Cangrelor for treatment of coronary thrombosis.

Objective: To review and assess available literature on the chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical studies, adverse events, drug interactions, special populations, and dosing and administration for cangrelor, a product in late stage Phase II clinical trials.

Data Sources: A literature search of MEDLINE (1966-March 2006), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-February 2006), and Cochrane database (first quarter 2006) was conducted using key terms of cangrelor, AR-C69931MX, and P2Y12 receptor antagonist. Bibliographies of relevant articles were reviewed for additional references. The Medicines Company Web site was reviewed, and a company representative was contacted.

Study Selection And Data Extraction: Available English-language literature, including abstracts, preclinical studies, clinical trials, and review articles, was reviewed.

Data Synthesis: Cangrelor is a P2Y12 antagonist under development for treatment of acute coronary syndrome. Cangrelor has been studied as an intravenous infusion in doses of 2 or 4 microg/kg/min. It inhibits platelet aggregation with rapid onset and offset and does not require metabolism for therapeutic activity. Published Phase II trials have demonstrated safety and inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Conclusions: Cangrelor is a promising investigational medication for inhibition of platelet aggregation in acute arterial coronary events. Phase II trials have shown safety and a greater inhibition of platelet aggregation over clopidogrel. Phase III trials will provide more definitive information on clinical efficacy and safety. Until then, the role of cangrelor is uncertain.