# EPO (Erythropoietin)

*Also known as: Erythropoietin, Epoetin, EPO*

Recombinant erythropoietin that stimulates red blood cell production; used clinically and abused for endurance.

## Overview

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone the kidneys produce that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Recombinant EPO (epoetin) binds the EPO receptor on erythroid progenitors, driving proliferation and raising hematocrit and oxygen-carrying capacity. It is a genuine, FDA-approved therapy for anemia of chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, and HIV therapy. The half-life runs roughly 5 to 11 hours by IV route, with the dataset estimating about 10 hours. EPO is also one of the most famously abused performance-enhancing drugs in endurance sport, banned at all levels by WADA. Misuse carries serious risks: hyperviscosity, hypertension, thrombosis, and sudden cardiac events. Unlike most compounds on this list, EPO has deep clinical evidence and clear approved dosing.

## Pharmacokinetics

- **Model tier:** simple
- **Half-life:** 0.4 days (9.600000000000001 hours)
- **Bioavailability:** 30%

## Dosing

- **Default dose:** 0.01 mg
- **Typical range:** 0.005–0.02 mg
- **Units:** mIU/mL

## Detection time (anti-doping)

- **Window:** 3–7 days post-last-dose
- **Target metabolite:** Recombinant EPO isoforms (epoetin alpha/beta/delta/omega, CERA, darbepoetin/NESP)
- **Assay:** IEF-PAGE / SAR-PAGE / SDS-PAGE (TD2024EPO)
- **Notes:** Detection distinguishes recombinant from endogenous EPO by isoelectric focusing and sarcosyl gel electrophoresis. Window depends on route, dose, and specific epoetin type.

## Source

- **Label:** WADA TD2024EPO
- **URL:** https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources/lab-documents/technical-documents-index
- **Notes:** Recombinant EPO; half-life ~5–11 h (IV). WADA-prohibited; detected via PAGE methods.

**Tags:** muscle-building, metabolic

---

**Canonical URL:** https://anabolicdex.com/compounds/epo
**Plot:** https://anabolicdex.com/plot?compound=epo