GlaxoSmithKline data shows eltrombopag raises platelet count

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., June 19 - GlaxoSmithKline plc said eltrombopag phase 2 results showed a significant increase in platelet count compared to a placebo across a variety of typically poorly responding idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients, including those with prior splenectomy or those having a very low baseline platelet count (<15,000/micro liter).

At doses of 50 mg and 75 mg, 70% and 81% of patients, respectively, achieved the primary clinical endpoint of having a platelet count greater than 50,000/micro liter after up to six weeks of dosing compared to 11% of patients on a placebo.

Based on these and previous clinical trial results, the company said eltrombopag has the potential to be the first oral platelet growth factor for patients with thrombocytopenia, a disorder characterized by low platelet counts leaving patients at risk of episodes of spontaneous bruising, mucosal bleeding, and in severe cases, intracranial hemorrhage.

This is encouraging news, officials noted, because current treatment options such as steroids or removal of the spleen pose certain limitations, particularly in terms of side effects.

Eltrombopag is an investigational non-peptide small molecule that is administered orally and interacts with the thrombopoietin receptor. This receptor is located on the surface of specific cells in the bone marrow and its stimulation leads to the production of platelets.

GlaxoSmithKline is a research-based pharmaceutical and health care company based in London.

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