Dr Kahlon on the Availability of Generic Eltrombopag for Anemia & Thrombocytopenia

“Maybe [generic eltrombopag is] a treatment option that [hematologists] will feel more comfortable and confident reaching for because they know they’ll be able to get it for their patients.”

Kanwarpal S. Kahlon, MD, an associate clinical professor of medicine at the UCLA School of Medicine, discussed the significance of the availability of generic eltrombopag (Promacta) for patients with severe aplastic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia.

On May 14, 2025, generic, AB-rated formulations of eltrombopag became commercially available for the treatment of patients with severe aplastic anemia who have insufficient response to immunosuppressive therapy; the treatment of patients at least 1 year of age with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia who have insufficient response to other treatments and who have an increased risk of bleeding; and the management of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C whose clinical condition limits or prevents initiation or maintenance with interferon-based therapy. Notably, the generic form of this agent is available as both an oral suspension and a tablet.

The availability of generic eltrombopag expands access to a drug that was previously limited for some patients due to barriers like a lack of insurance coverage or high out-of-pocket costs, Kahlon explained. Anecdotally, the financial burden associated with accessing certain therapies varies widely, he noted. The introduction of the generic form of this agent with potentially competitive pricing may enhance its accessibility and affordability, thereby increasing its use in clinical practice, according to Kahlon.

Hematologists may now feel more confident prescribing this agent, knowing that it is likely to be accessible to more of their patients, Kahlon stated. This situation may mirror what has been observed with other novel therapies that have become more readily used once generic formulations or biosimilars entered the market, he said. Ultimately, this increased access will benefit patients with aplastic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia, which are notably chronic diseases, he concluded.