Avatrombopag (Doptelet®) is an orally bioavailable, small molecule thrombopoietin receptor agonist that has been developed by Dova Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of thrombocytopenic disorders. In May 2018 avatrombopag received its first global approval, in the USA, for use in the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) who are scheduled to undergo a procedure. A Marketing Authorization Application for use of avatrombopag in this indication was submitted to the EMA in April 2018. Clinical development of avatrombopag in the treatment of other thrombocytopenic disorders, including immune thrombocytopenic purpura and chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, is ongoing. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of avatrombopag leading to this first approval for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with CLD.