AstraZeneca Brilinta trial achieves primary endpoint

AstraZeneca’s phase III trial of Brilinta (ticagrelor) has seen the oral antiplatelet treatment achieve its primary efficacy endpoint.

The Plato study investigated the outcome of Brilinta versus clopidogrel for use in preventing cardiovascular events in people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

It was an outcomes investigation involving 18,624 patients to find whether Brilinta was able to achieve “meaningful” safety and cardiovascular endpoints in patients with ACS.

Overall, it was found that the safety profile of Brilinta was in line with that discovered in the phase II trial.

AstraZeneca expects to submit Brilinta to regulatory authorities in the fourth quarter of this year.

Meanwhile, the end of last month saw the pharma company announce its financial results for the first three months of 2009.

Sales rose by seven per cent at constant exchange rates and the group delivered improved operating efficiency.

Overall, AstraZeneca said it displayed resilience during the quarter by driving development in key product franchises.