Ticagrelor (Brilique®, Astra Zeneca) has received authorisation from the European Medicines Agency for use in combination with aspirin in the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adults with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The authorisation follows publication of data from the PLATO study carried out in over 18,000 patients with ACS. At 12 months, ticagrelor and aspirin resulted in a reduction in cardiovascular-related death, myocardial infarction, or stroke compared to clopidogrel and aspirin (ticagrelor group 9.8% versus clopidogrel group 11.7%). Bleeding complication rates were similar with the two agents.
In the UK, ticagrelor will be priced at £54.60 for a 28-day supply. The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence is currently reviewing the data on ticagrelor and is expected to issue guidance in July 2011.
The US Food and Drug Administration has, however, delayed approving ticagrelor. It has requested additional analyses of the PLATO trial.
