Therapeutics: Erythropoietin (EPO)

Mouse studies suggest EPO could help treat lupus. In a mouse model of chemical-induced lupus, human EPO decreased tissue accumulation of apoptotic cells, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and serum autoantibody markers of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and increased apoptotic cell phagocytosis by macrophages and kidney function compared with vehicle. Next steps could include testing EPO in other models of lupus...