FDA Approves Nplate™ for Long-Term Treatment of Adult Chronic ITP
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Amgen Inc. has announced that the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Nplate™ (romiplostim), the first and only platelet producer for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in splenectomized (spleen removed) and non-splenectomized adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
Nplate, the first FDA-approved peptibody protein, works by raising and sustaining platelet counts, representing a novel approach for the long-term treatment of this chronic disease.
“Until now, patients suffering from chronic ITP have had limited available treatment options, many of which are often unsuitable for long-term use due to side effects and tolerability issues,” said David J. Kuter, M.D., Chief of Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
“Nplate represents the first long-term treatment for adult chronic ITP patients, providing a new treatment approach for this chronic disease.” Kuter continued.
The FDA approval of Nplate was based on efficacy and safety results from two pivotal Phase 3 studies of adult patients with chronic ITP, including both splenectomized and non-splenectomized patients. The overall response rate for Nplate was 83 percent of treated splenectomized and non-splenectomized patients, and platelet counts were raised and sustained in these six month studies.
Additionally, patients treated with Nplate were able to reduce or discontinue their use of concomitant ITP medications and emergency medications.
Specifically, in the Phase 3 studies, non-splenectomized patients had an 88 percent overall platelet response and splenectomized patients had a 79 percent overall platelet response rate.
Combined data from both trials shows clinically relevant bleeding events were significantly reduced by half in patients treated with Nplate compared to placebo. Amgen continues to study the long-term efficacy and safety of Nplate for which there is more than three years of follow up safety and efficacy data.
In addition to improved clinical benefits, described in the FDA labeling, Amgen believes Nplate offers patients a positive net health benefit with fewer hospitalizations from bleeding events, as well as reduced need for emergency medications (IVIG and Win-Rho). Amgen expects the total costs of care for chronic ITP patients managed with Nplate to be less than or comparable to the total costs of care with standard treatment regimens.
Amgen also announced it will launch the Nplate™ NEXUS (Network of EXperts Understanding and Supporting Nplate™ and Patients) Program, a multi-faceted program designed to provide comprehensive access, support and education for chronic ITP patients, their caregivers and healthcare providers.
The Nplate™ NEXUS Program is part of the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) developed by Amgen in partnership with the FDA to assure safe use of Nplate while minimizing risk. The program will facilitate appropriate use of Nplate, provide patient support through education and resources and help with ongoing follow up through safety data collection.
Through the Nplate™ NEXUS Program, eligible patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or unable to afford their insurance co-payments may be able to receive reimbursement support and other assistance from Amgen.
