| Abstract: | The future for oral glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists looks uncertain following the release of disappointing results from the first large trials of these drugs at the 48th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology [ New Orleans, US; March 1999 ]. GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists are considered to be the most potent antiplatelet drugs available to date. However, these agents are currently only available in IV form, and underlying cardiac events are said to continue after termination of treatment. Therefore, development of orally active GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists would allow administration for a longer period of time, making them more suitable for long-term prevention of coronary thrombosis. |
