Abstract
Abciximab is the first of a new class of therapeutic agents that specifically block the function of the platelet cell adhesion receptor, glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa and the subsequent platelet aggregation that contributes to thrombosis. Abciximab displays high avidity for the GPIIb/IIIa receptor, which results in a prolonged platelet-bound half-life, and a sustained duration of platelet inhibition resulting from the redistribution and equilibration of abciximab molecules among circulating platelets at gradually diminishing levels of GPIIb/IIIa receptor occupancy. In contrast to its extended platelet bound life-span, unbound abciximab is cleared rapidly (half-life <10 min) after an intravenous bolus dose. Nevertheless, a subsequent continuous infusion that maintains relatively low concentrations of free abciximab (50 to 100 ng/ml) sustains the pharmacologic GPIIb/IIIa receptor blockade throughout the duration of treatment. In addition, abciximab also interacts with other potentially important biological targets. The agent binds with equal affinity to the other β3 containing integrin, the vitronectin (αvβ3) receptor, and more weakly to the leukocyte Mac-1 receptor. The high avidity and multi-receptor specificity of abciximab are consistent both short- and long-term therapeutic benefits in patients with acute coronary syndromes.
Keywords
Abciximab - glycoprotein IIb/IIIa