Publication:

Vorapaxar, a novel oral antiplatelet drug

Vorapaxor is first in the class of protease activated receptor 1 (PAR 1) antagonists. It acts by inhibiting the binding of thrombin to PAR 1 and thereby prevents platelet aggregation. USFDA approved it in May 2014 as the results of clinical trials showed that the benefit: risk ratio was high. It is to be used in a dose of 2.5 mg once daily as triple antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel for reduction of thrombotic cardiovascular events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction or peripheral arterial disease. Increase in the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage is the major side-effect seen.