The active metabolite of Clopidogrel disrupts P2Y12 receptor oligomers and partitions them out of lipid rafts.

P2Y12, a G protein-coupled receptor that plays a central role in platelet activation has been recently identified as the receptor targeted by the antithrombotic drug, clopidogrel. In this study, we further deciphered the mechanism of action of clopidogrel and of its active metabolite (Act-Met) on P2Y12 receptors. Using biochemical approaches, we demonstrated the existence of homooligomeric complexes of P2Y12 receptors at the surface of mammalian cells and in freshly isolated platelets.

Structure and stereochemistry of the active metabolite of clopidogrel.

Clopidogrel (SR25990C, PLAVIX) is a potent antiplatelet drug, which has been recently launched and is indicated for the prevention of vascular thrombotic events in patients at risk. Clopidogrel is inactive in vitro, and a hepatic biotransformation is necessary to express the full antiaggregating activity of the drug. Moreover, 2-oxo-clopidogrel has been previously suggested to be the essential key intermediate metabolite from which the active metabolite is formed.