Ticagrelor: the evidence for its clinical potential as an oral antiplatelet treatment for the reduction of major adverse cardiac events in patients with acute coronary syndromes

INTRODUCTION: Ticagrelor, the first direct-acting, reversibly binding oral P2Y12 receptor antagonist, appears to have a favorable efficacy and safety profile. AIMS: To update the evidence and provide an overview of the available data on ticagrelor. EVIDENCE REVIEW: Peer reviewed articles published and listed under Medline Search, and published updated guidelines for pharmacotherapies in acute coronary syndromes were reviewed. PLACE IN THERAPY: Clinical evidence is increasing to support the use of new thienopyridines and the direct-acting P2Y12 receptor in the setting of acute coronary syndromes. CONCLUSION: The options for drugs to inhibit the platelet P2Y12 receptor for adenosine diphosphate are rapidly expanding. Ticagrelor has shown benefits in clinical trials. Its rapid onset of platelet inhibition and short half-life make it an attractive alternative to thienopyridines, especially when rapid inhibition of platelet aggregation or its quick reversal are required.