Research demonstrates better inhibition of platelet aggregation and prompt offset of effect
THURSDAY, Nov. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Ticagrelor may have more effective antiplatelet activity than clopidogrel, according to research presented this week at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, held from Nov. 14 to 18 in Orlando, Fla.
In one study, Paul Gurbel, M.D., of the Sinai Center for Thrombosis Research in Baltimore, and colleagues studied the effects of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in 41 clopidogrel non-responders and 57 control responders. They found that ticagrelor was associated with superior platelet inhibition in both non-responders and responders, and that the drug overcame non-responsiveness to clopidogrel.
In a second study, the same group of researchers studied the effects of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in 123 patients with stable coronary artery disease receiving aspirin. They found that ticagrelor achieved more rapid and sustained inhibition of platelet aggregation than clopidogrel, as well as prompt offset when ticagrelor was discontinued.
"Ticagrelor achieves more rapid and greater sustained inhibition of platelet aggregation than clopidogrel. Moreover, after drug cessation the antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor had a faster offset," the authors conclude. "These results suggest value of ticagrelor when treatment protocol calls for rapid platelet inhibition or prompt offset of effect."
Several authors reported financial and consulting relationships with AstraZeneca.
Abstract
Abstract
More Information - AHA