One of the late-breaking and most important presentations was the VAYHIT2 study, which looked at a new treatment approach for people whose ITP did not improve after first‑line steroid treatment.
This article breaks down the findings in clear, simple language so you can understand what the research means for people living with ITP.
What Is the VAYHIT2 Study About?
The VAYHIT2 study tested a new medicine called ianalumab, used together with eltrombopag, a treatment many people with ITP may already know. The study focused on adults who:
- had primary ITP
- tried steroids but didn’t get a lasting response
- had low platelet counts (below 30)
- had not yet moved on to second‑line treatments
Researchers wanted to see whether adding ianalumab early—before trying other second‑line therapies—could help people get better platelet counts and stay stable for longer.
How Does Ianalumab Work?
Ianalumab is a type of medicine called a monoclonal antibody. In simple terms, it targets a specific part of the immune system called the BAFF receptor, which helps B‑cells survive. B‑cells are involved in the immune attack on platelets in ITP. By blocking this receptor, ianalumab aims to:
- reduce harmful B‑cells
- calm down the immune system
- help the body maintain healthier platelet levels
This approach is different from many current ITP treatments, which mainly focus on boosting platelet production rather than addressing the immune cause.
What Did the Study Find?
- People stayed stable for longer – The main goal of the study was to measure time to treatment failure—in other words, how long people could go before their platelets dropped again or they needed extra treatment. People who received ianalumab plus eltrombopag stayed stable much longer than those who received eltrombopag alone.
- More people reached healthy platelet levels – At six months:
- More people taking ianalumab reached platelet counts above 50
- More people reached platelet counts above 100
- More people had consistent, stable platelet results over time
This suggests that ianalumab may help people achieve stronger and more reliable responses.
- People felt less fatigue – Fatigue is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms of ITP. People taking ianalumab reported greater improvements in fatigue compared with those on placebo.
- Safety looked reassuring – Side effects were similar between the treatment groups. Importantly:
- There was no increase in infections, even though ianalumab affects B‑cells
- Most reactions were mild
- Very few people stopped treatment because of side effects
Overall, the treatment was considered well-tolerated.
Why This Matters for People Living With ITP
The VAYHIT2 results suggest that using ianalumab early—right after steroids fail—might:
- help people reach stable platelet counts sooner
- reduce the need for multiple treatments
- improve quality of life
- possibly change the long‑term course of ITP
While more research is still needed, these findings offer real hope for a treatment that targets the immune cause of ITP, not just the symptoms.