Angina

SCH 530348 (TRA), a Novel Investigational Antiplatelet Agent, Shown to Inhibit Platelet Aggregation in PCI Patients

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The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis, conducted by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, showed that SCH 530348 (TRA), a potent thrombin receptor antagonist, demonstrated sustained, dose- dependent, specific agonist-induced inhibition of platelet aggregation in blood samples from patients undergoing non-urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

"The inhibition of platelet aggregation plays a critical role in reducing the formation of deleterious blood clots in patients undergoing PCI," said Lisa K. Jennings, Ph.D., FAHA, Professor, Department of Medicine; Director, Vascular Biology Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN; and lead author. "TRA's potentially unique mechanism of action inhibits platelet aggregation through a different pathway from other antiplatelet agents currently available," added Jennings.

"Despite recent advances in cardiovascular care, current levels of morbidity and mortality make it clear that an unmet medical need exists for patients with acute coronary syndromes and those at risk of atherothrombosis. We believe these results add to the evidence indicating that TRA may be a promising therapeutic option for patients with unstable angina and non-ST elevation MI undergoing PCI ," said Rick Veltri, M.D., Group Vice President of Global Clinical Research, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Schering- Plough Research Institute. "With our global Phase III clinical development program underway, we are continuing to evaluate the potential for TRA as a novel agent in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular events with no incremental bleeding when added to standard of care in the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndromes or established vascular disease," added Veltri.

The results were presented today at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Orlando, FL, in a session titled "Thrombin Receptor Antagonist Is a Selective, Potent Inhibitor of PAR-1 Activity With Predictable Pharmacokinetics."

Keywords: Acute Coronary Syndrome, Angiology, Blood Clot, Cardiology, Clotting, Coagulation, Coronary Artery Disease, Coronary Disease, Drugs, Enzyme Research, Heart Disease, Metabolic Disease, Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, Platelet Aggregation, Therapies, Thrombin, Unstable Angina, Vascular Disease, Schering-Plough Corporation.

This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.