EPO

EPO is an acronym that can refer to more than one concept, most commonly the European Patent Office and erythropoietin, a hormone. In other contexts it may denote other organizations or products, but these two are by far the most widely recognized.

European Patent Office. The European Patent Office (EPO) is a supranational organization that administers a centralized patent grant procedure under the European Patent Convention. It is part of the European Patent Organisation and operates independently of the European Union, with headquarters in Munich, Germany, and offices in The Hague (Rijswijk) and Berlin. The EPO handles patent applications, conducts prior-art searches, and performs substantive examination to assess novelty and inventive step. It also manages oppositions and appeals, and, once a patent is granted, the proprietor can validate it in designated states across Europe. Patent terms generally last 20 years from the filing date, subject to fee payments and patentability requirements.

Erythropoietin. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone primarily produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels. It stimulates the bone marrow to increase red blood cell production, thereby raising the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Medically, recombinant EPO therapies are used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, and certain other conditions. Common forms include epoetin alfa (brand names Epogen, Procrit) and darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp). Administration is by injection. Potential risks include hypertension, thromboembolism, stroke, heart attack, and, in rare cases, pure red cell aplasia. EPO is also known for its misuse as a performance-enhancing agent in sports, where it is subject to anti-doping controls.