[PHI Redacted] Although some people regain their normal platelet count and go on with their lives, for a large number of ITP patients the disease becomes chronic and refractory to any known treatments. Chronic ITP patients can experience fear, different types of bleeding from mild to severe, and even death.

[PHI Redacted] a number of treatments for this disease which include prednisone, splenectomy, platelet transfusions, IVIG, Winrho, Danazol, and Rituxan. All of these treatments have a variety of undesirable side-effects, which include high blood pressure, weight gain, psychological problems, diabetes, an increased risk of infection, and that is just part of the list.

This is a frightening disease with persistent fear of serious bleeding, in addition to living with bad side effects, very frequent blood draws, doctor visits, and hospital admissions, as well as the financial hardships that go along with these things.

I am pleased that researchers have continued to look for better treatments for ITP. Nplate is a new medication used to increase platelet count which has shown promise in clinical trials and now has been approved by the FDA.

I feel it is very important that Nplate be made available to all patients with chronic ITP, whether they be Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance patients. ITP patients need all the tools that are available, in order to live with this disease, and, in some cases, even go into a remission.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.