Comparative fasting bioavailability of two clopidogrel formulations in healthy Mediterranean volunteers: an in vitro-in vivo correlation

Comparative Bioequivalence Study of 2 Clopidogrel 75-mg Tablet Formulations in Moroccan Volunteers

This study investigates the pharmacokinetic properties and bioequivalence of 2 formulations of clopidogrel tablets administered to a cohort of healthy Moroccan male volunteers. The primary objective was to assess the rate and extent of drug absorption from the test formulation in comparison to a reference formulation, focusing on critical parameters including maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to the last measurable time (AUC0-t), and area under the concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC0-∞). The results revealed that the geometric mean ratios of Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ for the test formulation relative to the reference formulation were 105.7%, 105.6%, and 105.6%, respectively. The 90% confidence intervals for these parameters fell within the predefined bioequivalence range of 80%-125%, indicating a statistically and clinically equivalent performance between the 2 formulations. This investigation sheds light on the pharmacokinetic behavior of clopidogrel in the context of the Moroccan male population, offering valuable insights into the comparability of formulations.

Dosage optimization of clopidogrel via a precision medicine approach: the way forward

Clopidogrel is a prodrug chiefly metabolized by the hepatic isoenzyme CYP2C19 to its active metabolite that inhibits the platelet aggregation. It has been proven in many populations that the genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19 has influence on the pharmacokinetic and or pharmacodynamics of this drug and resulting in high inter-individual variability in the treatment outcomes. As CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism is highly prevalent among the Asian population, the influence of the same on the pharmacokinetics and; thereby, the pharmacodynamics of clopidogrel needs more attention. Using the pharmacogenetic information for drug therapy could help overcome these issues and to optimize the dosage regimen of clopidogrel, this review advocates the precision medicine approach for reducing the clopidogrel resistance and adverse cardiovascular events.

Clinical pharmacodynamics and long-term efficacy of Talcom vs. Plavix in patients undergoing coronary stent implantation: a randomized study with 5-year follow-up

PURPOSE

Form II clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix) has been extensively used in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, the efficacy of form I clopidogrel bisulfate (Talcom) was less investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Talcom compared with Plavix.

METHOD

Two hundred and forty-eight patients were recruited after receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Participants were randomly assigned to Talcom or Plavix group, and administered with Talcom or Plavix 75 mg od respectively in combination with aspirin 100 mg od for 12 months. Primary endpoints were set as levels of adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation (PL_ADP) on the 5th day and at 1 month after randomization. Patients were followed-up for 5 years. Bleeding events and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and cardiogenic re-admission were recorded.

RESULTS

On the 5th day and at 1 month after randomization, the antiplatelet effect of Talcom was non-inferior to that of Plavix [PL_ADP (5th day): 30% (22%, 43%) vs. 33% (22%, 44%), p = 0.007; PL_ADP (1 month): 29% (19%, 43%) vs. 31% (22%, 43%), p = 0.005]. A total of 208 patients completed the follow-up, the incidences of MACE and bleeding were both comparable, and the MACE-free survival did not differ between the two groups. However, the expenditure was 32% lower for Talcom compared to Plavix during the treatment period.

CONCLUSIONS

The antiplatelet effect of Talcom is non-inferior to Plavix, and the clinical efficacy and safety of Talcom and Plavix at 5 years were not significantly different in this study.

Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Antiplatelet agents have for decades been used to improve outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes and have become increasingly valued, not only for their antithrombotic properties but also for their anti-inflammatory effects. The drug class continues to evolve as novel agents with increasingly efficacious antiplatelet actions are identified. This review will discuss antiplatelet agents, including aspirin, the P2Y₁₂ receptor antagonists and the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, that are currently used to treat patients with unstable angina and myocardial infarction, focusing on their pharmacological properties and the clinical evidence supporting their use.