Ticagrelor: new antiplatelet for prevention of thrombotic events

Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel are the cornerstone of atherothrombotic prevention in patients with ACS following percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting. However, due to variable response with these drugs many patients still experience atherothrombotic complications despite treatment. Ticagrelor (Brilique) reversibly and selectively inhibits adenosine diphosphate-mediated platelet activation. Because it does not require metabolic activation in the liver, it has rapid onset and is less likely to exhibit interpatient variability.