The Laboratories MédiS Launch the First Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Produced in Tunisia

On March 2, 2015, MédiS obtained authorization to market the first human-origin recombinant alpha erythropoietin (EPO), marking a significant milestone in the Tunisian pharmaceutical industry. This achievement made MédiS the first Tunisian laboratory to produce and market its biosimilar EPO under the name EPOMAX®.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone that acts as a growth factor for red blood cell precursors in the bone marrow. Its secretion leads to an increase in red blood cells in the blood. Primarily produced by the kidneys (over 90%), its production decreases with worsening renal failure. EPO therapy is mainly intended for hemodialysis patients suffering from blood anemia.

Access to this EPO treatment represents a significant advancement in the care of over 8,000 patients undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis in Tunisia. With EPOMAX®, MédiS expands its portfolio of biosimilar drugs, which previously included enoxaparin (ENOXA®) and unfractionated heparin (Héparine MédiS®). Biosimilar drugs, being similar to reference pharmaceutical products, offer improved access to care due to their cost-effectiveness while ensuring patients a level of efficacy and safety comparable to reference products.