AstraZeneca submits new drug application for ticagrelor

AstraZeneca revealed this week that it has submitted a new drug application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ticagrelor.

The investigational oral antiplatelet therapy is indicated for the reduction of major adverse cardiac events in those who suffer from acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

A suggested trade name – Brilinta – has also been offered for the drug.

The submission of the FDA application comes after a trial into the treatment that compared it alongside aspirin with clopidogrel (Plavix) plus aspirin.

According to AstraZeneca, ticagrelor is the first reversibly binding oral P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor antagonist.

ADP receptor antagonists restrain the action of platelets to stop them from sticking to one another, reducing the risk of recurrent thrombotic events.

This news comes after AstraZeneca, in partnership with Pozen, submitted a marketing authorisation application in the EU for Vimovo (enteric-coated naproxen/immediate-release esomeprazole magnesium) tablets last month.