Novel Antiplatelet Drug Elinogrel Moves Into Phase III Testing

“This is an indication that sorely needs new agents,” Dr. Rao emphasized.

Discussant Dr. Steen Dalby Kristensen said INNOVATE-PCI showed “quite convincingly” that elinogrel works faster and is a more efficient platelet inhibitor than clopidogrel, a drug with known disadvantages.

The elinogrel-induced liver enzyme elevations could be a matter of concern, however. Only further studies can resolve this issue, added Dr. Kristensen of Aarhus (Denmark) University.

Dr. Rao is a consultant to Novartis, which is developing elinogrel. Dr. Kristensen disclosed that he has received research grants from and serves as a consultant to numerous pharmaceutical companies that have an interest in platelet-inhibiting drugs.