Thrombin receptor antagonism the potential of antiplatelet medication SCH 530348

Importance of the field: Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Platelet activation and subsequent thrombus formation play a central role in disease progression and development of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Despite widespread use of single and dual antiplatelet therapies in atherothrombotic disease, ischemic complications remain common. Therefore, the need exists for new antiplatelet agents that are more effective, but with acceptable safety profiles (i.e., do not increase risk of bleeding). Antiplatelet agents available at present are effective in blocking the cyclo-oxygenase, ADP-mediated and final common (IIb/IIIa receptor) pathways for platelet activation. Recently, there has been more interest in inhibition of the proteinase-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), which blocks thrombin-mediated platelet activation. Areas covered in this review: This review covers the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and development of the new PAR1 antagonist, SCH 530348 in a review of all publications relevant to the topic over the last 10 years. Phase II clinical trials indicate that addition of this agent to current antiplatelet regimens may provide additional antithrombotic protection without an increase in bleeding. Results of the ongoing Phase III trials, examining the use of SCH 530348 in patients with ACS and for secondary prevention of ischemic events are anxiously awaited. What the reader will gain: The review is a summary of all pharmacologic properties and current clinical data available on the PAR1 antagonist SCH 530348. The readers will be introduced to its novel mechanism of action, advantages over current antiplatelet agents and potential future applications should ongoing clinical trials confirm its efficacy in reducing platelet activity. Take home message: SCH 530348 is a new, orally administered antiplatelet agent that blocks the protease-activated thrombin receptor on the platelet. Early clinical data indicate that it is associated with a lower risk of bleeding. However, its efficacy in improving clinical outcomes in patients with coronary disease remains to be confirmed in ongoing Phase III clinical trials.