Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company announced that Effient (prasugrel), a new antiplatelet medicine, is now available in pharmacies across the United States.

The US Food and Drug Administration approved Effient tablets on July 10 for the reduction of thrombotic cardiovascular events (including stent thrombosis) in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who are managed with an artery-opening procedure known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). PCI usually includes the placement of a stent to help keep the artery open.

"Before Effient was available, physicians and patients had limited antiplatelet therapy options. Effient is a new treatment option to help reduce an ACS patient's risk of having a heart attack or stent thrombosis after PCI," said Dr. Dean Kereiakes, medical director at The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center in Cincinnati, OH. "Different patients respond differently to medications, so it's important to have multiple options for treating heart disease given how pervasive and costly this condition is in our society."

Effient helps keep blood platelets from clumping together and developing a blockage in an artery. Taking Effient along with aspirin after PCI has been shown to reduce the chances of having a cardiac event such as a heart attack or stent-related blood clots in patients with ACS. Bleeding is the most common side effect of Effient. Some bleeding can be life-threatening, and even fatal.

"We are excited about bringing Effient, to patients and their healthcare professionals," said Enrique Conterno, president of Lilly USA, LLC. "We will work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure they understand how Effient works and who the appropriate patients are to receive this innovative treatment."

"We recognize the need for practical patient support and education during this difficult time in patients' lives, following a major cardiovascular event and possibly having a stent placed in an artery," said Joe Pieroni, president and chief executive officer for Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. "We are dedicated to developing highly relevant, evidence-based programs to help patients recover as well as regain their health and confidence."

A global pharmaceutical innovator, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., was established in 2005 through the merger of two leading Japanese pharmaceutical companies. This integration created a more robust organization that allows for continuous development of novel drugs that enrich the quality of life for patients around the world.

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations.