Another new drug: romiplostim (Nplate)

Another new drug has been approved by the FDA: romiplostim (Nplate)

This is an agent designed to help patients who have a condition called chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a blood disorder that can cause serious bleeding. Romiplostim is a novel peptide antibody that stimulates platelet production by mimicking the action of thrombopoietin. GlaxoSmithKline and MGI Pharma both have agents in development that may increase platelets in patients with ITP.