Boosting Platelet Counts in Patients with Chronic ITP

Thrombocytopenias can be caused by increased platelet destruction, decreased platelet production, splenic sequestration, or combinations of these. In patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), platelet destruction can be ameliorated by corticosteroid or immune globulin therapy or by splenectomy. However, platelet counts also can be raised by stimulating platelet production. Romiplostim (formerly called AMG531), a small peptide that binds and activates the megakaryocyte-thrombopoietin receptor, stimulated platelet production in ITP patients in a phase I/II trial (N Engl J Med 2006; 355:1672).

Now, in a double-blind phase III clinical trial, conducted by university and industry investigators, 125 patients with chronic ITP and platele…