GlaxoSmithKline reports trial data for HCV-related thrombocytopenia drug

GlaxoSmithKline has reported positive new clinical trial data for its new investigational therapy for thrombocytopenia associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections.

Full results from the Enable 1 study of eltrombopag have been published by the company at the recent American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases annual meeting, as well as initial data from a second phase III study, Enable 2.

In both studies, it was found that a combination of eltrombopag plus peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin antiviral therapy was able deliver a sustained virologic response, thus meeting its primary study endpoint.

This shows the potential benefits of the drug to a patient population who are typically unable to take part in clinical studies, due to their inability to undergo interferon therapy.

Rafael Amado, senior vice-president for GlaxoSmithKline's oncology development, said: "We will fully examine the efficacy and safety findings of both studies to evaluate the overall clinical benefit to these patients."

Last month, the company published its financial report for the third quarter of 2011, during which it experienced underlying sales growth of six percent.