Lilly’s Prasugrel reduces heart attack risk, study shows

Lilly’s Prasugrel reduces the risk of heart attacks in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, according to a recent study.

In clinical trials, the medication ? which is being co-developed with Daiichi Sankyo ? was more effective helping this problem, compared to the drug clopidogrel (Plavix(R)/Iscover(R)).

The investigational oral antiplatelet works by blocking the P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate receptor on the platelet surface to prevent clumping or sticking, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Dr David A Morrow is an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and senior investigator of the investigation group.

He commented on the results: “Our findings provide a more complete characterisation of the effect of Prasugrel on new or recurrent heart attacks.”

Meanwhile, Lilly announced it would enrol 2,000 patients aged 55 and over into one of two phase III clinical trials of solanezumab.

This anti-amyloid beta monoclonal antibody – previously referred to as LY2062430 ? is being investigated for its potential to delay the progression of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.