From 31 March to 2 April 2025, ITP Australia and New Zealand (ITPANZ) was proud to attend the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand (HSANZ) New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting, held at the beautifully rebuilt Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
Set in the heart of Christchurch, Te Pae is a symbol of the city’s resilience and renewal following the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Over the past decade, Christchurch has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging with a fresh energy and commitment to innovation – values reflected in the meeting itself. The event brought together haematologists, researchers, nurses, and patient advocates from across Aotearoa and Australia to share the latest developments in blood disorders and patient care.
Exploring New Frontiers in ITP Management
Our ITPANZ Medical Advisor Dr Danny Hsu presented “New Insights in ITP Management.” He explored the evolving treatment landscape, recent data, and the importance of personalising care. Dr Hsu strongly advocated for improved access to thrombopoietin receptor agonists, such as eltrombopag (Revolade), prior to splenectomy – a position that aligns closely with ITPANZ’s advocacy goals and current clinical thinking. His presentation was not only informative but also energising for clinicians seeking to improve long-term outcomes for their patients.
Showcasing Resources and Building Connections
ITPANZ also participated in the Welcome Evening, where we had the opportunity to showcase our growing suite of ITP resources. We were proud to share our brochures, information sheets, and educational tools designed to support both patients and clinicians in navigating this often-complex condition. Our display also featured brochures from Rare Disorders New Zealand, highlighting the broader needs of the rare disease community and the importance of cross-condition collaboration.
Advocating for Better Access
In addition to the scientific sessions, we joined an important round table discussion focused on reviewing the access protocol for eltrombopag for people living with ITP in Aotearoa New Zealand. This critical conversation brought together haematologists, health policy stakeholders, and patient advocates to consider how access to second-line therapies could be improved to avoid unnecessary delays in care.
We extend our warmest thanks to the HSANZ organising committee for a wonderful and informative event, Catherine Neal for her leadership in organising the round table meeting and Dr Danny Hsu for his fabulous and forward-thinking presentation on Immune Thrombocytopenia.
Gatherings like this reaffirm the strength of our shared commitment – across sectors and specialties – to improving the lives of those living with ITP. We look forward to continuing the momentum generated in Christchurch as we work towards better access, better care, and better outcomes.