anagrelide

Anagrelide is a small molecule platelet-reducing agent used primarily to treat essential thrombocythemia and other myeloproliferative neoplasms characterized by the overproduction of platelets. It works mainly by inhibiting the maturation of megakaryocytes into platelets, thereby reducing platelet counts in the blood. The exact mechanism is not fully understood but involves inhibition of phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A), which may contribute to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in certain cells. Anagrelide also inhibits adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and collagen-induced platelet aggregation at higher doses. It was first approved for use in the United States in 1997.

Brand names

AgrylinXagrid

Other names

anagrelide