revacept

Revacept is a novel, lesion-directed antithrombotic drug designed to inhibit platelet adhesion and aggregation at sites of vascular injury without affecting systemic hemostasis. It is a recombinant fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of human glycoprotein VI (GPVI)—the primary collagen receptor on platelets—fused to the Fc fragment of human immunoglobulin. Revacept binds specifically to exposed collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins (such as fibronectin, vitronectin, and laminin) at sites of atherosclerotic plaque rupture or vascular injury. By masking these binding sites, it prevents circulating platelets from adhering to injured vessel walls and inhibits local thrombus formation. Unlike traditional antiplatelet agents, Revacept does not directly bind or block platelet surface receptors; thus, it preserves normal systemic platelet function and reduces bleeding risk. The drug has been investigated primarily for prevention of thromboembolic complications in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis and acute ischemic stroke[1][2][3][4][5][6]. Preclinical studies also suggest potential utility in cardiovascular medicine more broadly[5], with ongoing research into its possible role in cancer metastasis prevention. Revacept acts by shielding exposed collagen at the site of vascular injury or ruptured plaques from interaction with circulating platelets via GPVI as well as inhibiting von Willebrand factor binding locally[1][6][7]. This mechanism allows for targeted inhibition of pathological thrombosis while sparing physiological hemostasis—a key advantage over conventional antiplatelet drugs that increase bleeding risk[1][3]. Developed by advanceCOR, Revacept has completed phase I safety trials in healthy volunteers showing no significant effect on general hemostasis[2], as well as phase II trials in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis demonstrating reduced embolic events without increased bleeding complications[3].

Other names

GPVI-Fc fusion proteindimeric glycoprotein VI-Fc fusion protein