erythropoietin alpha and erythropoietin beta resemble each other with respect to molecular characteristics and pharmacokinetic data, erythropoietin beta has a lower number of sialylated glycan residues and possibly sight pharmacokinetic advantages such as a longer terminal elimination half-life.

This medication is used to treat anemia in people with long-term serious kidney diseases such as chronic kidney disease. Erythropoietin beta also helps to reduce the need for blood transfusions. It is a synthetic recombinant form of erythropoietin hormone. This protein promotes the production of red blood cells. Erythropoietin beta is sold under the brand name of NeoRecormon. It is one of the chemicals on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. However, it has several side effects, including headache, body ache, diarrhoea, or vomiting.

What are the Similarities Between Erythropoietin Alpha and Beta?

• Erythropoietin alpha and beta are two types of recombinant erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
• Erythropoietin alpha and erythropoietin beta resemble each other with respect to molecular characteristics and pharmacokinetic data.
• Both drugs are composed of identical amino acid sequences.
• These drugs are used to treat anemia in people with long-term serious kidney diseases such as chronic kidney disease, and they also help to reduce the need for blood transfusions.
• They are on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.

What is the Difference Between Erythropoietin Alpha and Beta?

Erythropoietin alpha is a glycoprotein hormone that has a lower molecular weight, while erythropoietin beta is a glycoprotein hormone that has a higher molecular weight. Thus, this is the key difference between erythropoietin alpha and beta. Furthermore, erythropoietin alpha has a higher number of sialylated glycan residues, while erythropoietin beta has a lower number of sialylated glycan residues.

The below infographic presents the differences between erythropoietin alpha and beta in tabular form for side by side comparison.

Summary – Erythropoietin Alpha vs Beta

Erythropoietin alpha and beta are two types of recombinant erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA). Erythropoietin alpha is a glycoprotein hormone with a lower molecular weight, while erythropoietin beta is a glycoprotein hormone with a higher molecular weight. So, this is the key difference between erythropoietin alpha and beta.

Reference:

1. “Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (Epoetin Alfa, Beta, Theta…” Nice.
2. “Epoetin Beta, Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol Injection: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing.” WebMD.

Image Courtesy:

1. “EF-Pattern” By Jamiri – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “MIRCERA” By melvil – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia