GSK's Revolade receives Japanese approval for treatment of chronic ITP

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:LGND) today announced its partner GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) was granted approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for  Revolade® (eltrombopag) for the treatment of the blood disorder, chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Eltrombopag is indicated for adult chronic ITP splenectomized patients who have not responded (are refractory) to other treatments, such as corticosteroids and immunoglobulins. Eltrombopag may also be considered as second-line treatment for adult non-splenectomized patients where surgery is contraindicated.

Revolade is the world's first oral treatment that stimulates the production of blood platelets, which are essential to normal clotting. ITP patients experience bruising and bleeding and, in some cases, serious hemorrhages, which can be fatal. ITP may also affect a patient's quality of life, as it is often associated with fatigue and depression and a fear of bleeding may limit everyday activities.