Eltrombopag: A Novel Oral Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonist

Objective:To review the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics and evaluate the safety and efficacy of eltrombopag for the treatment of chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and thrombocytopenia associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis.Data Sources:A Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, and MEDLINE search was performed (January 1966–March 2010) using the key terms eltrombopag and SB-497115-GR. Searches were limited to published English-language studies in humans and a reference review of the pertinent literature was conducted.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Published pharmacokinetic data and safety and efficacy trials, case reports, and case series on the use of eltrombopag were selected for inclusion.Data Synthesis:Eltrombopag is a novel second-generation thrombopoietin receptor agonist that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chronic ITP in patients who had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, intravenous i...