Emerging drugs for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by autoantibody production against platelets, increased platelet destruction, and, in some cases, impaired thrombopoiesis. The majority of affected patients have significant bleeding risks due to low platelet counts and require treatment. The etiology of ITP is an immunological labyrinth. Currently available treatment options are usually not only nonspecific, but are also associated with some risks.

Areas covered: Several useful drugs for the treatment of ITP are currently available. Furthermore, ongoing trials with new drugs and preclinical development of additional drugs may help to improve and determine their value.

Expert opinion: ITP is a heterogeneous complex requiring individualized treatment. None of the available drugs are specific, nor are they invariably safe and effective. Thus, the need for specific therapy is evident.

KEYWORDS:

• ITP
• TPO
• rituximab
• IVIG
• TPO-RA
• anti-D
• anti-Fc-Rn
• immune tolerance

Declaration of interest

A Salama has received a one-off honorarium from Biotest for an interview, from UCB Pharma for a lecture and interview, from Argenex for attending an advisory meeting, and from Octapharma for specific discussions during the last two years. He has also been a principle investigator in clinical studies dealing with the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia for Octapharma, UCB Pharma, Argenx and GlaxoSmithKline/Novartis Stats. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded