Advancing the Battle Against Acute Ischemic Syndromes: A Focus on the GP IIb-IIIa Inhibitors

Platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, resulting from disruption of a coronary artery plaque, play a critical role in the pathology of acute coronary syndromes. Currently, aspirin and heparin are administered to decrease platelet aggregation. The discovery of the platelet integrin receptor α_IIbβ₃, also known as the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa receptor, is a breakthrough in antiplatelet therapy. The GP IIb-IIIa receptor is responsible for the crucial binding of fibrinogen to platelets, leading to cross-links between platelets and further platelet aggregation. Since the introduction of abciximab, the first GP IIb-IIIa-receptor antagonist, several other nonantibody agents have been studied for use in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and also in stent placement, treatment of unstable angina, and myocardial infarction.