Prasugrel in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes

Prasugrel is a new thienopyridine inhibitor of platelet function. Its effects are more rapid, more consistent, and more potent than those of clopidogrel, which is another thienopyridine that is in widespread use to prevent platelet-related thrombosis. Prasugrel binds irreversibly to the platelet P2Y₁₂ receptor and, like clopidogrel, requires conversion in the liver to an active metabolite. Platelets play a major role in mediating coronary occlusion that is associated with acute coronary syndromes, including myocardial infarction and arrhythmias. The effectiveness and safety of prasugrel were compared with those of clopidogrel in a large double-blind randomized clinical trial.

In collaboration with pharmaceutical company researchers, universi…