Prasugrel

Clinical trials have demonstrated the superior clinical efficacy of dual antiplatelet therapy with a thienopyricline (a P2Y₁₂ receptor blocker) and aspirin (COX-1 inhibitor) in patients undergoing stenting as well as patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, clopidogrel treatment is associated with a wide response variability and non-responsiveness in selected patients. The latter phenomenon is linked to the occurrence of recurrent ischaemic events including stent thrombosis in the recent studies. Prasugrel is a new thienopyricline derivative that produces more potent platelet inhibition and a rapid onset of action that is associated with irreversible P2Y₁₂ receptor blockade. The latter properties of prasugrel may provide a superior alternative to clopidogrel, with less response variability and a decreased prevalence of non-responsiveness.