Impact of eptifibatide on early ischemic events in acute ischemic coronary syndromes: a review of the IMPACT II trial. Integrilin to Minimize Platelet Aggregation and Coronary Thrombosis.

Formation of platelet-rich thrombus superimposed on ruptured atherosclerotic plaque has been implicated in the development of myocardial ischemia and its clinical manifestations. The platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa receptor is the final common pathway leading to platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. GP IIb-IIIa is therefore a logical therapeutic target for management of acute ischemic coronary syndromes and prevention of the ischemic complications of percutaneous coronary procedures. Of the pharmaceutical agents under development, the chimeric monoclonal antibody abciximab (ReoPro) and the cyclic peptide eptifibatide (INTEGRILIN) are the most studied. IMPACT II (Integrilin to Minimize Platelet Aggregation and Coronary Thrombosis), the phase III evaluation of eptifibatide in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of this GP IIb-IIIa receptor inhibitor in reducing the acute adverse outcomes of invasive management of ischemic heart disease. GP IIb-IIIa receptor blockade provides an effective strategy for prevention of ischemic complications related to angioplasty in patients with coronary artery disease.