Eli Lilly and Daiichi Sankyo announce patient enrolment completion

Eli Lilly and Daiichi Sankyo have this week announced that the patient enrolment in the key phase III Triton Timi-38 clinical trial investigating cardiovascular drug prasugrel has been completed.

The trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of prasugrel when compared with Plavix (clopidogrel) in patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome undertaking percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Prasugrel is a compound being co-developed by Daiichi Sankyo and Lilly. It is an orally-administered antiplatelet agent that is designed to block the P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate receptor on the platelet surface to reduce platelet activation and aggregation.

Elliot Antman, senior investigator in the Timi study group, said: “We are pleased to have completed enrolment in this important phase III stuydy, which will determine whether the degree of platelet inhibition of prasugrel in earlier studies produces clinical benefits when compared with clopidogrel.”

Lilly described the completion of patient enrolment as a key landmark in the development programme of the compound, one reflecting the shared commitment of the two companies in the partnership.

In April 2006, Lilly reported that acute coronary syndrome is a major contributor to the pharmacy, medical and hospital costs associated with treatment of cardiovascular disease.