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Eltrombopag belongs to a new class of agents that raise platelet counts by stimulating thrombopoietin receptors on megakaryocytes. Investigators recently reported results from a phase I trial of this agent (Journal Watch Hematology and Oncology Jun 25 2007), which showed increased platelet counts in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Now, two larger international trials have been published: one in patients with chronic ITP and a second in patients with thrombocytopenia that was secondary to cirrhosis.
In one study, university and pharmaceutical company investigators conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial in 117 patients with refractory ITP and platelet counts of <30,000/μL. Patients received placebo…