Eli Lilly releases positive prasugrel study results

Eli Lilly has announced the results of a study of prasugrel showing that, combined with aspirin, the compound reduced the risk of stent-related clots by over a half compared to existing treatment Plavix (clopidogrel) plus aspirin.

The findings were published online in the Lancet journal and simultaneously presented to the scientific sessions of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions in Chicago.

According to the results of the Triton-Timi 38 trial, prasugrel reduced the relative risk of coronary stent rhrombosis over clopidogrel by 52 per cent in patients receiving drug-eluting stents.

Prasugrel reducing relative risk by 64 per cent compared to clopidogrel in patients implanted with drug-eluting stents and by 48 per cent in those receiving bare metal stents.

Francis Plat, vice-president of clinical development at Daiichi Sankyo, said:” Stent thrombosis is very serious, given the high risk of mortality.

“In Triton, among 210 patients with definite or probable stent thrombosis, 186 either died or experienced a myocardial infarction as a result of the event.”

He added that the firm is excited by the study results and said that the compound could potentially offer an alternative treatment for acute coronary syndrome patients receiving coronary stents and undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

In February 2008, the head of global research at Daiichi Sankyo suggested that, if approved, prasugrel could provide patients and physicians with an alternative medication to reduce the risk of heart attacks.