JNJ 42041935 is a potent, 2-oxoglutarate competitive, reversible, and selective inhibitor of PHD enzymes. Administration of JNJ-42041935 to rats for 5 consecutive days resulted in a 2-fold increase in reticulocytes, an increase in hemoglobin, and an increase in the hematocrit. It may be an effective means to treat anemia of various origin, in which current treatments are ineffective or not optimal.