AstraZeneca study reveals biomarker influence on NSTE-ACS treatment

AstraZeneca has highlighted data showing the potential benefits of assessing a specific biomarker when treating non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients.

Analysis of the Plato trial – which utilised AstraZeneca's drug Brilique – evaluated outcomes in 9,946 patients managed with or without in-hospital revascularisation in relation to measurements at randomisation of high-sensitivity troponin-T (hs-TnT).

Results suggested that people with elevated levels of hs-TnT may experience greater benefit from treatment with Brilique, which is known as Brilinta in the US.

It is thought that the hs-TnT biomarker test that may be a more sensitive indicator of ongoing heart muscle damage than previously available troponin tests.

Dr James Ferguson, AstraZeneca's vice-president for global medical affairs and executive director for medical affairs and strategic development, said: "Brilinta reduced the rate of thrombotic CV events in those NSTE-ACS patients with elevated hs-TNT, both when managed with revascularisation as well as when managed medically."

Last week, the firm announced that it will be providing Medical Research Council scientists with access to its 22 investigational compounds as part of a new collaboration.