Erythropoietin in diabetic retinopathy

In vitro and in vivo experimental studies as well as small interventional clinical studies suggest a potential beneficial effect of externally administered EPO in early diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema. In contrast, controversy exists with regards to the possible use of EPO in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Non-erythropoietic EPO-derived peptides, produced with the aim of increasing effectiveness and reducing side effects of EPO, are currently under investigation in early phase clinical trials.