Avatrombopag is in clinical development for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) in patients with active non-haematological cancers. CIT refers to abnormally low platelet (type of blood cells) count, with or without bleeding, in cancer patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy (treatment that stops or slows the growth of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow). Most chemotherapy agents can induce thrombocytopenia. CIT can complicate surgical procedures and lead to chemotherapy dose delays, dose reductions, or discontinuation, which may result in suboptimal patient outcomes. CIT also increases the likelihood of serious bleeding events, which may result in hospitalisation.
Avatrombopag is administered orally. It works by attaching to a hormone called thrombopoietin, which stimulates the production of platelets by attaching to receptors (targets) in the bone marrow and helping in increasing the platelet count. Avatrombopag does not interact with polyvalent cations (calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc, etc.) in foods, mineral supplements, or antacids that could reduce systemic exposure and efficacy. If licensed, avatrombopag will provide a treatment option for CIT in patients with active non-haematological cancers.