TWI554520B - Recombinant human epo-fc fusion proteins with prolonged half-life and enhanced erythropoietic activity in vivo - Google Patents

Description

Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO)-FC fusion protein with extended half-life and enhanced erythropoiesis activity in vivo Related application

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/340,661, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of invention

This application relates to human erythropoietin fusion proteins.

Background of the invention

Human erythropoietin (EPO), a member of the hematopoietic growth factor family, is synthesized primarily in adult kidney and fetal liver for tissue hypoxia response due to decreased blood oxygen availability [1]. The primary function of EPO is to act directly on certain red blood cell (RBC) precursors and precursors in the bone marrow to stimulate the synthesis of heme and mature RBC. It also controls the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of RBCs. Amino acid sequence with naturally occurring EPO Recombinant EPO has been produced and approved to treat renal failure, cancer and other pathological conditions associated with anemia [2]. In addition to its erythropoiesis properties, recent studies [3] indicate that EPO also acts on non-myeloid cells, such as neurons, suggesting that EPO is in the central nervous system (CNS) and other possible physiology in other organs/systems. / pathological function. Since EPO receptors have been found in many different organs, EPO may have multiple biological potencies, for example, acting as an anti-apoptotic agent.

Human EPO is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 30.4 kilodaltons. Carbohydrates account for about 39% of their total quality. The EPO gene is located on chromosome 7q11-22 and spans a 5.4 kb region with 5 exons and 4 introns [4]. The precursor of EPO consists of 193 amino acids. The matured EPO having 165 amino acids was produced by post-translational modification of the leader sequence and the final amino acid Arg splitting line. Saccharification, with three N-linked positions in Asn 24, Asn38, and Asn83 and an O-linked position in Ser126, plays a key role in biosynthesis, tertiary structure, and bioactivity of EPO in vivo [ 5]. EPO acts by binding to a erythropoietin receptor, which is a saccharified and phosphorylated transmembrane polypeptide having a molecular weight of 72-78 kilodaltons. This binding triggers homodimerization of the receptor, which results in the activation of several signaling pathways: the JAK2/STAT5 system, the G protein, the calcium channel, and the kinase. Two molecules of the EPO protein are required to simultaneously bind to one receptor molecule for optimal receptor activation [6].

As the first hematopoietic growth factor recognized by human therapy, recombinant human EPO (rHuEPO) has been used for chronic renal failure, Treatment of anemia (a major chemotherapy-associated anemia), autoimmune disease, AIDS, surgery, bone marrow transplantation, and myelodysplastic syndromes, among others. Interestingly, recent studies have also observed that rHuEPO has a non-hematological function and shows the potential to be used as a neuroprotective drug for brain ischemia, brain trauma, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders [7]. .

Three types of rHuEPO or rHuEPO analogs are now commercially available, namely rHuEPO Aval (α), rHuEPO beta (β), and Darbepoetin alfa [8]. These three recombinant proteins bind to the same erythropoietin receptor, but differ in structure, degree of saccharification, receptor binding affinity, and metabolism in vivo. Since the introduction of rHuEPO-Ava (α) began in 1980s, clinicians quickly identified the usual dose/injection requirements of the drug as a significant disadvantage. The average in vivo half-life of rHuEPO Aval (α) and rHuEPO beta (β) administered intravenously or subcutaneously was only 8.5 and 17 hours, respectively [9,10]. The patient therefore needs a daily, twice-weekly or three-week injection schedule that is a burden on both the patient and the health care provider. Thus, there is a long-felt need to develop recombinant EPO analogs having a longer in vivo half-life and/or increased erythropoiesis activity.

It has been attempted in the prior art to genetically alter or chemically modify the structure of a native EPO protein to slow its in vivo metabolism or to improve its therapeutic properties. For example, there appears to be a direct correlation between the amount of sialic acid-containing carbohydrates on the EPO molecule and its in vivo metabolic and functional activities. The increased carbohydrate content of EPO molecules thus results in a longer half-life and increased activity in vivo [11,12]. Molecular Applied Genetics (Amgen) has designed the rHuEPO analog Dabbitin Aval to contain 5 N-linked carbohydrate chains, two more than rHuEPO.达比波廷阿cutting is also known to stimulate the generation of new red blood cell protein (Novel Erythropoiesis Stimulating Protein) (NESP ) and Aranesp ^TM trademark to be sold. Dabbitin Aval is different from the natural human EPO in five positions (Ala30Asn, His32Thr, Pro87Val, Trp88Asn, Pro90Thr), which allows for 2 additional N-links at positions 30 and 88 of the aspartic acid residues. Oligosaccharide linkage. The Dabbitin Avala binds to the EPO receptor in the same manner as the native EPO to trigger the involvement of the Ras/MAP-k, P13-k and STAT- in the same intracellular molecule by JAK-2 kinase. 5 tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular signaling. Due to the increased carbohydrate content, the half-life of Dabbitin Ava in animals and humans is almost three times longer than the half-life of rHuEPO-Aval (25.3 hours vs. 8.5 hours) [9]. Aranesp ^Tm has also been shown to exhibit increased biological activity compared to naturally occurring or recombinant human EPO in vivo [13] and has been approved by the FDA as a second-generation rHuEPO drug; this drug It is only necessary to be administered once a week to achieve the exact same therapeutic efficacy of 2-3 injections per week for rHuEPO [10, 14, 15].

Other attempts to extend the half-life of EPO have focused on increasing the molecular weight of EPO proteins via chemical conjugation with polyethylene glycol (polyethylene glycol) and analogs. Polyethylene glycolated-EPO (PEGylated-EPO) has a much larger molecular weight and is protected from self-circulation and thus has a longer plasma half-life [16]. However, polyethylene glycolation may Altering the structure of the protein results in unanticipated changes in the function and specificity of the EPO moiety. There are also reports of increasing the molecular weight of EPO by other methods, such as linking an EPO molecule to a carrier protein (human albumin), or by using a linker peptide (3 to 17 amino acids) or by chemical crosslinking reagents. The homodimerization of two intact EPO molecules is formed [17, 18, 19, 20]. Although all of these methods have achieved some success in prolonging the half-life and increasing the activity of EPO, as shown in the present application, the combined EPO molecule and the Fc fragment of human immunoglobulin (IgG) in a fusion protein are reached. Unique advantages.

Human immunoglobulin IgG is composed of four polypeptides covalently linked by a disulfide bond (two identical light and heavy chain replicas). The IgG molecule produces two Fab fragments and one Fc fragment by proteolysis of papain. The Fc fragment is composed of two polypeptides joined together by a disulfide bond. Each polypeptide, from N to C, consists of a hinge region, a CH2 domain, and a CH3 domain. The structure of the Fc fragment is almost identical among all subtypes of human immunoglobulin. IgG is one of the largest amounts of protein in human blood and constitutes 70 to 75% of total immunoglobulin in human serum. The half-life of IgG in the circulation is the longest among all five immunoglobulins. It reaches 21 days.

Modern bioengineering techniques have been successfully applied to the creation of fusion proteins consisting of therapeutic protein fragments, such as cytokines and soluble receptors, as well as Fc fragments of human IgG [21, 22, 23, 24]. These fusion proteins have a significantly longer in vivo half-life while maintaining their biological and therapeutic properties. So far, it contains two kinds of Fc fragments. Fusion proteins have been successfully developed into biological drugs and approved by the FDA as treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and chronic plaque psoriasis [25,26].

Dimers of two EPO molecules, whether shown by chemical cross-linking or linked by a polypeptide, have been shown in the prior art to exhibit increased in vivo activity and extended half-life [17,19]. The increased activity may be due to a more efficient binding of the EPO dimer to one receptor, and an extended in vivo half-life due to the larger size of the dimeric protein. However, chemical crosslinking methods are not effective and difficult to control. Moreover, the linker peptide in the dimer of EPO may alter the three-dimensional structure of the EPO molecule and the peptide itself may spur the activation of the immunogenicity in vivo. These shortcomings weaken the therapeutic potential of EPO dimers, particularly since EPO replacement therapy for kidney patients is lifelong.

The demand for EPO analogs having a significantly longer in vivo half-life and increased erythropoiesis activity, but without any increased immunogenicity, is therefore increased.

Summary of invention

In accordance with the present invention, a recombinant fusion protein comprising a human erythropoietin peptide moiety linked to an immunoglobulin peptide moiety is illustrated. The fusion protein has an extended half-life in vivo compared to naturally occurring or recombinant native human erythropoietin. In one embodiment of the invention, the protein has a greater than natural human erythrocyte production The hormone is at least 3 times higher in vivo. The fusion protein can also exhibit enhanced erythropoiesis bioactivity compared to native human erythropoietin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the immunoglobulin peptide moiety is an Fc fragment, eg, an IgGl fragment. The Fc fragment includes the CH2 and CH3 domains as well as a hub region. The EPO peptide moiety can be directly linked to the hub region. Preferably, the hinge zone is at least 9 amino acids in length. In one embodiment, the EPO peptide moiety has a cysteine residue adjacent to its C-terminus and the hub region comprises a cysteine residue located proximate to the portion of the EPO peptide. Preferably, the two cysteine residues are at least 12 amino acids apart. In one embodiment, the EPO peptide moiety can comprise a complete EPO that is directly linked to the immunoglobulin moiety (in other words, no external peptide linker is inserted between the EPO and the immunoglobulin moiety). molecule.

The invention also relates to protein constructs of multimers, which comprise multiple units of the fusion protein of the invention. For example, the two fusion proteins can be collectively a dimer in which the hub regions of the proteins are linked by a disulfide bond. The dimer has a general shape of an IgG molecule and is more stable than a free EPO molecule.

The invention also relates to nucleic acid and amino acid sequences encoding the fusion protein and to transfected cell lines and methods for producing the fusion protein. The invention further encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising the fusion protein and methods of using the fusion proteins and/or the pharmaceutical compositions, for example, to stimulate red blood cell production in an individual in need of treatment.

The various embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings, but are not intended to be construed as a limitation. FIG. 1A is a structural diagram showing the generality of the recombinant human EPO-Fc fusion protein (rHuEPO-Fc) of the present invention. structure.

Figure 1B is a sequence listing showing the nucleotide sequence of the rHuEPO-Fc protein and the sequence of the deduced amino acid (aa). The full length of the DNA is 1281 bp. The 426 amino acids in the deduced protein sequence include 27 aa of the informative peptide and 399 aa of the intact rHuEPO-Fc protein. The complete rHuEPO-Fc protein line consists of the human EPO domain (166 aa), the hub of the Fc fragment of human IgG1 (16 aa, underlined), and the CH2 and CH3 domains (217 aa). The calculated molecular weight of the mature rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein polypeptide was 44.6 kDa, consisting of 18.5 kDa (41.4%) of the EPO fragment and 26.1 kDa (58.6%) of the IgGl Fc fragment. A homodimer is formed by two disulfide bonds of two cysteine residues (framed) within the hinge region. At residue 172 of the mature fusion protein (in other words, the sixth amino acid in the hub), the native cysteine residue has been replaced by glycine (bold).

Figure 2 is a structural diagram showing the structure and characteristics of the mammalian plastid pCD1, which is used to insert the DNA sequence of the polypeptide encoding the rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein, and is used to transfect the expression rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein. CHO cells.

Figure 3 is an SDS-PAGE image displayed by SDS-PAGE analysis, the dimeric form of the pure rHuEPO-Fc protein in the non-reduced state and the size of the monomeric form of the pure rHuEPO-Fc protein in the reduced state. Purified rHuEPO-Fc protein from a suspension of cultured CHO cell lines expressing rHuEPO-Fc is predominantly present in dimeric form, and on 8% ditrimethylaminomethane gel in a non-reduced state It has a molecular weight of approximately 180 kDa. The disulfide bond was broken in a reduced state (100 mM dithiothreitol, DTT) and the dimer was separated into two identical monomer units having a molecular weight of 75 kDa.

Figures 4A and 4B are graphs showing dose-dependent increases in heme (Hb) levels in normal mice treated with subcutaneous injections (s.c.) of rHuEPO-Fc or rHuEPO three times a week. Each point represents the Hb level of this group (6 mice). The 0th day level represents the Hb level prior to treatment. A: Mice treated with rHuEPO-Fc. B: Mice treated with native rHuEPO.

Figures 5A and 5B are graphs showing dose-dependent increases in hemoglobin (Hb) levels in normal mice treated with rHuEPOFc or rHuEPO s.c. once a week. Each point represents the average Hb level of this group (6 mice). The 0th day level represents the Hb level prior to treatment. A: Mice treated with rHuEPO-Fc. B: Mice treated with native rHuEPO.

Figures 6A and 6B are graphs showing the increase in hemoglobin (Hb) level in normal mice treated with intravenous injection (i.v.) of 12.5 μg/kg of rHuEPO-Fc or rHuEPO. Each point represents the average Hb level of this group (6 mice). The 0th day level represents the Hb level prior to treatment. A: Mice treated once a week. B: Mice treated three times a week.

Figure 7 is a display of s.c. once a week. A graph of dose-dependent increase in heme (Hb) levels in 5/6 nephrectomized rats treated with rHuEPO-Fc, rHuEPO or Dabbitin Aval (abbreviated Darbe.). Each point represents the average Hb level of the group. A normal control is a normal rat injected with a vehicle solution. The model control was a 5/6 nephrectomized rat injected with a vehicle solution. The 0th week level represents the Hb level before treatment. *: The number of weeks after treatment.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing the heme (Hb) position in 5/6 nephrectomized rats treated with rHuEPO-Fc, rHuEPO or Dabbitin Aval (abbreviated Darbe.) once every 2 weeks. A quasi-dose-dependent increase in the graph. Each point represents the average Hb level of the group. A normal control is a normal rat injected with a vehicle solution. The model control was a 5/6 nephrectomized rat injected with a vehicle solution. The 0th week level represents the Hb level before treatment. *: The number of weeks after treatment.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing heme in 5/6 nephrectomized rats treated with 62.5 μg/kg of rHuEPO-Fc once every 2 weeks or with Dabbitin Aval (abbreviated Darbe.) A dose-dependent increase in the (Hb) level. Each point represents the average Hb level of the group. A normal control is a normal rat injected with a vehicle solution. The model control was a 5/6 nephrectomized rat injected with a vehicle solution. The 0th week level represents the Hb level before treatment. *: The number of weeks after treatment.

Figures 10A-10C show rHuEPO-Fc, rHuEPO, and Darby Potina for the formation of CFU-E and BFU-E communities in 5/6 nephrectomized rats treated with different doses and schedules. A comparison of the potential for cutting. rHuEPO-Fc and Dabbitin Aval (abbreviated Darbe.) treatment showed Stimulation of similar dose-dependent potential for CFU-E and BFU-E community formation, whereas rHuEPO is less potent. A, s.c. once a week. B, once every 2 weeks s.c. C. I.v. once every 2 weeks.

Figure 11 is a graph showing the serum levels of rHuEPO-Fc and rHuEPO after intravenous injection of rhIEPO-Fc or rHuEPO at 5 μg/kg into rhesus monkeys (average level of 5 monkeys).

Figure 12 is a sequence listing showing the nucleotide sequence of a wild-type rHuEPO-FcC protein and the sequence of the deduced amino acid (aa). The sequence is characterized as shown in Figure 1, except that a natural, wild-type cysteine residue is present at residue 172 of the mature fusion protein (in other words, the sixth amine group in the hub) Outside of acid).

Figure 13 is a diagram showing normal mice treated with subcutaneous injection (sc) of rHuEPO-Fc (mutated fusion protein of the present invention), rHuEPO FcC (wild type fusion protein) and rHuEPO three times per week. A dose-dependent increase in the level of hemoglobin (Hb). Each point represents the average Hb level of the group (8). A normal control is a normal mouse injected with a vehicle solution. The 0th day level represents the Hb level prior to treatment.

Figure 14 is a graph showing the dose-dependent increase in hemoglobin (Hb) level in normal mice treated with subcutaneous injection (sc) of rHuEPO-Fc, rHuEPO-FcC and rHuEPO once a week. . Each point represents the average Hb level of the group (8). A normal control is a normal mouse injected with a vehicle solution. The 0th day level represents the Hb level prior to treatment.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

In the following, detailed details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known elements are not shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and illustration are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

This application relates to a novel fusion protein having erythropoiesis-producing properties. The fusion protein, referred to herein as rHuEPO-Fc, comprises a erythropoietin (EPO) molecule that is recombinantly linked to an immunoglobulin Fc fragment. As discussed further below, the fusion protein can be in the form of a dimer composed of two identical polypeptide subunits. In the embodiment shown structurally in Figure 1A, each polypeptide subunit, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, is the hinge region of the human EPO molecule and the Fc fragment of the human immunoglobulin IgG1, the CH2 domain. And the polypeptide sequence in the CH3 domain. The two polypeptide subunits are joined together by a disulfide bond between the respective hub regions to form a dimeric structure. The dimer thus has the same general shape as an IgG molecule and exhibits better stability than free EPO molecules as discussed in the examples below.

As is apparent to one skilled in the art, an intact immunoglobulin hub provides sufficient flexibility for protein-effective antigen-antibody binding. Similarly, in the present invention, the hub region is included in the design of the rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein to maintain its Flexibility, especially when the fusion protein is in a dimeric form. As explained below, this allows the EPO portion of the rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein to normally bind to the EPO receptor to activate the biological function of EPO. It is believed that the dimeric form of the rHuEPO-FC fusion protein is capable of inducing optimal activation of the EPO receptor by providing two EPO molecules (for example, by promoting receptor cross-linking).

As shown in the examples presented below, the rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein has been successfully synthesized using recombinant DNA techniques. This fusion protein has been shown in studies in mice, rats and primates to exhibit extended in vivo half-life and enhanced erythropoiesis properties compared to naturally occurring or recombinant native human EPO. As used in this patent application, the terms "natural human erythropoietin" and "natural human EPO" mean an EPO having an unmodified wild-type structure. Natural human EPO can be naturally occurring or recombinantly produced (e.g., rHuEPO Aval (?)), as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The term "native human EPO" does not include rHuEPO analogs, for example: EPO structures have been significantly modified, for example, by hyperglycosylation, by Dabbitin Aval (α).

The nucleic acid sequence of the rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein of the present invention is shown in Sequence ID: 1. The corresponding deduced amino acid sequence is shown in Sequence ID: 2. The intact rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein is 399 amino acids in length. As shown in Figure 1B, the complete rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein is from the EPO domain (166 amino acids), the hub (16 amino acids, underlined), and the CH2 and CH3 domains (217 Amino acid). An information or leader peptide sequence consisting of 27 amino acids Also shown in Figure 1B. This information peptide was split during the synthesis of rHuEPO-Fc. The nucleic acid and amino acid sequence of rHuEPO-Fc including this information or leader peptide are shown separately in sequence identification number: 3 and sequence identification number: 4.

As best shown in Figure 1B and Sequence Identification Number: 2, the EPO field has a cysteine residue at the amino acid number 161, near its C-terminus. The hub region includes two cysteine residues, the amino acid numbers 178 and 181 framed in Figure 1B. The central region cysteine residues form a disulfide bond between the subunits of the polypeptide of the homodimer as discussed above. The naturally occurring hub of a human IgG 1 fragment also has a cysteine at residue number 6 (measured from the N-terminus) in the hub portion. In the present invention, the cysteine residue 6 of the hinge moiety has been substituted with a non-cysteine residue. In particular, in the embodiment of Figure 1B and Sequence Identification Number: 2, the amino acid cysteine has been replaced by glycine (the amino acid residue 172 in rHuEPO-Fc, which corresponds to the hub) Residues of the area 6). It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that other non-cysteine residues can also replace the cysteine at this position to avoid the formation of a disulfide bond.

As a result of the amino acid substitution at residue 172, the first cysteine residue in the hub (at residue 178) is separated from the cysteine residue (at residue 161) in the EPO field described above. Amino acid. The inventors believe that the minimum spacing between the cysteine residue 161 in the EPO domain and the first cysteine residue in the hinge region should be at least 12 amino acids, such that one of rHuEPO-Fc Successful assembly of homodimers and/or binding of EPO receptors. Also Yes, if residue 172 is a cysteine residue, an undesired disulfide bond may be formed, for example, between cysteine residues 161 and 172. This can alter the three-dimensional structure of the EPO molecule, resulting in inactivation or reduced biological activity of the organism.

In one embodiment of the invention, the EPO domain is directly linked to the Fc fragment portion of the fusion protein. By avoiding the provision of an externally linked peptide, the preferred three-dimensional structure of the rHuEPO-Fc fusion peptide is maintained and the risk of triggering an undesired immunogenic response is minimized. The hinge region of the Fc fragment is preferably at least 9 amino acids in length and preferably falls within the range of about 10-20 amino acids in length.

Example:

The invention is further illustrated in more detail by the following examples, although it is understood that the invention is not limited to the specific five embodiments.

1. Construction of recombinant plastid pCdEpo-Fc encoding the fusion protein of HuEPO-Fc

The full-length DNA molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of the rHuEPO-Fc polypeptide was generated by overlapping PCR using the following oligo primer (QIAGEN Inc., US): EF5: 5'-ccggaattcgccaccatgggggtgcacgaatgtcctgcct-3'; EF3: 5' -ttttccttttgcggccgcttatttacccggagacagggagag-3'; EFL5: 5'-aggcctgcaggacaggggacagagttgagcccaaatctggtgaca-3'; EFL3: 5'-tgtcaccagatttgggctcaactctgtcccctgtcctgcaggcct-3'; the sequences of the primers mentioned above are individually listed in Sequence ID: 5-8.

The EcoR I and Not I sites were introduced separately into EF5 and EF3. The Kozak sequence (GCCACCATGG) was also introduced into EF5 for optimal expression of the HuEPO-Fc protein in mammalian cells. EFL5 and EFL3 are complementary sequences consisting of the 3' DNA sequence of Epo (23 bp) and the 5' DNA sequence (22 bp) of the IgG1 hub.

First, a 0.6 kb EPO DNA fragment was obtained from the plastid p9E containing the full-length human EPO cDNA, the primer EF5 and EFL3, and the 0.7 kb Fc fragment from the plastid pD containing the full-length human IgG1 cDNA sequence. The primers EF3 and EFL5 were separately amplified by PCR (Platinum Taq DNA Polymerase High Fidelity) (p9E and pD were from the inventors' own laboratory). The two fragments were then purified and mixed in equal amounts. Using this mixture as a template, the full length 1.3 kb rHuEPO-Fc DNA was amplified by primers EF5 and EF3. The purified 1.3 kb fragment was hydrolyzed by EocR I and Not I (New England Biolab Inc. US) and ligated to the EcoR I/Not I-hydrolyzed mammalian expression vector pCD 1 (Fig. 2) within. The resulting recombinant vector was designated pCdEpo-Fc, and the inserted nucleic acid sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of the HuEPO-Fc protein was confirmed by DNA sequencing.

2. Establishment of rHuEPO-Fc expression cell line

Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO/dhFr ^- , ATCC number CRL-9096) with dihydrofolate reductase (dhFr) insufficiency, which has been approved by the FDA as a biomaterial for use as a host for rHuEPO-Fc expression cell.

The CHO-dhFr ^- cell line was transfected with the recombinant vector pCdEpo-Fc using LipoFectamine (Gibco, Cat. No. 18292-037, USA). The suspension from the culture of the selected pure line was analyzed for activity of EPO by ELISA (Roche, Cat. No.: 1-493417, Canada). Positive pure lines were further screened under increased methotrexate (MTX) pressure. One cell line with the highest expression of rHuEPO-Fc protein was selected as a CHO cell line expressing rHuEPO-Fc, and gradually adapted to serum-free medium (CD CHO medium, Gibco, catalog number: 10743-029, USA) ). This CHO cell line expressing rHuEPO-Fc was used for the production of the rHuEPOFc protein.

3. Purification of rHuEPO-Fc protein

The rHuEPO-Fc protein molecule, which is contained in a suspension of serum-free medium collected from CHO cells expressing rHuEPO-Fc, was first subjected to Protein A affinity chromatography (Amersham, catalog number: 17- 040201, Canada) to be separated. The isolated protein was further purified by gel filtration on a HiLoad 16/60 Superdex 200pg column (Amersham, Cat. No. 17-1069-01, Canada). The purity of the rHuEPO-Fc protein is more than 98% when determined by electrophoresis.

4. Determination of the size of pure rHuEPO-Fc protein

First, SDS-PAGE was performed to determine the size of the pure rHuEPO-Fc protein. As shown in Figure 3, under non-reducing conditions, it measures the total size of the protein in the presence of a disulfide bond, below the 8% di-trimethylolamine (Bis-Tris) gel. A single electrophoretic band with a molecular weight of approximately 180 kDa was seen. This indicates the majority of rHuEPO-Fc protein fractions The sublines are produced in the form of dimers, as contemplated by the design of the fusion protein. When the SDS-PAGE analysis was carried out under reducing conditions (100 mM dithiothreitol, DTI) to interrupt the disulfide bond, only the electrophoretic band with a molecular weight of 75 Kda was identified, and the HuEPO-hub-CH2- The estimated molecular weight of a single polypeptide chain of CH3 is identical.

With saccharification, which is determined by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), the exact molecular weight of the pure rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein is 111099 Daltons (111.1 Kda). In this assay, only a single protein peak was observed indicating that the purified rHuEPO-Fc protein was almost 100% pure. The 15 amino acids of the N-terminus of the pure rHuEPO-Fc protein were determined by protein sequence analysis: APPRLICDSRVLERY. This is consistent with the sequence of the first 15 amino acids of the native human EPO polypeptide, and confirms that the purified rHuEPO-Fc protein does not have the correct and complete EPO molecular sequence, such as the amine group encoding the rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein. The DNA sequence of the acid sequence is predicted to be the same.

5. Increased erythropoiesis activity of rHuEPO-Fc in normal mice

In vivo experiments in mice were performed to confirm the maintenance of the erythropoiesis activity of the rHuEPO-Fc protein and to determine its potency compared to rHuEPO and Dabbitin-Aval (α). For comparison purposes, all doses of the three EPOs used in the animal experiments described in the present invention: our rHuEPO-Fc, rHuEPO (in other words, natural human EPO) and Dabbitin-Aval (α), were used. A separate amount of the EPO molecule based on the molecular basis. Regarding the rHuEPO-Fc protein, the EPO moiety provides 41.4% of the molecular weight of the total rHuEPO-Fc when the weight of the amino acid by EPO The ratio in the weight of the total amino acid of all rHuEPO-Fc molecules was calculated (166 aa among 399 aa). The amount of EPO of rHuEPO-Fc was determined to be 41.4% of the total amount of rHuEPO-Fc protein.

rHuEPO-Fc (stock concentration: 0.5 mg/ml, purity of 98.6%) and natural human rHuEPO (in other words, having a natural human EPO structure) (6000 IU/0.5 ml, manufactured by Kirin Brewery Co., Japan) It is diluted in a carrier solution (2.5 mg/ml human serum albumin, 5.8 mg/ml sodium citrate, 0.06 mg/ml citric acid, and 5.8 mg/ml sodium chloride, pH 5.5-5.6). . The amount of rHuEPO dose is calculated based on the amount of its active/quantity ration. BALB/c mice (6 to 8 weeks old, weighed 18-22 g, equal amounts of males and females, which were purchased from China, AMMS, experimental animal centers) were randomly grouped into groups of 6 . Each group of mice was given a dose (0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 12.5, 62.5 μg / kg), an injection route (via iv or sc in the tail vein) and an injection schedule (3 times a week or once a week) a combination of treatments. The control group of the mice was injected with an equal volume of the carrier solution. The treatment lasted for 3 weeks and the total observation time was 5 weeks. Peripheral blood samples (tail veins) for measurement were obtained before treatment, on days 4 and 7 of each week for 5 weeks. Hb is measured as an index by a measuring instrument. The mean ± SD is calculated from the data from each group and the t test is performed in different groups.

EPO is administered to mice three times a week, provided that the EPO has normal erythropoiesis activity and induces stimulation of saturated red blood cell production. As shown in Figure 4, the 2 groups treated with s.c. three times per week had a significant increase in Hb level, even at a dose of 2.5 [mu]g/kg. This reality The test showed that rHuEPO-Fc exhibited an in vivo erythrocyte production activity as effective as rHuEPO. The increase in Hb level in the treatment group was dose dependent. However, an increase in Hb level saturation was induced in mice at a dose of 12.5 μg/kg of rHuEPO-Fc, whereas a similar increase in Hb level saturation was achieved only at a dose of 62.5 μg/kg of rHuEPO. The increase in Hb level induced by 2.5 μg/kg of rHuEPO-Fc was also greater than that induced by 2.5 μg/kg of rHuEPO. These results suggest that red blood cells generate stimulation more efficiently than rHuEPO, which is more effective by rHuEPOFc.

The erythrocyte production potential of rHuEPO-Fc was further explored by reducing the time of injection to subcutaneously once a week. As shown in Figure 5, the rHuEPO-Fc-treated group showed a dose-dependent increase in Hb level at doses of 12.5, or 62.5 [mu]g/kg. Both doses of 12.5 and 62.5 μg/kg of rHuEPO also induced an increase in the Hb level to a similar extent, which was significantly lower than that induced by 62.5 μg/kg of rHuEPO-Fc. This strongly indicates that rHuEPO-Fc has an improved erythropoiesis activity in vivo. It is presumed to be due to the extended half-life of rHuEPO-Fc in vivo or by the modified EPO receptor binding/activation by the dimeric EPO molecule in the rHuEPO-Fc protein, or by the combination of the two.

When the same dose (12.5 μg/kg) of rHuEPO-Fc or rHuEPO was administered intravenously 3 times a week or once a week, an increase in the Hb level was observed in all treatment groups (Fig. 6). However, once a week, i.v. administration of rHuEPO-Fc induced a greater, more sustained elevation of the Hb level, which lasted longer after the end of the treatment. This data provides further support for the enhanced erythropoiesis properties of the rHuEPO-Fc protein, with natural conservation The structure of the EPO protein is compared to rHuEPO.

6. Increased erythropoiesis activity of rHuEPO-Fc in 5/6 nephrectomized rats

Experiments in normal mice confirmed the enhanced erythropoiesis activity of rHuEPO-Fc in vivo. To further observe the efficacy of rHuEPO-Fc in stimulating erythropoiesis, pharmacokinetic studies were performed in rats with experimental renal anemia caused by 5/6 nephrectomy. The potency of rHuEPO-Fc was compared to the potency of rHuEPO and Dabbitin-Aval (α) (60 μg/ml, lot No. N079, manufactured by Kirin Brewery Co., Japan).

Wistar rats (equal males and females, weighed 160-180 g, purchased from Vitalriver Experiment Animal Inc., Beijing, China, license number SCXK11-00-0008) are used in the present invention. To create an anemia pattern due to renal failure due to a 2-step nephrectomy [27]. Rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy with general anesthesia, which was performed under sterile conditions by two separate procedures. After 2/3 of the left kidney was removed, the rats were allowed to recover for 20 days. The right kidney is connected and carefully removed. Antibiotics are administered after each procedure to prevent infection. A total of 5/6 of the final kidney tissue was removed. Nephrectomized rats gradually develop renal dissufficiency and anemia. The rats entered a stable anemia state 50 days after nephrectomy, and were then randomly grouped (9/group) to start the administration of EPO. Rats in each group were dosed (2.5, 12.5, 62.5 μg/kg), one injection route (via iv or sc in the tail vein) and one injection schedule (once a week or once every two weeks) A combination to treat. Rats in the control and model groups were injected with an equal volume of vehicle solution. The treatment lasted for 4 weeks and the total observation time was 6 weeks.

The full dose (2.5, 12.5, 62.5 μg/kg) of rHuEPO-Fc administered subcutaneously once a week induced a dose-dependent increase in the Hb level compared to the model control group that did not receive EPO treatment. 12.5 and 62.5 μg/kg of rHuEPO 2 or Dabbitin, which were administered subcutaneously once a week, also induced an increase in the Hb level. The increased levels of Hb in the 2 groups treated with 12.5 or 62.5 [mu]g/kg of rHuEPO-Fc were significantly higher than those treated with rHuEPO at 12.5 or 62.5 [mu]g/kg, respectively. The Hb level of the 62.5 μg/kg rHuEPO-Fc-treated group was also slightly higher than the Hb level of the 62.5 μg/kg of the Dabbitin-treated group. After stopping treatment, the decrease in Hb level of the 62.5 μg/kg rHuEPO-Fc-treated group was much slower and the Hb levels were maintained higher than the Hb level of the normal control and model control group 2 until At the end of the observation (2 weeks after treatment), it indicates a stronger and/or an extended erythropoiesis stimulus (summarized in Figure 7).

Regarding the subcutaneous injection treatment once every 2 weeks, only 3 EPOs of 12.5 or 62.5 μg/kg were administered (Fig. 8). There was almost no increased Hb level in 12.5 μg/kg of rHuEPO compared to the model control group, and the weaker red blood cell formation reaction in the 62.5 μg/kg rHuEPO treatment group did not return the Hb level to the normal control group. The normal level. At a dose of 12.5 or 62.5 μg/kg, regardless of rHuEPO-Fc or Dabbitin treatment, the Hb level was significantly increased, which was higher than that of the normal control group, indicating that rHuEPO-Fc and A correction of the effective anemia status of Bibertin. No significant differences in efficacy were observed between the same doses of rHuEPO-Fc and dabbital. High dose of 62.5 μg/kg leads to red blood cells The continued increase was generated until the termination of observation (2 weeks after treatment). This further suggests that rHuEPO-Fc and darbitin exhibit a long-lasting stimulating erythropoiesis formation in vivo, which in turn can be converted into a clinically reduced frequency of administration to patients.

Although Darby Boting has been recognized as a clinical application of injections with less frequency to increase patient compliance and reduce the workload of health care providers, such experimental data strongly indicates that rHuEPO-Fc disclosed in the present invention has At least similar potential benefits, as discussed above, Dabbitin, a mutant of human EPO molecule that contains additional sugar compounds (increased glycation), may have in vivo induced immunity due to altered three-dimensional structure The increased risk of (immunogenesis). Only long-term observations of patients receiving Dabbitin treatment provide a decisive answer to the risk of immunogenicity in Dabbitin. In contrast, rHuEPO-Fc, without modification of the EPO molecular moiety, has a carbohydrate content that is identical or closely similar to native human EPO. The amount of sialic acid in the inventors' pure rHuEPO-Fc protein was approximately 10.0 mmol/mmol EPO, consistent with the reported parameters of rHuEPO. The Fc portion of rHuEPO-Fc, which does not have any foreign amino acid/linker peptide, represents the general structure of human IgG1 and, theoretically, will not result in an immunogenic reaction. Given that clinically recognized, rHuEPO-Fc can provide a better choice for patients than the currently available rHuEPO and EPO analogs, especially those patients who require long-term administration.

Intravenous injection once every 2 weeks, rHuEPO-Fc and darbitin (62.5μg/kg) can induce Hb level in rats with renal anemia The exact same increase was well above the normal Hb level of normal control rats (Fig. 9). This further demonstrates the sustained stimulation produced by the red blood cells of rHuEPO-Fc, as the efficacy of Dabbitin has been clinically confirmed.

Derived from bone marrow cells, which were collected from 5/6 nephrectomized rats after treatment (1 or 2 weeks per week, sc or i_v.), data from cell culture experiments showed rHuEPO-Fc, rHuEPO and Dabbitin all stimulated the formation of CFU-E and BFU-E. The potential of rHuEPO-Fc and Dabbitin is similar and more potent than rHuEPO (Figure 10).

The levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and Crea in the treatment group and the model control group were similar. The level of Fe in the serum in all treatment groups was higher than that in the model control group. Pathological examination revealed an increase in the distribution of red blood cell (RBC)-associated cells in the bone marrow and spleen of all EPO-treated rats.

7. Pharmacokinetics of rHuEPO-Fc in rhesus monkeys

As discussed above, the inventors have designed rHuEPO-Fc in this manner, the EPO portion of the fusion protein retains the functional properties of native EPO, eg, stimulates erythropoiesis, and the Fc fragment of human IgGl allows the fusion protein to settle in the circulation. Exist, thereby extending its in vivo half-life. The above animal studies have shown that the red blood cell production activity of rHuEPO-Fc is improved compared to rHuEPO. The inventors have also performed pharmacokinetic studies to determine the in vivo half-life of rHuEPO-Fc compared to rHuEPO. Primate lines are used to generate data because they are biologically very similar to humans.

The research design department is based on a literature report and the laboratory is based on general guidelines for pharmacokinetics. Two groups of rhesus monkeys each having 5 monkeys (3-5 kg, which were purchased from China, AMMS, Laboratory Animal Center) were intravenously injected with 5 μg/kg of rHuEPO-Fc or rHuEPO, respectively. Blood samples were taken before injection and at 0.017, 0.167, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 96, 168, 240 h after injection. Serum was collected by centrifugation, and serum rHuEPO-Fc or rHuEPO levels were determined by using a erythropoietin-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (purchased from R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN). The mean half-life (t1/2) of the intravenously injected rHuEPO-Fc and rHuEPO were 35.24 +/- 5.15 h and 8.72 +/- 1.69 h, respectively (summarized in Figure 11).

To observe the bioavailability of rHuEPO-Fc, 5 μg/kg of rHuEPO-Fc was injected subcutaneously into 5 rhesus monkeys. Blood samples were obtained prior to injection and at 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 24, 48, 72, 96, 168, 240 h after injection, and the serum levels of rHuEPO-Fc were obtained by R&D kits. Decide. The bioavailability index for subcutaneous injection was calculated to be 35.71 +/- 5.37%. This patient with chronic renal failure with the Dabiboting - Biological atorvastatin (α) (Aranesp ^TM) may be reported using the same graph of [9,15].

This data shows that rHuEPO-Fc has a significantly extended half-life in primates, and that the in vivo half-life of rHuEPO-Fc is in vivo half-life compared to rHuEPO manufactured by Kirin Beer Brewing Co. of Japan. At least 4 times longer. Prolonged half-life in vivo is likely to contribute to increased erythropoiesis activity of rHuEPO-Fc.

8. Immunogenicity of rHuEPO-Fc in Macaca fascicularis

As indicated above, attention was placed on the design of the rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein to intentionally avoid or minimize changes in the immunogenic properties of the rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein. The inventors avoided the inclusion/addition of any external amino acid or linker peptide sequence within the fusion protein. The HuEPO-Fc fusion protein of the invention of the Example of Figure 1B contains only the polypeptide sequence of the native EPO protein and the Fc fragment (hub region, CH2, CH3) of human IgG1, and theoretically does not induce resistance against rHuEPO-Fc protein. An immunogenic reaction and production of antibodies. Other embodiments having an optional structure are also encompassed by the present invention as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The following primate research lines were implemented to observe the immunogenicity of the rHuEPO-Fc protein. 10 crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis) (male/female = 5/5, 5 years old, male with an average weight of 4.0 ± 0.3 kg, female with 2.9 ± 0.4 kg, purchased from In China, AMMS, Animal Center Laboratories, 5 μg/kg of purified rHuEPO-Fc was injected subcutaneously three times a week for 4 weeks, and 2 were injected as an equal volume of vehicle solution as a control animal. The serum was collected once a week for 5 weeks (1 week after treatment) and the specific antibody against rHuEPO-Fc was tested by using purified rHuEPO-Fc (51 μg/ml) as an antigen-coated ELISA. In addition, the RBC count and Hb level in the peripheral blood were also determined within the experimental period. The results of the data show that despite the stimulation of erythrocyte production in rHuEPO-Fc-treated macaques (the average number of RBCs increased from 4.74 x ^{10 9} /ml to 6.67 x ^{10 9} /ml and the average Hb level From 12.2 g/dl to 13.7 g/dl), rHuEPO-Fc was unable to induce a detectable specific antibody against the fusion protein. These results indicate that the rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein does not cause immunogenicity in primates.

9. Acute toxicity study of rHuEPO-Fc in normal mice

To assess the safety of the rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein, acute toxicity studies were performed in animals.

2 groups of BALB/c mice (n=20, equal amounts of males and females, 5-6 weeks old, females average weight 15.8±0.4g, males 15.9±0.6g, purchased from Chinese Academy of Medicine , China) was intravenously injected with an excess of purified rHuEPO-Fc (male = 13.3 mg/kg, female = 13.2 mg/kg) or an equal volume of carrier solution, respectively, via their tail veins. In addition to observing immediate response after injection, general behavior and status, activity, diet, and bowel morphology and changes were monitored and recorded daily for 14 days. All mice were also weighed on days 7 and 14. On the 15th day after the injection, an examination of the anatomy of the main organs of the mouse was carried out. Pathological examinations are performed when any unusual changes or suspicious changes in the organ are observed.

All of the mice in the 2 groups did not have any immediate response after the injection. No significant changes in behavior, activity, diet, and defecation patterns were observed during the 14-day period. Also, the weight of the mice in the two groups was steadily increased during the test period, and on the 7th day or the 14th day after the injection, there was no significant difference between the two groups. No abnormal or pathological changes were detected in the tissues of the brain, lungs, heart, liver and kidneys. These results indicate that the administration of excess rHuEPO-Fc is much more than needed to exhibit normal red The amount of hematopoiesis function is safe and does not have any significant toxic effects.

10. Comparison of wild-type and mutant EPO fusion proteins

Changes in the study of wild-type and mutant forms of EPO proteins were also performed. As explained above, a single amino acid mutation (C172G) at amino acid residue 172 is included in one embodiment of the invention. For comparison purposes, a wild-type fusion protein was also prepared to have a cysteine amino acid at residue 172 (Fig. 12). The wild type fusion protein was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1-3 above. Regarding the construction of recombinant plastids, the following oligo primers (QIAGEN Inc., US) were used (the amino acid changed in EFL5w and EFL3w was bolded, compared with the primer of Example 1): EF5:5 '-ccggaattcgccaccatgggggtgcacgaatgtcctgect-3'; EF3: 5'-ttttccttttgcggccgcttatttacccggagacagggagag-3'; EFL5w: 5'-aggcctgcaggacaggggacagagttgagcccaaatcttgtgaca-3'; EFL3w: 5'-tgtcacaagatttgggctcaactctgtcccctgtcctgcaggect-3'.

The primer sequences of EFL5w and EFL3w are individually listed in Sequence Identification Numbers: 9-10.

In vivo experiments in mice were performed to compare wild-type fusion proteins (referred to herein as rHuEPO-FcC) with mutated fusion proteins (in other words, the rHuEPO-Fc protein of the invention as described above) and recombinant Red blood cell production activity of human EPO (rHuEPO). For comparison purposes, all doses of the three EPOs used in this experiment, rHuEPO-Fc, rHuEPO-FcC, and rHuEPO, were based on the molar basis. A separate amount of the EPO molecule. Regarding the rHuEPO-Fc and rHuEPO-FcC proteins, the EPO moiety provides a ratio of 41.4% of the total molecular weight in the weight of the total amino acid of the total rHuEPO-Fc and rHuEPO-FcC molecules by the weight of the amino acid of the EPO. When calculating (in other words, 166 aa among 399 aa).

rHuEPO-Fc (stock concentration: 300 μg/ml), rHuEPO-FcC (stock concentration: 90 μg/ml), and rHuEPO (6000 IU/0.5 ml, manufactured by Kirin Brewery Co., Japan) having a natural human EPO structure. It is diluted in a carrier solution (2.5 mg/ml human serum albumin, 5.8 mg/ml sodium citrate, 0.06 mg/ml citric acid, and 5.8 mg/ml sodium chloride, pH 5.5-5.6). . The amount of rHuEPO dose is calculated based on the ratio of its activity/amount. BALB/c mice (9 to 10 weeks old, weighed 18-22 g, equal amounts of males and females, purchased from China, AMMS, experimental animal centers) were randomly grouped into groups of 8 animals. Each group of mice was treated with a combination of one dose (2.5, 12.5, 62.5 μg/kg), one injection route (s.c.) and one injection schedule (three times a week or once a week). The control group of the mice was injected with an equal volume of the carrier solution. The treatment lasted for 26 days. Peripheral blood samples (tail veins) for measurement were obtained prior to treatment and on days 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 19, 22, and 26 of treatment. Hb is measured as an index by a measuring instrument. The mean ± SD is calculated from data from each group and the t test is performed in different groups.

As shown in Figure 13, all three EPO proteins stimulated red blood cell production by administration at intervals of three times per week. Whether at a dose of 2.5 μg/kg or 12.5 μg/kg, rHuEPO-Fc induces a higher Hb level than rHuEPO. Rise. The highest elevation at the Hb level was achieved by a 12.5 [mu]g/kg dose of rHuEPO-Fc. Both rHuEPO-FcC at doses of 2.5 μg/kg and 12.5 μg/kg induced much weaker erythropoiesis than the equivalent doses of rHuEPO and rHuEPO-Fc, as evidenced by the Hb level in the rHuEPO-FcC-treated group. The low lift is pointed out. In fact, the 12.5 μg/kg rHuEPO-FcC line induced a lower Hb level increase than 2.5 μg/kg of rHuEPO. These results suggest that rHuEPO-FcC has impaired erythropoiesis activity in vivo compared to rHuEPO with a natural EPO molecular sequence. In contrast, the rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein of the present invention exhibits a more potent erythrocyte production function. Administration of the three EPO proteins at three intervals per week greatly ruled out the effects of differences in the half-life of the protein.

The erythropoiesis potential of rHuEPO-Fc and rHuEPO-FcC was further evaluated by reducing the number of injections to subcutaneous once a week. As shown in Figure 14, the rHuEPO-Fc-treated group showed a higher Hb level increase than the rHuEPO-treated individuals at doses of 12.5 [mu]g/kg or 62.5 [mu]g/kg. In contrast, the rHuEPO-FcC line induced a weaker Hb level increase than that induced by rHuEPO. For example, at most time points, the 12.5 [mu]g/kg rHuEPO line induced a higher Hb level increase than that induced by 62.5 [mu]g/kg rHuEPO-FcC. This further indicates that rHuEPO-FcC exhibits a much weaker in vivo erythropoiesis function by reducing the number of administrations to include half-life, compared to rHuEPO with a native EPO molecular sequence, and to the rHuEPO-Fc of the present invention. Compared to fusion proteins.

In summary, these results show rHuEPO-FcC, which is The fusion of the natural molecular sequences of human EPO and human Fc fragments (hub, CH2 and CH3) 2 exhibits a much weaker erythrocyte production function in vivo compared to rHuEPO with a natural EPO molecular sequence. In particular, the erythrocyte-forming activity of the rHuEPO-FcC fusion protein is less than one-fifth of the erythropoiesis activity of the native EPO molecule. This indicates that fusion between the EPO molecule and the native sequence of the human Fc fragment impairs the functional properties of the EPO molecule. The rHuEPO-Fc fusion protein of the present invention comprising the native EPO molecular sequence and the mutated Fc fragment is shown to be substituted by a single amino acid substitution of the first cysteine residue in the hub region of the Fc fragment. The natural EPO molecule is a more potent red blood cell generating function in vivo. This data suggests that the first cysteine residue in the hub of the wild-type Fc fragment interferes with the EPO molecule in some way, most likely by causing structural changes to the EPO molecule, and sequentially weakening the EPO molecule to stimulate red blood cells. The nature of the functionality generated.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing disclosure that many variations and modifications are possible in the practice of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope.

Reference material

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Claims (32)

A fusion protein having an extended half-life in vivo compared to a naturally occurring or recombinant natural human erythropoietin comprising: (a) a erythropoietin peptide moiety having a cysteamine adjacent to its C-terminus An acid residue; and (b) an immunoglobulin peptide moiety linked to the erythropoietin peptide moiety and comprising a hub having a non-naturally occurring amino acid sequence, wherein the hub comprises a mutant a position corresponding to a cysteine residue closest to its N-terminus in the corresponding natural hub, whereby the cysteine residue of the natural hub is substituted with a non-cysteine residue, wherein the immunoglobulin The first cysteine residue of the hinge region of the protein peptide portion is at least 12 amino acids apart from the cysteine residue of the erythropoietin peptide portion. The fusion protein of claim 1, wherein the erythropoietin peptide moiety is a complete human erythropoietin molecule. The fusion protein of claim 1, wherein the immunoglobulin peptide moiety is a human IgG Fc fragment comprising the hub region and the CH2 and CH3 domains. A fusion protein according to claim 3, wherein the IgG Fc fragment is an IgG1 fragment. A fusion protein according to claim 3, wherein the hub is directly coupled to the erythropoietin peptide moiety. Such as the fusion protein of claim 1 of the patent scope, wherein the hub area is long It is at least 9 amino acids. A fusion protein according to claim 6 wherein the hinge region has a non-cysteine residue at the amino acid 6 measured from the N-terminus of the hinge region. A fusion protein according to claim 7 wherein the non-cysteine residue is a neutral amino acid. A fusion protein according to claim 8 wherein the non-cysteine residue is glycine. A fusion protein according to claim 6 wherein the hinge region is a human Fc fragment variant having a non-cysteine residue at the amino acid 6 measured from the N-terminus of the hub region. A fusion protein according to claim 5, wherein the hinge region has an amino acid sequence of VEPKSGDKTSTCPPCP, or a sequence having at least 90% sequence identity thereof, and measured at the N-terminus from the hinge region The amino acid 6 has a non-cysteine residue. A fusion protein according to claim 1, wherein the half-life of the fusion protein is administered to a mammal, and the natural human erythrocyte is produced by the same means as the natural human erythrocyte is produced by the same means. The half-life of the prime is at least 3 times higher. A fusion protein according to claim 12, wherein the half-life of the fusion protein is administered to a mammal, and the natural human erythrocyte is produced into the mammal by the same means. The half-life of the prime is at least 4 times higher. A fusion protein according to claim 12, wherein the mammal is a human being. A dimer comprising each of the first and second fusion proteins of claim 1 wherein the hinge region of the first fusion protein is bonded to the second fusion protein by a disulfide bond The hub area. A multimeric protein construct comprising a plurality of linked fusion proteins, each as in claim 1 of the patent application. The fusion protein of claim 1, wherein the fusion protein has increased erythropoiesis-producing biological activity compared to the natural human erythropoietin. The fusion protein of claim 1, wherein the fusion protein comprises an amino acid sequence which is present within sequence number: 2. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a fusion protein according to claim 1 of the patent, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or diluent. A nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion protein as in claim 1 of the patent application. A recombinant DNA molecule encoding a fusion protein as in claim 1 of the patent application. A cell line transfected with a recombinant DNA molecule as in claim 21 of the patent application. A cell strain according to claim 22, wherein the cell strain is a CHO cell strain. A method for producing a fusion protein according to claim 1, which comprises culturing a DNA molecule according to claim 21 of the patent application The transfected cell line and the protein encoded thereby are purified. A use of the fusion protein of claim 1 in the preparation of a medicament for stimulating erythropoiesis in a mammal. The use of claim 25, wherein the mammal is a primate. For example, the use of the scope of claim 26, wherein the primate is a human. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 19, for use in the preparation of a medicament for stimulating erythropoiesis formation in a mammal. The use of claim 28, wherein the mammal is a primate. For example, the application of the scope of claim 29, wherein the primate is a human. The use of the scope of claim 25, wherein the fusion protein is at least three times higher in the half life of the mammal than the natural human EPO when administered intravenously or subcutaneously. The use of claim 31, wherein the fusion protein is at least four times higher in the half-life of the mammal than the native human EPO when administered intravenously or subcutaneously.