AstraZeneca to launch Brilinta PAD trial

AstraZeneca has announced plans to launch a clinical trial of its drug Brilinta among patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

The Euclid study will involve 11,500 patients and is set to assess the ticagrelor-based therapy – which is not currently approved for the treatment of patients with PAD – in terms of cardiovascular event rate and safety.

It is hoped that oral antiplatelet therapy can provide a useful new treatment option for patients with PAD, who are at high risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and other health complications.

Around 27 million people in Europe and the US are currently affected by the disease, thus necessitating research into new means of treatment.

Dr Judith Hsia, executive director for clinical research at AstraZeneca, said: "The benefit of ticagrelor on cardiovascular thrombotic events – including cardiovascular mortality – observed in patients who have had an acute coronary syndrome event supports continued study in other areas of cardiovascular disease."

Earlier this year, the company published data from a clinical study of Plato, showing the benefits Brilinta offers in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome compared to a leading alternative.