Transdermal tirofiban, a non-peptide, reversible GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, has the ability to dissolve and directly prevent formation of platelet aggregates (blood clots) in the blood vessels.
In vivo proof of principle for the transdermal delivery of therapeutic levels of Aggrastat’s active ingredient, tirofiban, was established in animal studies conducted in collaboration with 4P Therapeutics.
Stanford University Medical Center and Coronary Intervention Laboratories cardiac catheterization director David Lee said the introduction of a transdermal glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor will have an impact on the management of several cardiovascular conditions.
"This innovation would not only further enhance the ease-of-use and convenience associated with this class of drugs, but may also facilitate earlier, prehospital administration as well as a number of other new applications," Lee added.
If successful in advancing transdermal tirofiban, the company also looks to expand the development and application of the product by providing platelet inhibition to patients who have been required to stop use of oral platelet inhibitors prior to surgery.
In addition, 4P Therapeutis has entered into an agreement with the company’s subsidiary, Medicure International, to further develop transdermal tirofiban.
Medicure president and chief operating officer Dawson Reimer said, "Patent and regulatory protection for transdermal tirofiban also provides opportunity for the Company to realize value both in and outside of the U.S. market."