Intas Pharmaceuticals, an Indian pharmaceutical company, has introduced a cost-effective medication named Romiplostim (also known as Romy), for treating Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), a chronic autoimmune blood disorder. This puts forth an affordable alternative to medications currently available at five times the price, making treatment accessible to more patients. Despite being an effective standard of care, Romiplostim has been internationally available only since 2008.
Understanding Immune Thrombocytopenia
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder that disrupts normal blood clotting due to abnormally low platelet levels. Platelets are critical blood cells that ensure the stability of blood vessel walls. They also play a significant role in preventing and halting bleeding by accelerating the clotting process. In ITP patients, an abnormal immune response causes the body’s own platelets to be destroyed, increasing the risk of developing bleeding symptoms as the platelet count decreases.
Symptoms of Immune Thrombocytopenia
The symptoms of ITP may not appear in some patients (asymptomatic), or they may not surface until the platelet count drops significantly. Common indications include highly susceptible skin that bruises easily, even spontaneously; and a rash consisting of small red dots (petechiae), which signal small hemorrhages resulting from ruptured blood vessels or leaks in a capillary wall. Other signs include bleeding gums, nose bleeding, or bleeding from any area of the body visible in urine or feces; blood blisters inside cheeks; excessive and prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Causes of Immune Thrombocytopenia
While the genetic roots of ITP remain uncertain, it occurs when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body’s tissues and organs (autoimmunity). Typically, the immune system produces proteins called antibodies that latch onto specific foreign particles and germs, tagging them for destruction.
| Plates | Diagnosis | Access to Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Abnormality | 42,000 patients/year in India | Less than 10% |
Prevalence of Immune Thrombocytopenia in India
In India, about 42,000 patients are diagnosed with ITP each year. However, less than 10% of these patients have access to the necessary treatment needed to maintain adequate platelet counts for longer durations. The introduction of Romiplostim by Intas Pharmaceuticals is a significant step forward in improving the accessibility and affordability of effective treatment options for ITP in India.
