Stability and biological activity of epoietin beta in parenteral nutrition solutions.

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine stability and biological activity of epoietin (Epo) beta in a parenteral nutrition solution over 24 h. Epo beta was added to the parenteral nutrition solution which was administered through intravenous tubing and a Posidyne Neo filter. Samples were collected after 0, 4, 12, and 24 h. The Epo concentrations were measured before and after filter passage by an ELISA assay. The Epo biological activity was determined in the UT7/Epo cell line. The Epo concentration in the parenteral nutrition solution remained stable for 24 h. However, 35% of the Epo was adsorbed by the filter. The samples collected induced proliferation of UT7/Epo cells. These results suggest that Epo can be administered in parenteral nutrition solutions, but the dosage would need to be increased when a filter is used.