Oprelvekin (Neumega)

Mechanism of action

Synthetic version of IL-11, a thrombopoietic growth factor that directly stimulates the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells and megakaryocyte progenitor cells and induces megakaryocyte maturation resulting in increased platelet production.

History of changes in FDA indication

• 11/25/1997: Initial FDA approval (no label available on Drugs @ FDA)
• 9/18/2002: Label "indicated for the prevention of severe thrombocytopenia and the reduction of the need for platelet transfusions following myelosuppressive chemotherapy in adult patients with nonmyeloid malignancies who are at high risk of severe thrombocytopenia."