Prasugrel: a novel thienopyridine antiplatelet agent. A review of preclinical and clinical studies and the mechanistic basis for its distinct antiplatelet profile.

Prasugrel (CS-747, LY640315) is a novel member of the thienopyridine class of oral antiplatelet agents that includes ticlopidine and clopidogrel. Like other thienopyridines, prasugrel is a prodrug that is inactive in vitro. Prasugrel's distinct chemical structure permits efficient conversion to its active metabolite with a less rigorous dependence on specific cytochrome P-450 enzymes. Prasugrel is rapidly converted in vivo to an active metabolite (R-138727) that binds specifically and irreversibly to the platelet P2Y 12 purinergic receptor inhibiting ADP-mediated platelet activation and aggregation. Preclinical studies indicated that prasugrel is approximately 10- and 100-fold more potent at inhibiting ex vivo platelet aggregation and in vivo thrombus formation than clopidogrel and ticlopidine, respectively. Early clinical data in healthy subjects confirmed the greater platelet inhibition and consistency with prasugrel compared to clopidogrel. While the active metabolites of prasugrel and clopidogrel resulted in similar levels of platelet inhibition in vitro, the amount of each active metabolite generated in vivo was quite different-prasugrel (60 mg) resulting in an approximately 12-fold greater exposure to its active metabolite compared with clopidogrel (300 mg). This observation provides a mechanistic basis for the faster, greater, and more consistent inhibition of platelet aggregation observed with prasugrel. Clinical studies in patients with cardiovascular disease confirmed the potent antiplatelet effect of prasugrel compared with clopidogrel. Collectively, these phase 1/1b studies and a phase 2 study (JUMBO-TIMI 26) aided in dose selection for the recently completed phase 3 trial (TRITON-TIMI 38) in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Greater inhibition of platelet aggregation and reduced response variability with prasugrel versus clopidogrel: an integrated analysis.

Multiple studies report response variability to a 300-mg clopidogrel loading dose (LD). Pooled platelet aggregometry data compared responses (change in maximal platelet aggregation [DeltaMPA] or inhibition of platelet aggregation [IPA]) to clopidogrel 300-mg (n = 131) or prasugrel 60-mg (n = 109) LDs. Poor responder rates were determined using empiric criteria (IPA < 10% and DeltaMPA < 10% for 20 microM and 5 microM adenosine diphosphate [ADP]) and Bayesian model-based criteria (IPA < 20% and DeltaMPA < 15% for 20 microM ADP; IPA < 25% and DeltaMPA < 20% for 5 microM ADP). Prasugrel achieved greater DeltaMPA and IPA from 2 to 24 hours post-LD (P < .001). For 20 microM ADP, poor responder rates for clopidogrel ranged from 17% to 43%; no prasugrel poor responders were observed. Regardless of the criterion, prasugrel 60 mg achieved greater IPA and fewer poor responders than the clopidogrel 300-mg LD.

Clopidogrel poor responders: an objective definition based on Bayesian classification.

Existing definitions of poor response to the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel are empiric. Bayesian classification theory is widely used to classify subjects into non-overlapping groups based on observed responses. The purpose of this analysis is to objectively define pharmacodynamic poor responders to clopidogrel using Bayesian classification methodology. An integrated database of turbidometric platelet aggregometry data (5 and 20 microM ADP) was analyzed from 112 healthy subjects who participated in three Phase 1 clinical pharmacology studies. Change in maximum platelet aggregation (DeltaMPA) from baseline and percent inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) were evaluated at both 4-5 and 24 hours after a clopidogrel 300 mg loading dose (LD). Clopidogrel poor responders were predefined as having a response similar to that of drug-free baseline, derived from multiple MPA values prior to clopidogrel administration. The model identified a clopidogrel poor responder as a subject who failed to achieve and maintain an IPA >or= 25% (or DeltaMPA >or= 20%) with 5 microM ADP at 4-5 and 24 hours after dosing or who failed to achieve and maintain an IPA >or= 20% (or DeltaMPA >or= 15%) with 20 microM ADP at 4-5 and 24 hours after dosing. Application of these thresholds indicated that, depending on the concentration of ADP used, 25% to 45% of subjects were classified as clopidogrel poor responders. Using thresholds from the published literature resulted in 17% to 56% of subjects being classified as poor responders. Objective thresholds for pharmacodynamic poor responders to clopidogrel should consider the concentration of the agonist used and may help assess the consistency of pharmacodynamic response to novel ADP receptor antagonists.

Comparison of speed of onset of platelet inhibition after loading doses of clopidogrel versus prasugrel in healthy volunteers and correlation with responder status.

Failure to achieve an adequate level of platelet inhibition during percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with an increased risk for periprocedural myocardial injury. This study was conducted to compare the initial rate of platelet inhibition after a loading dose (LD) of prasugrel or clopidogrel and determine the association between the initial rate of inhibition and pharmacodynamic responder status. Data were pooled from 3 studies in which healthy subjects received LDs of prasugrel (60 mg; n = 76) or clopidogrel (300 mg; n = 87). Maximum platelet aggregation (MPA; 20 mumol/L adenosine diphosphate) was measured by turbidimetric aggregometry (0.25 to 24 hours after dosing). A mechanistic model was used to estimate the initial rate of decrease in MPA per hour (fast onset: MPA decrease >20%/hour). Subjects were defined as pharmacodynamic poor responders if the absolute decrease in MPA from baseline was <15% at either 4 to 5 or 24 hours after dosing. The median initial rate of decrease in MPA was greater after prasugrel (203%/hour) than with clopidogrel (23%/hour) (p <0.001). Overall, 76 subjects (100%) receiving prasugrel had fast onset of platelet inhibition compared with 47 subjects (54%) receiving clopidogrel. The initial rate of decrease in MPA was highly correlated with responder status (p <0.001). After prasugrel, subjects had a lower median MPA compared with clopidogrel (p <0.001; from >0.25 to 24 hours after dosing), and intersubject variability in MPA response was less after prasugrel compared with clopidogrel (p <0.001; from >1 to 24 hours after dosing). In conclusion, platelet inhibition after a 60-mg LD of prasugrel was more rapid in onset, less variable, and greater in magnitude than with a 300-mg LD of clopidogrel. After a thienopyridine LD, the initial rate of platelet inhibition was predictive of pharmacodynamic responder status.

Dose-dependent inhibition of human platelet aggregation by prasugrel and its interaction with aspirin in healthy subjects.

The aims of this open-label, randomized, dose-escalation pharmacodynamic study of prasugrel, an orally active antiplatelet agent, were to assess its interaction with aspirin (ASA, 325 mg) in healthy subjects after a loading dose (LD) and subsequent 5 days of once-daily maintenance doses (MD) of prasugrel or the active comparator, clopidogrel. We measured platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, and TRAP and compared effects on maximal and residual platelet aggregation responses. On a background of ASA, subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 prasugrel treatment groups (LD/MD in mg: 20/5, 30/7.5, 40/10, or 60/15; n = 8/group) or to clopidogrel 300 mg LD/75 mg MD (n = 11). Prasugrel dose-dependently inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation and exhibited higher levels of platelet inhibition than clopidogrel or ASA alone. Prasugrel plus ASA resulted in additive inhibition of collagen- and TRAP-induced platelet aggregation. Although inhibition of residual aggregation was greater than inhibition of maximal aggregation, values were highly correlated. The safety and tolerability of prasugrel plus ASA were also monitored. Within the limitations of the study, prasugrel was found to be well tolerated when dosed as LD followed by MD in the presence of ASA and provided greater platelet inhibition than ASA alone.

A multiple dose study of prasugrel (CS-747), a novel thienopyridine P2Y12 inhibitor, compared with clopidogrel in healthy humans.

AIMS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed to evaluate the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of prasugrel (CS-747, LY640315), a novel thienopyridine P2Y(12) ADP receptor antagonist compared with clopidogrel, during multiple oral dosing in healthy subjects. METHODS: Thirty subjects received placebo, prasugrel 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg, or clopidogrel 75 mg orally, daily for 10 days. Platelet aggregation, bleeding time, and prasugrel metabolites were measured and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation reached steady state by day 3 following prasugrel 10 and 20 mg compared with 5 days for clopidogrel 75 mg or prasugrel 5 mg. Compared with placebo, at 24 h after the last dose of study drug, inhibition of platelet aggregation using (20 microm) ADP was significantly higher in the prasugrel 10 mg group (58.2 +/- 4.9% vs. 9.2 +/- 4.0%, P < 0.001) with no difference in the clopidogrel group (15.7 +/- 6.8% vs. 9.2 +/- 4.0%, P = 0.78). With 5 microm ADP, inhibition of platelet aggregation with prasugrel 10 mg and clopidogrel 75 mg was significantly higher than with placebo (prasugrel 10 mg, 70.5 +/- 4.7%; clopidogrel 75 mg, 36.5 +/- 9.0%; vs. placebo, 11.3 +/- 5.1%; P < 0.0001 and P = 0.02). On day 10 at 4 h postdose, bleeding time was prolonged with prasugrel 10 mg (prasugrel 10 mg, 706 +/- 252 s vs. placebo, 221 +/- 38 s, P = 0.05) but not with clopidogrel (283 +/- 56 s, P = 0.98). There were no clinically significant bleeding events, serious adverse events, or discontinuations of the study drug. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with clopidogrel 75 mg, prasugrel 10 mg and 20 mg daily for 10 days resulted in more rapid, more consistent, and higher levels of platelet inhibition.

A comparison of prasugrel and clopidogrel loading doses on platelet function: magnitude of platelet inhibition is related to active metabolite formation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare rate of onset, magnitude, and consistency of platelet inhibition after administration of prasugrel or clopidogrel and to relate platelet inhibition to systemic exposure to each active metabolite. Thienopyridines are prodrugs, metabolized in vivo to active metabolites that inhibit the platelet P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor. METHODS: This was an open-label, 2-way, crossover study that randomized healthy subjects (n = 68) to an oral loading dose (LD) of prasugrel 60 mg or clopidogrel 300 mg. Platelet aggregation response to 5 and 20 micromol/L of ADP was measured by turbidometric aggregometry. Plasma concentrations of the active metabolites of prasugrel and clopidogrel were quantified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection methods. RESULTS: Inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) after prasugrel was significantly higher (P < .01) than that after clopidogrel from 15 minutes through 24 hours (5 micromol/L ADP) and from 30 minutes through 24 hours (20 micromol/L ADP). For 20 micromol/L ADP, the median time to reach > or = 20% IPA was 30 minutes for prasugrel and 1.5 hours for clopidogrel (P < .001). The maximum IPA was 84.1% +/- 9.5% with prasugrel versus 48.9% +/- 27.0% with clopidogrel for 5 micromol/L ADP and 78.8% +/- 9.2% versus 35.0% +/- 24.5%, respectively, for 20 micromol/L ADP (P < .001). Response to prasugrel was more consistent compared to clopidogrel (P < .01). The lower IPA response to clopidogrel was associated with lower plasma concentrations of its active metabolite (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Prasugrel 60 mg LD results in more rapid, potent, and consistent inhibition of platelet function than clopidogrel 300 mg LD. Lower IPA responses to clopidogrel were associated with lower concentrations of its active metabolite.

Prediction of pharmacokinetics of antibiotics in patients with end-stage renal disease.

A novel and convenient method to predict the pharmacokinetics of several kinds of antibiotic agents in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was examined based on the in vitro extraction ratios and pharmacokinetic parameters in healthy volunteers. The dializability of 17 antibiotic agents in 4% human serum albumin solution were determined using a high-performance hemodialytic membrane for clinical use. We assumed that the off-hemodialysis clearance approximated the non-renal clearance, while the on-hemodialysis clearance was considered to be sum of the off-hemodialysis clearance and the hemodialytic clearance. The estimated on- and off-hemodialysis clearances were compared with the ones observed in ESRD patients. In order to confirm the method prospectively, an in vivo pharmacokinetic study was performed in dogs with mercury chloride-induced experimental renal failure. The in vitro extraction ratios of 9 beta-lactams were broadly ranged from 10.9 to 75.6% depending on their physicochemical properties. In contrast, those of the other antibiotics were consistent with their chemical classes: 60.5-63.2% for fluoroquinolone, 48.8-51.1% for aminoglycoside and 18.7-25.6% for glycopeptide. Both the estimated on- and off-hemodialysis clearances of the 17 antibiotics coincided well with the observed values in the literature, regardless of their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. The validity and applicability of this method to three cefems, cefmetazole, cefotaxime and cefoperazone, was prospectively confirmed in the animal study. In conclusion, this new method enables the prediction of the on- and off-hemodialysis clearances of several kinds of antibiotics in ESRD patients from minimal information of their pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects and their in vitro dializability.

Population pharmacokinetic analysis of panipenem/betamipron in patients with various degrees of renal function.

BACKGROUND: Although plasma concentrations of panipenem were elevated and the risk of adverse events would increase in patients with renal impairment, a precise dosage regimen for patients with renal impairment has not been established. METHODS: Population pharmacokinetic analyses were performed with plasma concentrations from 26 healthy volunteers and 41 patients. Optimal dosage regimens for patients with renal impairment were determined based on the bacteriostatic index of C(20%T)>(MIC), the concentration corresponding to the time above MIC of 20% of the dosing interval. RESULTS: The clearance of panipenem and betamipron was correlated with creatinine clearance and the volume of the distribution of panipenem was correlated with body weight. C(20%T)>(MIC) for a standard dosage regimen of panipenem was 4.3 microg/ml, and the optimal dosage regimen for the patients was established based on this value. CONCLUSION: The dosage regimen of panipenem for patients with renal impairment should be reduced when creatinine clearance is lower than 60 ml/min.

Platelet inhibitory activity and pharmacokinetics of prasugrel (CS-747) a novel thienopyridine P2Y12 inhibitor: a multiple-dose study in healthy humans.

This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the safety, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of prasugrel (CS-747, LY640315), a novel thienopyridine P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist, during multiple oral dosing in healthy subjects. Eighteen subjects received placebo, or prasugrel 2.5 or 10 mg, orally, daily for 10 days. Adverse events were recorded and blood samples for measurement of platelet aggregation, bleeding time, and prasugrel metabolite concentrations were obtained. Two bleeding events were experienced in the prasugrel 10 mg dose group and one in the placebo group. Neither of the events was considered serious. ADP-induced platelet aggregation accumulated over the 10-day study period, reaching a steady state by days 2-4 following administration of prasugrel 10 mg daily. Limited inhibition of platelet aggregation was obtained with prasugrel 2.5 mg. In the 10-mg dose group at day 5, 4 h postdose, with 20 microM ADP as the agonist, inhibition of platelet aggregation was 61.2 +/- 5.6 vs. 17.9 +/- 6.2% in the placebo group (P < 0.01). Recovery of platelet aggregation was observed 48 h after the last dose of prasugrel 10 mg, but was only partial, consistent with irreversible platelet inhibition. The mean bleeding time was prolonged by day 5 at 4 h postdose in all subjects in the prasugrel 10 mg dose group (prasugrel 10 mg, 1058 +/- 412 s vs. placebo, 196 +/- 74 s; P < 0.001). The maximum plasma concentration of metabolites increased with prasugrel dose and there was no accumulation of metabolites over the 10-day study period. This study indicated that prasugrel 10 mg daily for 10 days was well tolerated and at steady-state provided sustained high levels of inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Platelet inhibitory activity and pharmacokinetics of prasugrel (CS-747) a novel thienopyridine P2Y12 inhibitor: a single ascending dose study in healthy humans.

We assessed the tolerability, pharmacodynamics as measured by inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA), and pharmacokinetics of prasugrel (CS-747, LY640315), a novel thienopyridine antiplatelet agent in healthy volunteers. Twenty-four subjects were randomized into four groups of six in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. One subject in each group received placebo and five subjects received prasugrel orally at single doses of 2.5, 10, 30, or 75 mg. The IPA, assessed using 5 and 20 microM ADP, was periodically measured over a 7-day period by light transmission aggregometry. Plasma concentrations for three major metabolites, R-95913, R-106583, and R-100932, were measured. There were no serious adverse events and no clinically significant changes noted in any laboratory or clinical evaluations in any subject. At 1 h after prasugrel 30 and 75 mg, platelet aggregation induced by 20 microM ADP was inhibited by 43.5 +/- 7.8 and 43.2 +/- 15.7%, respectively, and this inhibition was significantly greater than that following placebo (5.9 +/- 3.5%) (P < 0.05 for both doses). The degree of inhibition observed at 2 h was slightly higher with both prasugrel 30 and 75 mg (59.8 +/- 9.9 and 57.0 +/- 7.2%) and was maintained through the subsequent 22 h. At 24 h, maximal platelet aggregation induced by 20 microM ADP was reduced to 0.05 for 2.5 and 10 mg prasugrel vs. placebo). With prasugrel 75 mg at 4 h postdose, there was a significant increase in the mean bleeding time compared to placebo (682 vs. 161 s; P < 0.05). Prasugrel metabolites obeyed linear pharmacokinetics and the three metabolites appeared in the plasma soon after administration, reaching maximum levels at approximately 1 h. In conclusion, prasugrel 30 and 75 mg were well tolerated and achieved a consistently high level of platelet inhibition with a fast onset of action.

Prasugrel achieves greater inhibition of platelet aggregation and a lower rate of non-responders compared with clopidogrel in aspirin-treated patients with stable coronary artery disease.

AIMS: This study was designed to compare the degree of inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) of prasugrel with that of clopidogrel in stable aspirin-treated patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Subjects (n=101) were randomly assigned to the following loading dose (LD) (day 1)/maintenance dose (MD) (days 2-28) combinations: prasugrel, 40 mg/5 mg; 40 mg/7.5 mg; 60 mg/10 mg; 60 mg/15 mg; or clopidogrel, 300 mg/75 mg. Turbidometric platelet aggregation was measured at multiple timepoints during the study. At 4 h after dosing, with 20 microM ADP, both prasugrel LDs achieved significantly higher mean IPA levels (60.6% and 68.4 vs. 30.0%, respectively; all P<0.0001) and lower percentage (3 vs. 52%, P<0.0001) of pharmacodynamic non-responders (defined as IPA <20%) than clopidogrel. Prasugrel 10 and 15 mg MDs achieved consistently higher mean IPA than clopidogrel 75 mg at day 28 (all P<0.0001). At pre-MD on day 28, there were no non-responders in the 10 and 15 mg prasugrel group, compared with 45% in the clopidogrel group (P=0.0007). CONCLUSION: In this population, prasugrel (40-60 mg LD and 10-15 mg MD) achieves greater IPA and a lower proportion of pharmacodynamic non-responders compared with the approved clopidogrel dosing.

The platelet inhibitory effects and pharmacokinetics of prasugrel after administration of loading and maintenance doses in healthy subjects.

Prasugrel (CS-747, LY640315), a novel thienopyridine, is a potent and orally active antiplatelet agent in vivo. The aims of this double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel group phase 1 study were to investigate the antiplatelet effects of prasugrel after oral administration of a loading dose (LD) and subsequent 20 days of once-daily maintenance dosing (MD), to characterize the pharmacokinetics of prasugrel metabolites with an LD/MD regimen, and to assess the safety and tolerability of prasugrel in healthy subjects. Subjects were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to prasugrel 40 mg LD/7.5 mg MD (n = 11), prasugrel 60 mg LD/15 mg MD (n = 10), or placebo LD/placebo MD (n = 11). Prasugrel 40 and 60 mg LDs provided rapid and consistent inhibition of 20 microM adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-stimulated platelet aggregation. Prasugrel 7.5 and 15 mg MDs maintained inhibition in a dose-dependent manner. The pharmacokinetic data indicate that exposure to prasugrel metabolites occurs rapidly after dosing and is consistent with dose proportionality. Within the limitations of this study, the safety and tolerability results suggest that prasugrel is well tolerated when dosed as an initial LD followed by a lower daily MD for 20 days. Prasugrel LDs and MDs provide rapid and sustained inhibition of ADP-mediated platelet aggregation.

Quantitative evaluation of effect of renal failure on the pharmacokinetics of panipenem in rats.

The pharmacokinetics of panipenem in experimental renal failure animal models was investigated in order to identify the appropriate covariates affecting the pharmacokinetic behavior. Panipenem and betamipron were administered intravenously to rats with a variety of renal failures, such as nephritis induced by glycerol, gentamicin, uranium and antiserum against glomerular basement membrane as well as 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy. Panipenem in plasma and urine was determined and pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a one-compartment open model. The elimination half-life prolonged and total body clearance, renal clearance (CL(R)) and renal excretion ratio were decreased according to the renal function, i.e. control>glycerol>anti-GBM=gentamicin>nephrectomy=uranium in order. However, distribution volume was consistent in all models. CL(R) showed strong positive correlation with the glomerular filtration rate in spite of a weak correlation with the reciprocal of blood urea nitrogen. However, no obvious correlation was observed with secretory clearance of N-1-methylnicotinamide. This preliminary information based on animal model might be useful for designing pharmacokinetic studies in special population at early stage of new drug development.

Brain insulin impairs amyloid-beta(1-40) clearance from the brain.

Cerebral amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) clearance plays a key role in determining the brain level of Abeta; however, its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated cerebral Abeta clearance across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by using the Brain Efflux Index method. [125I]Abeta(1-40) was eliminated from rat brain to circulating blood with a half-life of 48.8 min and a half-saturation concentration of 8.15 nm. The Abeta(1-40) elimination rate was reduced by 30.5% in 23-month-old rats compared with 7-week-old rats. The intact form of Abeta(1-40) was detected in plasma after intracerebral administration, indicating the occurrence of efflux transport of intact Abeta(1-40). The Abeta(1-40) elimination rate was significantly inhibited by coadministration of 100 microg/ml insulin and 1 mm thiorphan by 44.6 and 34.0%, respectively. The level of intact [125I]Abeta(1-40) in the brain was increased by coadministration of insulin. Among insulin-degrading enzyme inhibitors, bacitracin inhibited the elimination rate, whereas N-ethylmaleimide and metal chelators had no effect. Receptor-associated protein, fucoidan, 3-bromo-5-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-benzylidenemalonitrile, anti-IGF-I receptor antibody, and l-tyrosine did not affect the Abeta(1-40) elimination rate, suggesting that the relevant receptors or transporters are not likely to be involved in the clearance. In conclusion, the present study has demonstrated the involvement of a proteolytic degradation process and an insulin-sensitive process in cerebral Abeta(1-40) clearance in the rat.