AMGEN GETS PATENT FOR PROTEIN TO FIGHT DIALYSIS ANEMIA.Byline: Bloomberg Business News Amgen Inc. said it has received a patent covering its genetically engineered form of erythropoietin, or EPO EPO see erythropoietin. EPO Erythropoietin, see there , a protein used to prevent anemia in patients undergoing kidney dialysis. The biotechnology company's patent provides protection against the unauthorized making, importation, use or sale of recombinant EPO in the United States. Amgen already has patents covering DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. and host cells and the manufacturing process for its recombinant EPO, marketed under the name Epogen. Amgen shares rose 2-1/2 to 58-1/4 in late trading of 4.27 million shares, more than the three-month daily average of 2.20 million. Epogen is used to prevent and treat anemia associated with chronic renal failure chronic renal failure Chronic kidney failure Nephrology A slow decline in renal function, which may be 2º to chronic HTN, DM, CHF, SLE, or sickle cell anemia and, if extreme, leads to ESRD, mandating kidney dialysis; an abrupt decline in renal function may be in people on kidney dialysis. Erythropoietin is a protein that tells the bone marrow to make the red blood cells Red blood cells Cells that carry hemoglobin (the molecule that transports oxygen) and help remove wastes from tissues throughout the body. Mentioned in: Bone Marrow Transplantation red blood cells that carry oxygen in the body. |
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