Amgen publishes Nplate findings after five-year study

Amgen has released the final results from a long-term trial of Nplate (romiplostim) for the treatment of chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in adults.

The data shows that Nplate effectively maintained platelet counts in the significant majority of patients for the duration of the five-year open-label extension study.

Chronic ITP is an autoimmune disorder that results in low platelet counts in the blood (thrombocytopenia), which can lead to serious bleeding events in patients.

Lead investigator David Kuter said nearly all patients treated with Nplate as part of the study were able to maintain platelet counts within the target range for more than five years.

He claimed the results will "provide physicians and their patients with important information on the continued long-term safety and efficacy of Nplate".

Of the 292 patients receiving the treatment, 95 percent were able to record a count of greater than or equal to 50,000 platelets per microlitre.

The platelet producer was administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection.

Amgen recently announced details of a partnership with golfer Phil Mickelson and Pfizer to promote the sportsman's experience of psoriatic arthritis treatment with Enbrel (etanercept).