BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Eptifibatide is a cyclic heptapeptide derived from a protein found in the venom of the southeastern pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarus barbouri). It belongs to the class of the so called arginin-glycin-aspartat-mimetics and reversibly binds to platelets. Eptifibatide has a short half-life. The drug is the third inhibitor of GPIIb/IIIa that has found broad acceptance after the specific antibody abciximab and the non-peptide tirofiban entered the global market.

CLINICAL USE

Treating unstable angina (chest pain) or certain types of heart attacks. It may also be used to treat patients undergoing a certain type of procedure (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]), for myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome

MODE OF ACTION

Eptifibatide is a platelet aggregation inhibitor. It works by preventing blood platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots.

STRUCTURE: