INNOVATE PCI: Elinogrel, a new antiplatelet agent, passes initial hurdles

 A novel antiplatelet agent tested in a phase 2 trial passed safety and clinical hurdles this week when investigators showed that treatment with oral and intravenous (IV)elinogrel (Novartis) had more rapid antiplatelet effects than clopidogrel (Plavix, Bristol Myers-Squibb/Sanofi-Aventis) in the acute and chronic phases of therapy.

"I think, at this point, we're talking about potential advantages, remembering this is a phase 2 trial, with this drug," said lead investigator Dr Sunil Rao (Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC). "Remember that, based on recent clinical-trial data, there is a suggestion that greater platelet inhibition is associated with better ischemic outcomes, but that comes with a cost of increased bleeding risk. The platelet trials suggest reversible platelet inhibition may mitigate some of those risks and further improve outcomes. So, in that sense, elinogrel has properties of reversible inhibition of the CYP12 receptor, so it might reduce bleeding risk in patients."

The results of the study, known as the INNOVATE PCI trial, were presented today during the late-breaking clinical-trials session here at the European Society of Cardiology 2010 Congress.