ABOUT TPO-RA's
ITP is also known as Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura
There are two TPO-RA treatments currently available. These are Romiplostim, which is a TPO-RA Peptibody, and Eltrombopag which is a non-Peptide. So, what is a Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists or TPO-RA?
Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a hormone produced by the liver which naturally controls the development of megakaryocytes, which are the large cell producing platelets in the bone marrow. TPO receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) bind to the same receptor and prompt megakaryocytes in the bone marrow to produce more platelets.
There are two key types of TPO-RAs: Romiplostim (Nplate) and Eltrombopag (Promacta or Revolade).
About Romiplostim
Commercially known as Nplate, Romiplostim is known as a peptibody and comes in liquid form and is delivered through regular (usually weekly) subcutaneous injections. This treatment is only available on the PBS to patients who relapse following splenectomy or have contraindications to splenectomy and previously treatment failure.
About Eltrombopag
Eltrombopag, also known as Revolade or Promacta, is a non-peptide molecule which binds to the TPO receptor to increase platelet counts. This treatment is only available on the PBS to patients who relapse following splenectomy or have contraindications to splenectomy and previous treatment failure.
