Amgen announces approval of platelet producer

Amgen has revealed that its platelet producer has been approved by the European Commission.

Nplate is described by the company as the first long-term option of its kind on the continent for the treatment of chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), which can lead to bleeding incidents.

According to Amgen, Nplate is a “breakthrough” peptibody aimed at replacing other rescue and maintenance solutions for platelet production.

It could help sufferers of chronic ITP who are refractory to other treatments such as corticosteroids and immunoglobulins.

Senior vice-president and international chief medical officer at the firm Dr Willard Dere said the European approval of Nplate follows over 15 years of research.

“[It] represents an important biotechnology milestone as it is the first approved peptibody, an innovative platform for delivering targeted therapies,” he added.

Data from two placebo-controlled phase III studies was the basis for the commission’s decision.

The news may be encouraging for those interested in Amgen, which has its UK base in Cambridge.