The efficacy and safety of romiplostim in adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia.

Romiplostim is a thrombopoietin peptide mimetic agent recently approved for the treatment of adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). In randomized controlled studies, this agent has demonstrated an increase in the platelet count in the majority of patients with ITP, both in splenectomized and nonsplenectomized patients. In up to 5 years of follow up, its safety profile has been favorable, suggesting this could be a novel therapeutic agent in patients with ITP. This article summarizes the development of this new agent and explores its safety and efficacy in adults with chronic ITP.