ABCIXIMAB: a new antiaggregant used in angioplasty.
OBJECTIVE
To review the scientific literature on the pharmacology and clinical uses of abciximab.


METHODS
MEDLINE, Index Medicus, and bibliographic literature searches of English-language articles pertaining to abciximab, 7E3, m7E3, and c7E3 were performed. Eli Lilly also provided unpublished results of the Evaluation of 7E3 for the Prevention of Ischemic Complications trial.


METHODS
The selection of data presented focused on controlled trials using abciximab at doses currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration.


RESULTS
Abciximab is a humanized chimeric Fab fragment of 7E3. 7E3 is a murine antibody directed against the integrin glycoprotein IIb)/IIIa receptor (GPIIb/IIIa) located on platelets. These receptors play an integral part in platelet aggregation by allowing fibrinogen to bind to them and interconnect platelets. When administered intravenously, abciximab binds to GPIIb/IIIa and hinders platelet aggregation. Bleeding times and activated clotting times are increased and the platelets' response to adenosine diphosphate is reduced with the use of abciximab. Clinical trials have indicated that abciximab can reduce the incidence of abrupt closure and restenosis associated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) performed in high-risk patients. Clinical trials also suggest that abciximab may have a role in the treatment of unstable angina and the acute therapy of myocardial infarctions. Complications associated with abciximab include bleeding and thrombocytopenia. The thrombocytopenia is likely related to immunologic mechanisms. In addition, the production of antimurine antibodies has been demonstrated with abciximab use. Abciximab is currently approved for the prevention of abrupt coronary closure associated with PTCA in patients at high risk for this event.


CONCLUSIONS
Abciximab is effective in preventing platelet aggregation and has been proven to be of clinical benefit in selected high-risk patients receiving PTCA.
Genetta
T B
TB
College of Pharmacy, University of Toledo, OH, USA.
Mauro
V F
VF
D000077284:Abciximab; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D000077284:Abciximab