GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) confirmed that the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorisation for Revolade (eltrombopag) for the oral treatment of thrombocytopenia (reduced platelet count) in adults with the blood disorder chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Eltrombopag is indicated for adult chronic ITP splenectomised patients who are refractory (have not responded) to other treatments, such as corticosteroids and immunoglobulins. Eltrombopag may also be considered as second-line treatment for adult non-splenectomised patients where surgery is contraindicated.

Eltrombopag was discovered as a result of a research collaboration between GSK and Ligand Pharmaceuticals, and developed by GSK.

Ligand discovers and develops new drugs that address critical unmet medical needs of patients for a broad spectrum of diseases including hepatitis, muscle wasting, frailty, inflammatory diseases, anemia, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.