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Update on Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndromes

What Do New Drugs Bring into Clinical Practice?

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Abstract

The incidence of new coronary events in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (e.g. cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors such as aspirin [acetylsalicylic acid; ASA]) and ADP receptor blockers (e.g. clopidogrel) is high. Therefore, it is critical to identify patients who require more intense treatment such as those with poor tolerance to existing drugs, those with genotypes that predict treatment resistance, diabetic patients, and smokers. The new ADP receptor blockers (prasugrel, cangrelor, Ticagrelor) can provide greater efficacy but it should not be associated with increased bleeding. Thrombin receptor antagonists (e.g. SCH530348) are another alternative that is currently being tested in randomized trials.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for the preparation of this manuscript was provided by Rovi Farmaceuticals. Medical writing assistance was provided by Sofia Perea, PhD on behalf of Wolters Kluwer Pharma Solutions. Dr Magdalena Heras declares honoraria for acting as an expert consultant for Menarini and Astrazeneca, and declares speaker engagements from Menarini, Astrazeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly. She has also received research grants from GlaxoSmithKline. Dr Alfonso del Río does not report any conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cardiology Department, Barcelona Clinic University Hospital, Avda. Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain

    Magdalena Heras

  2. Cardiology Department, Lozano Blesa Clinic University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain

    Alfonso del Río

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  1. Magdalena Heras
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  2. Alfonso del Río
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Correspondence to Magdalena Heras.

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Heras, M., del Río, A. Update on Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndromes. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 9 (Suppl 1), 13–17 (2009). https://doi.org/10.2165/1153164-S0-000000000-00000

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/1153164-S0-000000000-00000

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