Eptifibatide

First published: August 24, 2020

Eptifibatide is a synthetic peptide active pharmaceutical ingredient anticoagulant which was designed based upon a disintegrin protein found in the Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarus barbourin). Disintegrin proteins prevent coagulation of the blood by binding to the GPIIb-GPIIIa integrin receptors found on platelets. Originally developed by Cor Therapeutics, eptifibatide is a cyclic heptapeptide which contains the key Arg-Gly-Asp binding motif which helps to target this receptor. The analog contains a homoArg (Har) in place of Arg and also a des-amino Cys also known as mercaptopropionyl (Mpr) which forms a disulfide bond with the C-terminal Cys amide.

Eptifibatide is used to reduce the risk of acute cardiac ischemic events (specifically death and/or myocardial infarction) in patients with unstable angina or non-ST-segment-elevation (e.g., non-Q-wave) myocardial infarction (i.e., non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes) in both patients who will receive non-surgical (conservative) medical treatment and those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

The drug is usually applied in combination with aspirin or clopidogrel and heparin (low MW as well as unfractionated). Additionally, supportive treatment consisting of applications of nitrates, beta-blockers, opioid analgesics and/or benzodiazepines should be used as indicated. Angiographic evaluation and other intensive diagnostic procedures may be considered a first line task before initiating therapy with eptifibatide.

The drug should only be used in hospitalized patients because of the serious degree of patients’ illness and because of the possible side-effects of eptifibatide which can occur following administration. Ambiopharm is a commercial supplier of cGMP-grade eptifibatide. If you need this API, please contact our generic sales team.

Note: This post is informational and not intended as medical advice, please consult a doctor before trying any treatment.