Novel agent reduces emboli after carotid endarterectomy

Inhibition of von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity with the investigational agent ARC1779 (Archemix, Cambridge, MA) has been shown to reduce cerebral embolization after carotid endarterectomy in a randomized trial.

ARC1779 is an aptamer that inhibits the prothrombotic function of vWF by binding to the A1 domain of vWF, blocking its interaction with glycoprotein, the study authors, led by Dr Hugh S Markus (St Georges University of London, UK), write.

"Our results show for the first time that vWF inhibition improves a clinically relevant end point, cerebral embolization in humans," Markus and colleagues conclude. "Further studies are now required to determine whether this treatment approach reduces clinical cardiovascular events and to assess the risk of bleeding complications in a nonoperative situation."

The results are published in the August 2011 issue of Stroke.