GlaxoSmithKline receives new EU hepatitis C approval for Revolade

GlaxoSmithKline's Revolade has been approved in a new hepatitis C indication by the European Commission.

The multipurpose drug has been ratified for use as a treatment for low platelet counts in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C infection, where the degree of thrombocytopaenia is the main factor preventing the initiation or limiting the ability to maintain optimal interferon-based therapy.

Thrombocytopaenia is a condition characterised by low platelet levels and often occurs among sufferers of chronic hepatitis C infections as a consequence of liver damage, as well as being a common side effect of peginterferon-based therapy.

Prior to this approval, physicians were without a viable option for treating low platelet counts in hepatitis C sufferers, despite 25 percent of this group being affected by thrombocytopaenia.

Paolo Paoletti, president of GlaxoSmithKline Oncology, said the decision "means that healthcare professionals can now use Revolade to help patients start and stay on interferon therapy, which will facilitate achieving the best outcome for these individuals".

This comes after the firm received a recommendation from Europe's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for approval of Relvar Ellipta in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.