GlaxoSmithKline begins myelodysplastic syndrome drug trial

GlaxoSmithKline has announced the commencement of a phase III study that will assess a eltrombopag-based treatment for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

The Support study will evaluate the platelet supportive care effects of eltrombopag in combination with azacitidine – the current standard of care – in intermediate-1, intermediate-2 or high-risk MDS patients.

This global study will evaluate the proportion of patients who are platelet transfusion-free during the first four cycles of treatment. It is estimated that 350 patients across 30 countries and 156 study sites will eventually be enrolled.

MDS is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells and there are abnormal cells in the blood and/or bone marrow. It may evolve into acute myeloid leukaemia in up to 45 percent of patients.

Dr Rafael Amado, senior vice-president for oncology research and development at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "The initiation of this study is an important step toward providing a potential treatment option that may support platelets and avoid transfusions in thromobocytopenic patients with MDS undergoing chemotherapy treatment."

This follows on from the company's launch of LATITUDE-TIMI 60, a phase III trial assessing losmapimod in patients with acute coronary syndrome, earlier this month.