40TH ANNIVERSARY OF EPO CLINICAL TRIALS

40th anniversary of erythropoietin clinical trials in Seattle

The UW Division of Nephrology commemorated Seattle's role as the first site for human studies on Erythropoietin (EPO), which revolutionized treatment for anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. 

A special Grand Rounds session featured presentations by experts, Drs. Ian de Boer (Nephrology faculty), Michael Kelly (Nephrology emeritus), Matt Rivara (Nephrology faculty), John Stivelman (Nephrology emeritus), and Kleber Fertrin (Hematology and Oncology faculty).

Seattle, specifically through research associated with the Northwest Kidney Centers and the University of Washington, was pivotal in the initial human trials of recombinant human erythropoietin in the 1980s.

EPO Session Grand Rounds Presentation Titles

Dr. Ian de Boer and Dr. Michael Kelly - “Development of Erythropoietin: A Local History of Bedside-Bench-Bedside Innovation”

Dr. Matt Rivara and Dr. John Stivelman - "Dialysis, Dollars, and Hemoglobin: The Evolution of ESA Therapy in ESKD in the United States”

Dr. Kleber Fertrin  - “Beyond EPO and Iron: Tricking the Oxygen Sensor in CKD Anemia”Dr