After a decade-long battle, the FDA approved blood clot preventer Cangrelor by Medicines Co's.
Also known as Kengreal, it is an intravenous antiplatelet drug that prevents formation of harmful blood clots in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart.
It is approved for adult patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a procedure used to open a blocked or narrowed coronary artery to improve blood flow to the heart muscle.
By preventing platelets from accumulating, Kengreal reduces the risk of serious clotting complications related to the procedure, including heart attack and clotting of the stent, the FDA explained.
According to Reuters, Medicines Co has spend $200 million developing the drug, including two trials that were unsuccessful.
