AstraZeneca’s Brilique ‘could prevent a fifth of heart attack deaths’

AstraZeneca's acute coronary syndrome treatment Brilique could play a vital role in reducing the number of heart attack-related deaths in the UK, according to a study.

Data from a University of Sheffield study was presented at the British Cardiovascular Society annual scientific conference earlier this month, showing the benefits the ticagrelor-based treatment could offer compared to clopidogrel, the current standard of care.

Analysis of data from the global Plato clinical programme suggested that widespread use of Brilique would eliminate one in five heart attack-related deaths a year, while the drug has also shown efficacy across a range of age groups.

Brilique has been available in the UK since December 2010 and has been approved by the Scottish Medicine Consortium, though a decision from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has not yet been received.

Robert Storey, professor of cardiology at the University of Sheffield's department of cardiovascular science, said: "Our new findings really highlight the universal applicability of the treatment."

Last week, AstraZeneca conducted a public awareness campaign to increase understanding of the link between cholesterol intake and heart conditions.