An updated evaluation of avatrombopag for the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenia

Introduction Multiple agents are available for the management of chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), including thrombopoietin-receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), rituximab, and fostamatinib. Although TPO-RAs are often selected as treatments for chronic ITP, when choosing between the TPO-RAs, clinicians must balance safety profile, dosing restrictions, and method of administration incorporating patient preference. Areas covered We provide an overview of the thrombopoietin receptor agonists with a particular focus on avatrombopag, the newest agent in this class. In phase II and III clinical trials, avatrombopag was shown to offer durable improvement in platelet counts. We also include recent real-world evidence describing avatrombopag effectiveness in patients with poor response to prior treatments (including other TPO-RAs). Expert opinion Compared with other TPO-RAs used to treat ITP, avatrombopag offers practical oral dosing with a single pill strength, does not require long-term dietary restrictions, and has no warning for hepatotoxicity. It is frequently effective after use of other TPO-RAs in ITP. The primary downside with avatrombopag use at present is the lack of longer-term safety data in ITP that presently exists for romiplostim and eltrombopag.