Fostamatinib in Immune Thrombocytopenia

James Bussel, MD: We had talked about changing to a different type of patient, so the use of rituximab up front, begging the questions about the COVID-19 era, would be less relevant. Let me mention that fostamatinib has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent for COVID-19 without the consideration of thrombocytopenia, which has been interesting. A preliminary pilot study from the NIH [National Institutes of Health] suggested it was effective. Additional studies are being pursued. Of the agents we’ve talked about for ITP [immune thrombocytopenic purpura], it probably has the more tolerability issues with causing high blood pressure and GI [gastrointestinal] adverse effects. But it can be very effective, even in TPO [thrombopoietin]–failure patients. It’s definitely been licensed since May 2018. It’s a very useful agent, especially if there’s a risk of thrombosis or if there’s a lot inflammation. But this needs to be fleshed out more.

Transcript Edited for Clarity