Abstract: Erythropoietin (EPO) is widely used in the treatment of renal anemia because of its effect of promoting hematopoietic function of bone marrow. EPO not only acts as erythropoiesis, but also plays important roles in tissue protection. When EPO binds to a heterodimer receptor composed of EPOR and β common receptor (βCR) subunits, only a brief occupation of the receptor initiates a lasting biological effect to protect tissues and organs, but no has participation in erythropoiesis. In recent years, the protective effects of EPO derivatives that activation of EPOR/βCR exclusively in multiple tissues and organs have been studied. This study reviewed the research progress of EPO derivatives in acute renal injury.