During this kind of heart attack, known as acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), an artery is generally completely blocked by a blood clot for long enough to cause heart muscle damage.
According to Sanofi-Aventis, tests have shown that Lovenox, an injected blood thinner, can reduce the rate of the combined endpoint of recurrent myocardial infarction or death in patients with STEMI that are receiving thrombolysis and are being managed medically or with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
As a result of the FDA’s approval of Lovenox’s new indication, the drug is now applicable across the full spectrum of acute coronary syndrome conditions, the company said.
Sanofi-Aventis has also submitted an application for the STEMI indication in European countries including France, Germany, UK, Italy and Spain.