Efficacy and effects of Romiplostim

Two major studies in adults and a third study in children found romiplostim to be effective in treating long-term immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). All studies compared romiplostim to placebo, a dummy treatment. Patients were treated for 24 weeks, and the primary measure of efficacy was an increase in platelet counts above a threshold of 50 million platelets per milliliter of blood for at least 6 of the last 8 weeks of treatment. A platelet count below 30 million per milliliter puts patients at risk for bleeding, compared with a normal count of 150 million to 400 million per milliliter.

The first study involved63 patients whose disease remained uncontrolled despite having their spleens removed. Among patients treated with romiplostim, 38% had platelet counts above the threshold. The second study involved 62 patients who had previously received ITP (but who had not had their spleens removed). Of the patients who received romigrastim, 61% had platelet counts above the threshold. One study in children involved62 patients aged 1 to 18 years old who had previously received ITP (including some who had their spleens removed). Among patients treated with romiplostim, 52% had platelet counts above the threshold. Long-term studies involving more than 1,000 patients, some of whom were treated for more than 5 years, confirmed that romiplostim was effective in both splenectomized and spleen-preserving patients.

RomiplostimThe original drug has been approved by the State Food and Drug Administration for marketing. Due to its short time on the market, it is not included in the scope of medical insurance. It may be difficult to purchase it domestically. The price of the original version in Hong Kong may be RMB 10,000 per pill (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates). The price of the European version of romiplostim the original drug may be 11,000 RMB per pill, the German version may be 9,850 RMB per pill, and the Hong Kong version may be 8,900 RMB per pill (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). The ingredients of the drugs are basically the same. For specific prices and drug details, please consult Yaode’s medical consultant.