ecraprost

Ecraprost (brand name Circulase) is a small molecule prodrug of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) encapsulated in lipid microspheres, developed by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. It was designed to treat critical leg ischemia (CLI), the most advanced stage of peripheral arterial disease, by targeting the prostaglandin E receptor pathway. The drug's mechanism involves potent vasodilation and the stimulation of angiogenesis to improve perfusion in ischemic extremities. Although it reached Phase 3 clinical development in the United States, trials evaluating ecraprost as both a monotherapy and an adjunct to revascularization failed to meet primary endpoints, such as improving amputation-free survival, leading to the discontinuation of its development for this indication.

Brand names

Circulase

Other names

lipo-ecraprostEcraprost in lipid emulsion