cangrelor

Cangrelor is a potent, selective, and reversible intravenous P2Y12 platelet receptor antagonist used as an antiplatelet agent. It inhibits adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet activation and aggregation by directly binding to the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, thereby preventing further signaling and platelet activation. Unlike oral irreversible inhibitors such as clopidogrel and ticlopidine, cangrelor provides a rapid onset of action within minutes of administration and has a very short half-life (approximately 3–6 minutes), allowing for quick offset of effect after discontinuation. Cangrelor is primarily indicated as an adjunct to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary artery disease who have not been treated with another P2Y12 inhibitor or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, reducing the risk of myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and stent thrombosis during PCI[1][4][5][7]. It does not require metabolic activation and is rapidly deactivated by dephosphorylation in circulation[1][5].

Brand names

Kengreal

Other names

cangrelor tetrasodium