Cangrelor Is Not the New Champion

Unexpected setbacks for a promising new antiplatelet agent illustrate the gap between laboratory results and clinical efficacy.

Cangrelor, an investigational intravenous agent that reversibly inhibits the platelet P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate receptor, has two potential advantages over clopidogrel: a rapid onset of action and a short half-life that allows normalization of platelet function within 60 minutes of discontinuation. In two manufacturer-sponsored studies, investigators assessed cangrelor's efficacy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Both trials were terminated early based on findings from interim analyses.

In the CHAMPION PLATFORM trial, 5301 patients undergoing PCI for acute coronary syndromes were randomized to receive cangrelor or placebo for 2 to 4 hours during the procedure and clopidogrel (600 mg) at the end of the procedure. Gl…

Reviewing Author

Howard C. Herrmann, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAffluent Medical; Artedrone; Caranx; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Prolifagen; Wells Fargo

EquityMicrointerventional Devices, Inc.

RoyaltiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Grant/Research SupportAbbott Vascular; Edwards Lifesciences; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic

Editorial BoardsCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Case Reports; JSCAI