Recent advances in clinical trials of the direct and indirect selective Factor Xa inhibitors

Over the years, pharmacological intervention to prevent undesired intravascular coagulation and the associated detrimental effects has been a clinical challenge. The first generation of anticoagulant agents, warfarin and unfractionated heparin (UFH), involve indirect mechanisms of inhibiting the coagulation cascade. Fractionated, or low-molecular weight, heparins (LMWHs) are more selective for coagulation Factor Xa (FXa) over thrombin (FIIa). LMWHs also utilise an indirect mechanism of inhibition and have improved pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and therapeutic profiles over UFH. The success of LMWHs, along with the pivotal location of FXa in the coagulation cascade, has prompted interest in the discovery and development of selective FXa inhibitors. There are two general classes of FXa inhibitors in development, of which SR90107A/ORG31540, an antithrombin-III-dependent pentasaccharide and DX-9065a, a small molecule direct FXa inhibitor, have published clinical data. SR90107A/ORG31540 and DX-9065a offer safe, predictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles when administered subcutaneously and intravenously, respectively, to healthy volunteers and appear to be progressing through clinical development. The purpose of this review is to compile and summarise the published Phase I and II clinical data for SR90107A/ORG31540 and DX-9065a.     

Recent advances in clinical trials of the direct and indirect selective Factor Xa inhibitors

Over the years, pharmacological intervention to prevent undesired intravascular coagulation and the associated detrimental effects has been a clinical challenge. The first generation of anticoagulant agents, warfarin and unfractionated heparin (UFH), involve indirect mechanisms of inhibiting the coagulation cascade. Fractionated, or low-molecular weight, heparins (LMWHs) are more selective for coagulation Factor Xa (FXa) over thrombin (FIIa). LMWHs also utilise an indirect mechanism of inhibition and have improved pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and therapeutic profiles over UFH. The success of LMWHs, along with the pivotal location of FXa in the coagulation cascade, has prompted interest in the discovery and development of selective FXa inhibitors. There are two general classes of FXa inhibitors in development, of which SR90107A/ORG31540, an antithrombin-III-dependent pentasaccharide and DX-9065a, a small molecule direct FXa inhibitor, have published clinical data. SR90107A/ORG31540 and DX-9065a offer safe, predictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles when administered subcutaneously and intravenously, respectively, to healthy volunteers and appear to be progressing through clinical development. The purpose of this review is to compile and summarise the published Phase I and II clinical data for SR90107A/ORG31540 and DX-9065a.     

Interspecies comparison of the antiplatelet, antithrombotic, and hemorrhagic effects of SR 121566A, a novel nonpeptide GP IIb/IIIa antagonist.

We report the results from an interspecies comparison of the antiplatelet, antithrombotic, and hemorrhagic actions of SR 121566A, a novel nonpeptide antiplatelet agent with high affinity and specificity for the GP IIb/IIIa complex. SR 121566A exhibited in vitro antiplatelet activity against adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced aggregation with a rank order of potency [humans = baboons = dogs] > marmosets > guinea pigs > rabbits. These in vitro findings were predictive for the ex vivo antiplatelet potency after i.v. administration of SR 121566A to dogs, guinea pigs, and rabbits [median effective dose (ED50) values, 0.02, 0.05, and 0.15 mg/kg]. The antiplatelet actions of SR 121566A translated into an acute antithrombotic effect in an arteriovenous shunt model after i.v. administration in dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, and marmosets (ED50, 0.08, 0.10, 0.50, and 0.007 mg/kg). Hemorrhagic effects of SR 121566A were observed in guinea pigs and rabbits at doses that represented 2-3 times the antithrombotic ED50, whereas in marmosets, no bleeding was observed at the antithrombotic ED90. These results demonstrate that SR 121566A exhibits favorable actions in terms of antithrombotic potency and hemostatic safety in different animal species, suggesting that, in humans, SR 121566A will be a good candidate as an antithrombotic compound.     

Understanding the mechanism of platelet thrombus formation under blood flow conditions and the effect of new antiplatelet agents

Platelet aggregation induced by stirring of a platelet suspension after activation by the exogenous addition of stimulants, such as ADP, epinephrine and thrombin, has long been used as a platelet function test, and for the screening of antiplatelet agents. Since platelet aggregation has been demonstrated to be mediated exclusively by the binding of plasma fibrinogen to the activated GP IIb/IIIa, anti-GP IIb/IIIa agents, which can completely inhibit platelet aggregation, were expected to become among the most potent of antithrombotic agents. The strong preventive effects of anti-GP IIb/IIIa agents against thrombotic complications after coronary intervention, and the weaker preventive effects of the same agents against the onset of coronary thrombosis in unstable angina pectoris patients point to both the efficacy and the limitations of anti-GP IIb/IIIa antithrombotic agents. Recently, many investigators have reported that platelets play a major role in thrombus formation at sites exposed to blood flow. Several platelet-function assay systems have been developed to elucidate the mechanism of thrombus formation under blood flow conditions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that von Willebrand factor (VWF) and its interaction with its receptors on platelets, including GP Ibalpha and GP IIb/IIIa, play essential roles not only in platelet activation, but also in platelet adhesion and possibly platelet cohesion. These findings prompted us to explore whether the VWF-mediated process of thrombus formation could be exploited as a target for potential antiplatelet agents. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that multiple synergistic signals, including those mediated by catecholamine receptors, purine nucleotide receptors, as well as some types of collagen receptors are involved in the process of VWF-mediated platelet thrombus formation. We now have new antiplatelet agents on the horizon, targeted against thrombus formation under blood flow conditions.     

Low molecular weight heparins combined with platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in the management of acute coronary syndromes

Clinical trials of several platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors have demonstrated an unequivocal benefit of this potent antithrombotic therapy in high-risk patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) as well as in those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. In all of these major trials, however, GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors were used in combination with unfractionated (UF) heparin. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) have several advantages over UF heparin therapy, making them attractive alternatives for use in combination with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors. In the INTegrelin and Enoxaparin Randomized assessment of Acute Coronary syndrome Treatment (INTERACT) study, combination therapy using the GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor eptifibatide (Integrilin) and the LMWH enoxaparin (Lovenox) in patients with high-risk non-ST-segment elevation ACS, resulted in improved outcomes compared to the currently recommended therapy of UF heparin, with better safety results. It is anticipated that the LMWHs may soon replace the traditional UF heparin for combination therapy with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in the medical stabilisation of patients with ACS. Results of other ongoing studies of LMWH combinations with other GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors and in the setting of percutaneous coronary intervention are awaited.     

Low molecular weight heparins combined with platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in the management of acute coronary syndromes

Clinical trials of several platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors have demonstrated an unequivocal benefit of this potent antithrombotic therapy in high-risk patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) as well as in those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. In all of these major trials, however, GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors were used in combination with unfractionated (UF) heparin. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) have several advantages over UF heparin therapy, making them attractive alternatives for use in combination with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors. In the INTegrelin and Enoxaparin Randomized assessment of Acute Coronary syndrome Treatment (INTERACT) study, combination therapy using the GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor eptifibatide (Integrilin^®) and the LMWH enoxaparin (Lovenox^®) in patients with high-risk non-ST-segment elevation ACS, resulted in improved outcomes compared to the currently recommended therapy of UF heparin, with better safety results. It is anticipated that the LMWHs may soon replace the traditional UF heparin for combination therapy with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in the medical stabilisation of patients with ACS. Results of other ongoing studies of LMWH combinations with other GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors and in the setting of percutaneous coronary intervention are awaited.     

tPA, but not uPA, significantly affects antithrombotic therapy by a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist, but not by a factor Xa inhibitor

To define the interaction of fibrinolytic components with platelets or coagulation factors on thrombus formation, we investigated mouse deficient in tissue plasminogen activator (tPA -/-) or urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA -/-) and in their wild-type control (tPA +/+, uPA +/+). A thrombus was induced in the murine carotid artery using photochemical reaction. Blood flow was monitored and the time needed before the vessel became completely obstructed was within 12 min in all types of mice. When DX-9065a, a selective factor Xa inhibitor, or GR144053, a platelet glycoprotein (GP) complex IIb/IIIa antagonist was applied, the time required to occlusion was prolonged in a dose-dependent manner in all types of mice. When a factor Xa inhibitor was injected in tPA -/- mice, the estimated ED50 was not changed. However, when GR144053 was injected in tPA -/- mice, the most significant changes were observed: the estimated ED51 was 19.6 times higher than the one in tPA +/+ mice. Platelet aggregation, hemostasis tests, and bleeding times were not significantly different among the different types of mice. In conclusion, the antithrombotic effect of platelet inhibition by a GPIIb/IIIa antagonist, is severely affected by the absence or presence of tPA production. On the contrary, the inhibition of factor Xa shows a stable antithrombotic effect with or without tPA. Thus the lack of tPA, but not of uPA, significantly affects antithrombotic efficacy.     

Antithrombotic efficacy of RPR208566, a novel factor Xa inhibitor, in a rat model of carotid artery thrombosis

Coagulation factor Xa is the sole enzyme responsible for activating the zymogen prothrombin to thrombin, resulting in fibrin generation, platelet activation, and subsequent thrombus formation. Our objective was to evaluate the antithrombotic efficacy of the novel factor Xa inhibitor, 2-(3-carbamimidoyl-benzyl)-3-[(3', 4'dimethoxy-biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-amino]-butyric acid methyl ester-trifluoroacetate (RPR208566), in a well-established rat model of arterial thrombosis, and to compare the results with those obtained with argatroban and heparin, direct and indirect inhibitors of thrombin, respectively. Thrombus formation was initiated by placing a filter paper saturated with FeCl(2) on the adventia of the carotid artery for 10 min. Time-to-occlusion was measured from initiation of injury until blood flow reached zero. Formed thrombi were removed and weighed 60 min after the placement of the filter paper. RPR208566, heparin, and argatroban dose-dependently increased time-to-occlusion and reduced thrombus mass. When administered at 500 microgram/kg+50 microgram/kg/min, RPR208566 prolonged time-to-occlusion to 56+/-4 min (vs. 18+/-2 min for vehicle) and reduced thrombus mass to 3.0+/-0.7 mg (vs. 7.3+/-0.6 mg for vehicle). The highest doses of argatroban (500 microgram/kg+50 microgram/kg/min) and heparin (300 U/kg+10 U/kg/min) increased time-to-occlusion to the maximum of 60 min and decreased thrombus mass to 5.5+/-0.8 and 2.6+/-0.3, respectively. The antithrombotic effects of heparin and argatroban at these doses were associated with increases in activated partial thromboplastin time of 5.6+/-0.9- and 2.9+/-0.3-fold over baseline, respectively. However, the highest dose of RPR208566 produced a modest 1.3+/-0.1-fold increase in activated partial thromboplastin time. These results indicate that factor Xa inhibition with compounds such as RPR208566 may be an attractive mechanism for novel antithrombotic drug therapy.     

Can bivalirudin and provisional GP IIb/IIIa blockade REPLACE heparin and planned glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade during percutaneous coronary intervention?

The combined use of low dose heparin and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa blockers is standard treatment during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Bivalirudin has a different mechanism of anticoagulant action than heparin. In REPLACE-2, patients undergoing PCI were randomised to bivalirudin with provisional GP IIb/IIIa blockade or heparin and planned GP IIb/IIIa blockade. The primary quadruple composite end point was death, myocardial infarction, urgent repeat revascularisation or in-hospital major bleeding by 30 days, and statistical analysis showed that bivalirudin was not inferior to heparin plus GP IIb/IIIa blockade. There were fewer major and minor bleeding events with bivalirudin than with heparin plus GP IIb/IIIa blockade. Bivalirudin and provisional GP IIb/IIIa blockade should now be considered as an alternative to heparin plus planned GP IIb/IIIa blockade in patients undergoing urgent or elective revascularisation.     

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The combined use of low dose heparin and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa blockers is standard treatment during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Bivalirudin has a different mechanism of anticoagulant action than heparin. In REPLACE-2, patients undergoing PCI were randomised to bivalirudin with provisional GP IIb/IIIa blockade or heparin and planned GP IIb/IIIa blockade. The primary quadruple composite end point was death, myocardial infarction, urgent repeat revascularisation or in-hospital major bleeding by 30 days, and statistical analysis showed that bivalirudin was not inferior to heparin plus GP IIb/IIIa blockade. There were fewer major and minor bleeding events with bivalirudin than with heparin plus GP IIb/IIIa blockade. Bivalirudin and provisional GP IIb/IIIa blockade should now be considered as an alternative to heparin plus planned GP IIb/IIIa blockade in patients undergoing urgent or elective revascularisation.     

Interactions of saruplase with acetylsalicylic acid, heparin, glyceryl trinitrate, tranexamic acid and aprotinin in a rabbit pulmonary thrombosis model.

In anesthetized rabbits with pulmonary embolized thrombi the interactions of saruplase (recombinant unglycosylated single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator, CAS 99149-95-8) with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin, GTN), heparin, and the antifibrinolytics tranexamic acid and aprotinin have been studied. Lysis rates were evaluated as reduction of the weight and as reduction of the incorporated 125J-fibrin content of the embolized thrombi. In untreated controls the spontaneous 125J-fibrinolysis was 8.3 +/- 0.7% and the thrombus weight was reduced by 55.3 +/- 4.5% (mainly due to loss of H2O) at 195 min after the thromboembolization. Infusion of saruplase (21.5 micrograms/kg.min) for 60 min significantly increased the 125J-fibrinolysis to 36.8 +/- 3.7% and the reduction of the thrombus weight to 69.9 +/- 2.1%. ASA (50 mg/kg p.o.) by itself did not exert a lytic effect; in combination with saruplase ASA insignificantly augmented the 125J-fibrinolysis rate and significantly further increased the thrombus weight reduction. GTN (5.0 micrograms/kg.min i.v.) neither influenced the spontaneous nor the saruplase-mediated lysis rates. Treatment with heparin (200 IU/kg i.v.-bolus plus 50 IU/kg.min i.v.-infusion) resulted in significant greater thrombus weight reduction than observed in untreated controls; in combination with saruplase heparin significantly intensified the lytic effect. Tranexamic acid (30 mg/kg i.v.) and aprotinin (30.10(3) KIU/kg i.v.) completely abrogated the lytic effect of saruplase. Treatment with saruplase alone produced an insignificant decrease of the plasma level of fibrinogen by 23% to 200 +/- 20 mg/dl. ASA, GTN and aprotinin did not influence this slight fibrinogenolysis in saruplase-treated animals. A slight decrease of plasma fibrinogen levels was observed by heparin, whereas the decrease by tranexamic acid was significant.     

Prevention of experimental carotid and coronary artery thrombosis by the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist CRL42796

1. The antithrombotic effect of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, CRL42796, was examined in canine models of carotid and coronary artery thrombosis. 2. In the carotid artery thrombosis model, occlusion occurred in all control vessels (time to thrombosis 47.6+/-8.9 min). After treatment with low dose CRL42796 (15 microg kg(-1) loading dose +0.31 microg kg(-1) min(-1) i.v.), two of five vessels occluded. Time to thrombosis increased significantly to 155.2+/-23.1 min. When the drug infusion was increased (0.69 microg kg(-1) min(-1)), each of five vessels remained patent. 3. Ex vivo platelet aggregation in response to arachidonic acid (AA) and ADP was examined in platelet rich plasma (PRP) prepared from citrate or heparin anticoagulated blood. CRL42796 reduced platelet reactivity at low and high doses in PRP from citrate anticoagulated blood. However, in PRP from heparin anticoagulated blood, only the higher infusion dose produced a significant reduction in ex vivo platelet responses. 4. A combination of oral aspirin (4.6 mg kg(-1) -41, -17 h) and the low infusion dose of CRL42796 did not produce an additional benefit beyond that provided by CRL42796 alone. 5. Coronary artery thrombosis was inhibited in four of five vessels treated with the lower infusion dose of CRL42796 and in five of five vessels treated with the higher infusion. Time to thrombosis increased with both doses (Control, 90.8+/-10.4 min; low dose, 165.8+/-14.2 min; high dose, >180.0+/-0 min). 6. The results indicate that CRL42796 is an effective in vivo antithrombotic agent against experimentally-induced carotid and coronary artery thrombosis.     

Antithrombotic effects of low molecular weight heparin (FR-860) in rabbits

Effects of low molecular weight heparin (FR-860) were investigated on the arterio-venous (A-V) shunt model and on the in vitro blood coagulation system compared to conventional unfractionated heparin (UF-heparin) in rabbits. In the A-V shunt model, FR-860 (12.5-50 U/kg, i.v.) and UF-heparin (25 and 50 U/kg, i.v.) dose-related inhibited thrombotic formation in the tube of the A-V shunt at 30 min after starting blood circulation. Both FR-860 and UF-heparin dose-relatedly increased the anti-F.Xa activity at 5 min after starting blood circulation. However, FR-860 showed weaker effects in a prolongation of the aPTT, PT and thrombin time than UF-heparin in the A-V shunt model. Neither FR-860 nor UF-heparin had any influence on platelet aggregation. FR-860 also had a weaker effect in the prolongation of the plasma recalcification time, aPTT and PT than UF-heparin in vitro. FR-860 showed equipotent efficacy on the anti-F.Xa activity and had weak anti-thrombin activity compared to that of UF-heparin in vitro. These results suggest that the antithrombotic effect of FR-860 mainly depends on its anti-F.Xa activity but not on the antithrombin activity. Therefore, FR-860 is more efficient and lower in bleeding risk than UF-heparin in hemodialysis and thrombotic disorders.     

Protective effects of benidipine on arachidonic acid-induced acute cerebral ischemia in rats.

Acute cerebral ischemia was produced in rats by injection of arachidonic acid (AA) into the internal carotid artery. Evans blue (EB) was intravenously injected and its extravasation into the brain was determined as an indicator of disturbances in the blood-brain barrier and endothelial cells. Control animals showed severe cerebral edema and marked blue staining of the brain. Benidipine (30 micrograms/kg, i.p.) suppressed the increase in cerebral water content and the extravasation of EB. Similarly nicardipine (100 micrograms/kg, i.p.) suppressed the elevation of water content and the extravasation of EB. Furthermore, both benidipine (30 micrograms/kg, i.p.) and nicardipine (100 micrograms/kg, i.p.) improved the neuronal injuries following AA-injection. An antiplatelet agent, ticlopidine (100 mg/kg, i.p.), and a thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor, OKY-1581 (3 mg/kg, i.p.), also suppressed the elevation of cerebral water content. A lipoxygenase inhibitor, AA-561 (200 mg/kg, p.o.), and a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10 mg/kg, i.p.), did not prevent the increase in cerebral water content. Neither benidipine (3-30 micrograms/kg, i.v.) nor nicardipine (100 micrograms/kg, i.v.) inhibited the AgNO3-induced thrombus formation of the abdominal aorta, whereas ticlopidine (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and OKY-1581 (3 mg/kg, i.v.) prevented the thrombus formation. From the present results, it is suggested that benidipine, as well as nicardipine, may protect against AA-induced acute cerebral infarction via a mechanism independent of antithrombotic action.     

Bivalirudin: in patients with acute coronary syndromes : planned for urgent or early intervention

Bivalirudin is a 20-amino acid synthetic polypeptide that directly inhibits both fibrin-bound and soluble thrombin. In a randomized, open-label, phase III study (ACUITY) in 13,819 patients with acute coronary syndromes (unstable angina or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) in whom urgent or early intervention was planned, both bivalirudin plus a glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitor and bivalirudin alone were noninferior to heparin plus a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor for the primary endpoint of composite ischaemia (myocardial infarction, unplanned revascularization or death from any cause) at 30 days. The primary endpoint of major bleeding not related to coronary artery bypass graft surgery had occurred in significantly fewer recipients of bivalirudin alone than of heparin plus a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor after 30 days. Bivalirudin plus a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor was noninferior to the heparin regimen with regard to this bleeding event. Bivalirudin alone was also associated with a significantly lower incidence of the primary net clinical outcome endpoint (composite ischaemia or major bleeding) after 30 days. Bivalirudin plus a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor was noninferior to the heparin regimen with regard to this endpoint. The findings of ACUITY at 1 year indicate that both bivalirudin plus a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor and bivalirudin alone were as effective as heparin plus a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor with regard to the long-term incidence of composite ischaemia and all-cause mortality.     

Costs and cost effectiveness of low molecular weight heparins and platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors: in the management of acute coronary syndromes

The most well established antithrombotic treatment for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is unfractionated heparin (UFH) plus aspirin, but such treatment may not prevent arterial thrombotic events. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) and platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors offer alternative or adjunctive treatments. However, before these alternatives with higher acquisition costs are accepted in today's healthcare systems, their cost effectiveness must be proven. This paper reviews international pharmacoeconomic studies on the use of LMWHs and GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in patients with ACS in an attempt to determine whether these therapies are cost effective. Most of the studies on LMWHs have been cost-minimisation analyses and have focused on enoxaparin sodium, because this is the only LMWH proven to be superior to UFH. Several analyses show that, compared with UFH plus aspirin, enoxaparin sodium provides cost savings both during hospitalisation (30 days) and 1-year follow-up. These cost savings are mainly attributable to fewer cardiac interventions, shorter hospital stays and lower administrative costs. Indeed, the clinical and economic advantages of enoxaparin sodium have led to its recommendation in recent guidelines as the antithrombotic agent of choice for coronary artery disease. Most of the economic analyses of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors have been cost-effectiveness analyses. Such analyses indicate that the high acquisition costs of these drugs may be at least partially offset by reductions in other costs if a noninvasive approach to risk stratification is used. Furthermore, use of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors appears to give favourable cost-effectiveness ratios compared with other accepted therapies, such as fibrin-specific thrombolytic therapy, in the cardiovascular field, particularly in high-risk patients and those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. However, more comprehensive economic data on the GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors are needed.     

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors: The resurgence of tirofiban

Glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors block platelet aggregation, reducing thrombotic events in acute coronary syndrome. They are most often utilized in patients who likely have an intracoronary thrombus. Tirofiban, eptifibatide, and abciximab are the three GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors approved for use in the United States. Each agent has unique pharmacological properties. They all have a rapid onset and are most often utilized in conjunction with heparin. Tirofiban, in particular, fell out of favor due to inferior dosing with its original Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved indication, but has re-emerged in the market with a high-dose bolus regimen that is considered equally as effective as the FDA approved dosing regimens of other GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors. This review looks at pharmacological properties of all three agents, significant clinical trials associated with their use, and their place in current guidelines.     

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The success of intravenous platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor blockers as potent antithrombotic therapies has ignited interest in the research and development of oral agents with the intention of extending the initial clinical benefits proven with intravenous GP IIb/IIIa blockers to long-term care with the use of oral agents. Nonetheless, results of the recently published Blockade of the Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor to Avoid Vascular Occlusion (BRAVO) trial support the disappointing results of the earlier published studies, which revealed that the use of oral GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors was associated with an unacceptable increased mortality. Further research to elucidate the mechanism of this increased fatality risk is warranted before any further clinical studies with the oral GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors can be ethically justified.     

Pharmacological characterization of the active synthetic factor Xa inhibitors M55551 and M55165

Factor Xa plays an important role in blood coagulation and is widely regarded as an attractive target for antithrombotic drug development. M55551 and M55165 (1-arylsulfonyl-3-piperazinone derivatives) are novel synthetic factor Xa inhibitors. In vitro, M55551 and M55165 competitively inhibited factor Xa with K(i) values of 3.2 nM and 2.3 nM, respectively, and prolonged clotting time in human and rat plasma. Pharmacokinetic analysis of these compounds revealed that M55551 was intravenously active with a short half-life (0.2 h) and that M55165 exhibited good bioavailability (31%) with a long half-life (3.9 h). Therefore, the antithrombotic effects of M55551 and M55165 were compared with those of the intravenous anticoagulant argatroban and the oral anticoagulant warfarin. Intravenous administration of M55551 and oral administration of M55165 inhibited thrombus formation at 0.3 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, respectively, without significant prolongation of bleeding time. In contrast, although argatroban (0.3 mg/kg) and warfarin (1 mg/kg) also inhibited thrombus formation, significant prolongation of bleeding time was observed at dosages of 3 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, respectively. These results suggest that M55551 and M55165 are potent factor Xa inhibitors that are active upon intravenous and oral administration, respectively, and that may prove clinically useful for the treatment of thrombosis while minimizing bleeding risks.     

Antithrombotic efficacy of a novel factor Xa inhibitor, FXV673, in a canine model of coronary artery thrombolysis

We compared the antithrombotic efficacy of a potent factor Xa inhibitor, FXV673, to heparin and RPR109891, a GPIIb/IIIa antagonist, when used as adjunctive therapy in a canine model of rt-PA-induced coronary thrombolysis. Thrombus formation was induced by electrolytic injury to stenosed coronary artery. After thrombotic occlusion, a 135 min infusion of saline (n=8), FXV673 (10, 30 or 100 microg kg(-1)+1, 3, or 10 microg kg(-1) min(-1), respectively; n=8 per dose), heparin (60 u kg(-1)+0.7 u kg(-1) min(-1), n=8), or RPR109891 (30 microg kg(-1)+0.45 microg kg(-1) min(-1), n=8), was initiated. Aspirin (5 mg kg(-1), i.v.) was administered to all animals. Fifteen minutes after the start of drug infusion, rt-PA was administered (100 microg kg(-1)+20 microg kg(-1) min(-1) for 60 min). The incidence of reperfusion in the high dose FXV673 (8/8, 100%) was significantly greater than that in the heparin group (4/8, 50%), with a trend to faster reperfusion (23+/-5 min for FXV673 versus 41+/-11 min for heparin). Only 2/8 (25%) of the vessels reoccluded in the high dose FXV673 group, compared to 4/4 (100%) and 5/5 (100%) vessels in the heparin and RPR109891 groups, respectively (P<0.05). Throughout the protocol, blood flow was higher in the FXV673 treated group compared to other groups. FXV673 enhanced vessel patency in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to vehicle and heparin groups, the thrombus mass was decreased by 60% in the high dose FXV673. FXV673, heparin and RPR109891 increased the bleeding time by 2.7, 1.7 and 4 fold, and APTT by 2.8, 2.7 and 1.2 fold, respectively. In conclusion, FXV673 is more effective than heparin and at least as effective as RPR109891 when used as an adjunct during rt-PA-induced coronary thrombolysis.