Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic assessment of a novel, pharmaceutical lipid-aspirin complex: results of a randomized, crossover, bioequivalence study

Using aspirin to prevent and treat cancer

This review will discuss evidence that aspirin possesses anticancer activity. Long-term observational retrospective studies on nurses and health professionals demonstrated that regular aspirin users had a significantly lower incidence of colorectal cancer (RCT). Prospective studies on patients with a high risk of developing colorectal polyps/cancer confirmed that aspirin use significantly lowered colorectal dysplasia. Numerous observational studies focused on the use of aspirin in a broad range of cancers demonstrating a consistent 20-30% preventive effect on cancer incidence and mortality. Random Controlled Trials provided conflicting results on the benefit of aspirin in preventing CRC. Based on the age, weight/body size of the subjects for reasons still being explored. Studies on rats/mice further demonstrated that treatment of animals with aspirin where colon cancer was induced chemically or genetically (APCMin mice) reduced colonic dysplasia and polyp formation. Aspirin treatment was also effective at reducing the growth of cancer cells transplanted into normal/immunocompromised mice, suggesting that aspirin may be effective in treating different cancers. This possibility is also supported in clinical studies that aspirin use pre- and postcancer diagnosis significantly reduced the metastatic spread of cancer and increased patient survival. Lastly, the importance of the antiplatelet actions of aspirin in the drug's anticancer activity and specifically cancer metastatic spread is discussed and the current controversy related to the conflicting recommendations of the USPSTF over the past five years on the use of aspirin to prevent CRC.

Salicylate induces AMPK and inhibits c-MYC to activate a NRF2/ARE/miR-34a/b/c cascade resulting in suppression of colorectal cancer metastasis

Aspirin and its active metabolite salicylate have emerged as promising agents for the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). Moreover, aspirin suppresses the progression of established CRCs. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. Here we found that salicylate induces the expression of the miR-34a and miR-34b/c genes, which encode tumor suppressive microRNAs, in a p53-independent manner. Salicylate activated AMPK, thereby activating NRF2, which directly induced miR-34a/b/c expression via ARE motifs. In addition, salicylate suppressed c-MYC, a known repressor of NRF2-mediated transactivation, via activating AMPK. The suppression of c-MYC by salicylate was necessary for NRF2-mediated activation of miR-34a/b/c. Inactivation of miR-34a/b/c largely abrogated the inhibitory effects of salicylate on migration, invasion and metastasis formation by CRC cells. In the future, aspirin and its derivates may be used therapeutically to activate miR-34a and miR-34b/c in tumors that have lost p53.

An update on novel therapies for treating patients with arterial thrombosis

INTRODUCTION

Antithrombotic therapy field is undergoing rapid and significant changes during the past decade. In addition to new therapeutic strategies with existing targets, investigators are exploring the potential use of new targets to address unmet needs to treat patients with arterial diseases.

AREAS COVERED

We aim to provide an update on and a comprehensive review of the antithrombic agents that are being explored in patients with arterial diseases. We discuss latest developments with respect to upstream antiplatelet agents, and collagen and thrombin pathway inhibitors. We searched PubMed databases for English language articles using keywords: antiplatelet agents, thrombin pathway inhibitors, collagen receptors, arterial disease.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite implementation of potent P2Y12 inhibitors, there are numerous unmet needs in the treatment of arterial diseases including ceiling effect of currently available antiplatelet agents along with and an elevated risk of bleeding. The latter observations encouraged investigators to explore new targets that can attenuate the generation of platelet-fibrin clot formation and subsequent ischemic event occurrences with minimal effect on bleeding. These targets include collagen receptors on platelets and thrombin generation including FXa, FXIa, and FXIIa. In addition, investigators are studying novel antiplatelet agents/strategies to facilitate upstream therapy in high-risk patients.

Pharmacological Efficacy and Gastrointestinal Safety of Different Aspirin Formulations for Cardiovascular Prevention: A Narrative Review

Aspirin inhibits platelet function by irreversibly inhibiting the synthesis of thromboxane A2 (TxA2). Aspirin, at low doses, is widely used for cardiovascular prevention. Gastrointestinal discomfort, mucosal erosions/ulcerations and bleeding are frequent complications of chronic treatment. To reduce these adverse effects, different formulations of aspirin have been developed, including enteric-coated (EC) aspirin, the most widely used aspirin formulation. However, EC aspirin is less effective than plain aspirin in inhibiting TxA2 production, especially in subjects with high body weight. The inadequate pharmacological efficacy of EC aspirin is mirrored by lower protection from cardiovascular events in subjects weighing >70 kg. Endoscopic studies showed that EC aspirin causes fewer erosions of the gastric mucosa compared to plain aspirin (which is absorbed in the stomach) but causes mucosal erosions in the small intestine, where it is absorbed. Several studies demonstrated that EC aspirin does not reduce the incidence of clinically relevant gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Similar results were found for buffered aspirin. Although interesting, the results of experiments on the phospholipid-aspirin complex PL2200 are still preliminary. Considering its favorable pharmacological profile, plain aspirin should be the preferred formulation to be used for cardiovascular prevention.

Development of the PC-NSAID technology: From contact angle to Vazalore®

We describe strategies in drug development to reduce the gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). We then provide an overview of the experiments that led to the development of PC-NSAIDs, a novel family of NSAIDs associated with phosphatidylcholine (PC) that have reduced GI toxicity and full therapeutic activity. Furthermore, we describe the evidence showing: that the stomach possesses hydrophobic properties that are attributable to phospholipids lining the mucus gel layer; and that NSAIDs chemically associate with intrinsic PC, thereby attenuating the tissue's hydrophobic properties. Further, pre-associating NSAIDs with PC reduces the GI toxicity of these drugs, both in rodent ulcer models and in human subjects, without affecting the drugs' therapeutic activity. Finally, we discuss the commercialization and launch of Aspirin-PC, an over-the-counter (OTC) drug with the brand name Vazalore®.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of a novel phospholipid-aspirin complex liquid formulation and low dose enteric-coated aspirin: results from a prospective, randomized, crossover study

Low dose enteric-coated aspirin (EC-ASA) is routinely used for secondary cardiovascular event prevention. However, absorption of EC tablets is poor, which can result in subtherapeutic antiplatelet effects. Phospholipid-aspirin liquid filled capsules (PL-ASA) are a novel FDA-approved immediate-release formulation designed to reduce gastrointestinal (GI) injury by limiting direct contact with the stomach lining. We compared the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles of PL-ASA versus EC-ASA at a low dose. This randomized, open-label, crossover study assessed PK and PD following a single 81-mg dose of PL-ASA versus EC-ASA under fasting conditions in 36 volunteers without cardiovascular disease between 18 and 75 years of age. Volunteers were randomly assigned 1:1 to either PL-ASA then EC-ASA or vice versa with a minimum 14-day washout. Assessments included PK parameters for acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid, platelet aggregation in response to arachidonic acid (AA), and serum thromboxane B2 (TxB₂) assessments over 24 h. PL-ASA was rapidly absorbed. PL-ASA reached T_max 3 h earlier (1.01 vs. 4.00 h, p < 0.0001), with almost double the C_max (720 vs. 368 ng/mL, p < 0.0001) and overall 44% higher exposure of acetylsalicylic acid (AUC_0-t: 601 vs. 416 h*ng/mL, p = 0.0013) compared with EC-ASA. Within 1 h of dosing, PL-ASA achieved significantly lower residual platelet aggregation, which persisted for the full 24 h (median AA-LTA was 47% with PL-ASA vs. 80.5% with EC-ASA; p = 0.0022 at hour-24). Treatment with PL-ASA also resulted in significantly lower serum TxB₂ concentrations at each time point compared with EC-ASA (all p-values < 0.05). PL-ASA resulted in faster and more complete aspirin absorption paralleled by more prompt and potent platelet inhibition compared with EC-ASA after a single 81 mg dose. PL-ASA represents an attractive novel aspirin formulation for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events.

Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04811625.

A closer look at endothelial injury-induced platelet hyperactivity and the use of aspirin in the treatment of COVID infection

In this commentary, we make a case that the mechanism of COVID pathogenesis is related to virus-induced endothelial injury resulting in platelet activation and the formation of microthrombi both systemically and in cardiac and pulmnonary circulation which result in major causes of COVID morbidity and mortality. Aspirin by virtue of its irreversible inhibition of platelet COX-1, should reverse these platelet-induced pathogenic changes associated with COVID infection for the 6-9 day lifetime of the platelet. We also cite recent findings of a retrospective analysis that supports the use of low-dose (81 mg) aspirin to treat the symptoms associated with the early stages of COVID infection.

Antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention

Antiplatelet therapy is key to reducing local thrombotic complications and systemic ischaemic events among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), but it is inevitably associated with increased bleeding. The continuous refinement in stent technologies, together with the high incidence of ischaemic recurrences after PCI and the understanding of prognostic implications associated with bleeding, have led to a substantial evolution in antiplatelet treatment regimens over the past decades. Numerous investigations have been conducted to better stratify patients undergoing PCI according to their ischaemic and bleeding risks and to implement antithrombotic regimens accordingly. Evidence from these investigations have resulted in a number of antithrombotic treatment options as recommended by recent guidelines. In this State-of-the-Art review we provide the rationale, summarise the evidence, and discuss current and future directions of antiplatelet treatment regimens after PCI.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Profile of a Novel Phospholipid Aspirin Formulation

Aspirin is one of the most widely used medicines. Although aspirin is commonly utilized for the treatment of several medical conditions, its broadest uptake is for the prevention of recurrent ischemic events in patients with atherosclerotic disease. Its mechanism of action of inhibiting platelet activation via blockade of thromboxane A2 production is unique and is not covered by any other antiplatelet agents. While plain, uncoated, immediate-release aspirin is used in acute settings to help assure rapid absorption, enteric-coated aspirin formulations dominate current chronic use, particularly in North America, including for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. The unmet needs with current aspirin formulations include a high risk of gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events with plain aspirin, which enteric-coated formulations are not able to overcome, and subject to erratic absorption leading to reduced drug bioavailability. These observations underscore the need for aspirin formulations with a more favorable safety and efficacy profile. Phospholipid-aspirin complex (PL-ASA) is a novel formulation designed to address these needs. It is associated with reduced local acute GI injury compared with plain aspirin, and predictable absorption resulting in more reliable platelet inhibition compared with enteric-coated tablets. This review explores the rationale and pharmacologic profile of PL-ASA intended to address the unmet needs for aspirin therapy.

Aspirin for Primary Cardiovascular Prevention in Patients with Diabetes: Uncertainties and Opportunities

The use of the antiplatelet agent aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) was previously routinely recommended for the primary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with diabetes, but recent large-scale randomized trials have failed to demonstrate a sizeable net clinical benefit with a once-daily, low-dose (81–100 mg) regimen in this population. Previous pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies have suggested that the aspirin formulation (enteric-coated) and dosing schedule (once daily) studied in randomized trials for primary prevention of CV events defining contemporary clinical practice may not leverage the full potential of the drug, particularly in patients with diabetes. Indeed, the diabetic platelets bear characteristics that increase their thrombotic potential and alter their pharmacologic response to the drug. Consequently, the appropriateness of studying a uniform aspirin regimen in landmark primary prevention trials needs to be revisited. In this review, we present the evidence showing that diabetes not only increases baseline platelet reactivity, but also alters platelet response to aspirin through different mechanisms including a faster platelet turnover rate. Obesity, which is frequently associated with diabetes, also impacts its pharmacokinetics via an increase in distribution volume. Small-scale pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies have suggested that the relative aspirin resistance phenotype observed in patients with diabetes may be reversed with a twice-daily dosing schedule, and with nonenteric-coated aspirin formulations. Properly powered randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy and safety of aspirin dosing schedules and formulations tailored to the population of patients with diabetes are urgently required to optimize patient care.

Simultaneous improvement of physical stability, dissolution, bioavailability, and antithrombus efficacy of Aspirin and Ligustrazine through cocrystallization

A novel 1:1 cocrystal between two cardiovascular drugs, aspirin (ASA) and ligustrazine (tetramethylpyrazine, TMP) has been synthesized and characterized. The structure of this drug-drug cocrystal, ASA-TMP, was determined using single crystal X-ray crystallography. The ASA-TMP cocrystal exhibits a significantly reduced sublimation tendency than TMP. Importantly, cocrystallization simultaneously improves bioavailability of both parent drugs. This suggests the possibility of developing a more effective antithrombosis drug therapy given the synergistic pharmacological effects of the two parent drugs.

Bleeding avoidance strategies in percutaneous coronary intervention

For many years, bleeding has been perceived as an unavoidable consequence of strategies aimed at reducing thrombotic complications in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the paradigm has now shifted towards bleeding being recognized as a prognostically unfavourable event to the same extent as having a new or recurrent ischaemic or thrombotic complication. As such, in parallel with progress in device and drug development for PCI, there is clinical interest in developing strategies that maximize not only the efficacy but also the safety (for example, by minimizing bleeding) of any antithrombotic treatment or procedural aspect before, during or after PCI. In this Review, we discuss contemporary data and aspects of bleeding avoidance strategies in PCI, including risk stratification, timing of revascularization, pretreatment with antiplatelet agents, selection of vascular access, choice of coronary stents and antithrombotic treatment regimens.

Appraising the contemporary role of aspirin for primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events

INTRODUCTION

Although the role of aspirin for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has been disputed, its use in secondary ASCVD prevention is well established. Recent trials of primary prevention do not suggest a significant net benefit with aspirin, whereas accruing evidence supports adopting aspirin-free strategies in the context of potent P2Y₁₂ inhibition for the secondary prevention of selected patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

AREAS COVERED

This updated review aims at summarizing and appraising the pharmacological characteristics and the contemporary role of aspirin for the primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD.

EXPERT OPINION

Recent trials and metanalyses in the context of primary prevention highlighted a modest reduction in ischemic events with aspirin use, counterbalanced by a significant increase in bleeding events. However, ongoing studies on cancer prevention could modify the current paradigm of the unfavorable benefit-risk ratio of aspirin in patients with no overt ASCVD. Conversely, aspirin use is crucial for secondary ASCVD prevention, both in chronic and acute coronary syndromes. Nevertheless, after a brief period of dual antiplatelet therapy, patients at high bleeding risk may benefit from discontinuation of aspirin if a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor is used, hence reducing the bleeding risk with no rebound in thrombotic events.

Antithrombotic therapy in diabetes: which, when, and for how long?

Cardiovascular disease remains the main cause of mortality in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and also results in significant morbidity. Premature and more aggressive atherosclerotic disease, coupled with an enhanced thrombotic environment, contributes to the high vascular risk in individuals with DM. This prothrombotic milieu is due to increased platelet activity together with impaired fibrinolysis secondary to quantitative and qualitative changes in coagulation factors. However, management strategies to reduce thrombosis risk remain largely similar in individuals with and without DM. The current review covers the latest in the field of antithrombotic management in DM. The role of primary vascular prevention is discussed together with options for secondary prevention following an ischaemic event in different clinical scenarios including coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral artery diseases. Antiplatelet therapy combinations as well as combination of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents are examined in both the acute phase and long term, including management of individuals with sinus rhythm and those with atrial fibrillation. The difficulties in tailoring therapy according to the variable atherothrombotic risk in different individuals are emphasized, in addition to the varying risk within an individual secondary to DM duration, presence of complications and predisposition to bleeding events. This review provides the reader with an up-to-date guide for antithrombotic management of individuals with DM and highlights gaps in knowledge that represent areas for future research, aiming to improve clinical outcome in this high-risk population.

The Future of Aspirin Therapy in Cardiovascular Disease

Much has been written about the demise of aspirin (ASA) but reports of its death are premature. The drug remains one of the most widely prescribed by physicians worldwide. It is cheap, familiar, and effective for a variety of uses, including in patients with acute or prior myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, peripheral artery disease, and percutaneous or surgical revascularization procedures, as well as for use for pain and fever relief. Beyond physician prescription or recommendation, over the counter use of ASA is common, including for primary cardiovascular prevention, though this decision really should involve a discussion of risks and benefits with a physician. ASA is an essential member of the duo that makes up dual antiplatelet therapy (a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor plus ASA) and also dual pathway inhibition (vascular dose rivaroxaban plus ASA), and data for both approaches are growing. Furthermore, research is ongoing as to the optimal dosing frequency (once vs twice daily), potentially safer gastrointestinal delivery, and possibly more effective formulations in terms of platelet inhibition. One goal of ASA research is to try to reduce bleeding complications that are a risk with all anti-thrombotic therapies. Although its exact roles will continue to evolve, the future for ASA remains bright.

Antithrombotic Management of Elderly Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Antithrombotic therapy represents the mainstay of treatment in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), including elderly patients who are at increased risk for ischemic recurrences. However, the elderly population is also more vulnerable to bleeding complications. Numerous mechanisms, including abnormalities in the vasculature, thrombogenicity, comorbidities, and altered drug response, contribute to both increased thrombotic and bleeding risk. Age-related organ changes and drug-drug interactions secondary to polypharmacy lead to distinct pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of antithrombotic drugs. Overall these factors contribute to the risk-benefit profiles of antithrombotic therapies in elderly subjects and underscore the need for treatment regimens that can reduce bleeding while preserving efficacy. Given that the prevalence of CAD, as well as concomitant diseases with thromboembolic potential, such as atrial fibrillation, increases with age and that the elderly population is in continuous growth, understanding the safety and efficacy of different antithrombotic regimens is pivotal for patient-centered care. In the present overview the authors appraise the available data on the use of antithrombotic therapy in older patients with CAD to assist with the management of this high-risk population and define knowledge gaps that can set the basis for future research.

The Influence of Lipid Excipients on Platelet Function and the Pharmacodynamic Effects of Aspirin

ABSTRACT

The combination of pharmaceutical lipid excipients with aspirin in a novel liquid oral formulation (Vazalore) limits gastrointestinal toxicity of aspirin. This study was performed to determine whether the lipid excipients influence the pharmacodynamic effects of aspirin and determine whether the excipients directly affect platelet function. The pharmacodynamic effects of aspirin were assessed over a range of concentrations designed to exert limited to maximal inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX1) necessary for thromboxane A2 production. Platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid and assessed with the use of light transmission aggregometry (LTA) was used as a direct measure of the inhibition of COX1 by aspirin. Flow cytometry was used to assess the direct effect of excipients on platelet function. Twice the ratio of lipid excipient to aspirin used in the formulation of the novel oral agent was used. Blood was taken from 20 healthy subjects and anticoagulated with trisodium citrate (3.2%, 1:10 v/v). Aspirin and excipients were added in vitro and incubated for 10 minutes before performance of LTA and flow cytometry. The excipients did not limit the pharmacodynamic effects of aspirin. When the extent of inhibition of platelet aggregation was limited, the excipients tended to enhance pharmacodynamic effects. The excipients did not activate platelets in the absence of agonist and did not alter activation of platelets in response to adenosine diphosphate, arachidonic acid, thrombin, or convulxin (a collagen mimetic). Lipid excipients used in an oral formulation of aspirin do not impair the pharmacodynamic effects of aspirin and do not alter platelet function.

Bioavailability of aspirin in fasted and fed states of a novel pharmaceutical lipid aspirin complex formulation

Dyspeptic symptoms are common with aspirin and clinicians frequently recommend that it be taken with food to reduce these side effects. However, food can interfere with absorption, especially with enteric-coated aspirin formulations. We evaluated whether food interferes with the bioavailability of a new, pharmaceutical lipid-aspirin complex (PL-ASA) liquid-filled capsule formulation. In this randomized, open label, crossover study, 20 healthy volunteers fasted for ≥ 10 h and then randomized as either "fasted", receiving 650 mg of PL-ASA, or as "fed", with a standard high-fat meal and 650 mg of PL-ASA 30 min later. After a washout of 7 days, participants crossed over to the other arm. The primary outcome was comparison of PK parameters of the stable aspirin metabolite salicylic acid (SA) between fasted and fed states. Mean age of participants was 36.8 years and 55% were male. The ratios for the fed to fasted states of the primary SA PK parameters of AUC_0-t and AUC_0-∞ were 88.7% and 88.8% respectively, with 90% confidence intervals between 80 and 125%, which is consistent with FDA bioequivalence guidance. Mean peak SA concentration was about 22% lower and occurred about 1.5 h later in the fed state. Food had a modest effect on peak SA levels and the time required to reach them after PL-ASA administration, but did not impact the extent of exposure (AUC) compared with intake in a fasted state. These data demonstrate that PL-ASA may be co-administered with food without significant impact on aspirin bioavailability.Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.clinicaltrials.gov Unique Identifier: NCT01244100.

Antithrombotic Therapy for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Mitigation in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease and Diabetes Mellitus

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are characterized by enhanced thrombotic risk attributed to multiple mechanisms including hyperreactive platelets, hypercoagulable status, and endothelial dysfunction. As such, they are more prone to atherosclerotic cardiovascular events than patients without DM, both before and after coronary artery disease (CAD) is established. In patients with DM without established CAD, primary prevention with aspirin is not routinely advocated because of its increased risk of major bleeding that largely offsets its ischemic benefit. In patients with DM with established CAD, secondary prevention with antiplatelet drugs is an asset of pharmacological strategies aimed at reducing the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events and their adverse prognostic consequences. Such antithrombotic strategies include single antiplatelet therapy (eg, with aspirin or a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor), dual antiplatelet therapy (eg, aspirin combined with a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor), and dual-pathway inhibition (eg, aspirin combined with the vascular dose of the direct oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban) for patients with chronic ischemic heart disease, acute coronary syndromes, and those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Because of their increased risk of thrombotic complications, patients with DM commonly achieve enhanced absolute benefit from more potent antithrombotic approaches compared with those without DM, which most often occurs at the expense of increased bleeding. Nevertheless, studies have shown that when excluding individuals at high risk for bleeding, the net clinical benefit favors the use of intensified long-term antithrombotic therapy in patients with DM and CAD. Several studies are ongoing to establish the role of novel antithrombotic strategies and drug formulations in maximizing the net benefit of antithrombotic therapy for patients with DM. The scope of this review article is to provide an overview of current and evolving antithrombotic strategies for primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in patients with CAD and DM.

Trial Design Principles for Patients at High Bleeding Risk Undergoing PCI: JACC Scientific Expert Panel

Investigating the balance of risk for thrombotic and bleeding events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is especially relevant for patients at high bleeding risk (HBR). The Academic Research Consortium for HBR recently proposed a consensus definition in an effort to standardize the patient population included in HBR trials. The aim of this consensus-based document, the second initiative from the Academic Research Consortium for HBR, is to propose recommendations to guide the design of clinical trials of devices and drugs in HBR patients undergoing PCI. The authors discuss the designs of trials in HBR patients undergoing PCI and various aspects of trial design specific to HBR patients, including target populations, intervention and control groups, primary and secondary outcomes, and timing of endpoint reporting.

Sulindac plus a phospholipid is effective for polyp reduction and safer than sulindac alone in a mouse model of colorectal cancer development

Background

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and sulindac are effective for colorectal cancer prevention in humans and some animal models, but concerns over gastro-intestinal (GI) ulceration and bleeding limit their potential for chemopreventive use in broader populations. Recently, the combination of aspirin with a phospholipid, packaged as PL-ASA, was shown to reduce GI toxicity in a small clinical trial. However, these studies were done for relatively short periods of time. Since prolonged, regular use is needed for chemopreventive benefit, it is important to know whether GI safety is maintained over longer use periods and whether cancer prevention efficacy is preserved when an NSAID is combined with a phospholipid.

Methods

As a first step to answering these questions, we treated seven to eight-week-old, male and female C57B/6 Apc^min/+ mice with the NSAID sulindac, with and without phosphatidylcholine (PC) for 3-weeks. At the end of the treatment period, we evaluated polyp burden, gastric toxicity, urinary prostaglandins (as a marker of sulindac target engagement), and blood chemistries.

Results

Both sulindac and sulindac-PC treatments resulted in significantly reduced polyp burden, and decreased urinary prostaglandins, but sulindac-PC treatment also resulted in the reduction of gastric lesions compared to sulindac alone.

Conclusions

Together these data provide pre-clinical support for combining NSAIDs with a phospholipid, such as phosphatidylcholine to reduce GI toxicity while maintaining chemopreventive efficacy.

Evolving paradigms in antithrombotic therapy for anticoagulated patients undergoing coronary stenting

A sizable proportion of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation have an indication for treatment with oral anticoagulant therapy (OAC). The coexistence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the need for PCI expose patients to a higher risk of developing thrombotic complications, and a multitargeted antithrombotic treatment strategy, addressing both platelet- and coagulation-mediated triggering mechanisms of thrombosis, is necessary for ensuring full protection from ischemic hazards. The increased bleeding risk identified with triple antithrombotic therapy has driven the search for alternative treatment modalities and pharmacological combination strategies aimed at achieving an optimal balance between safety and efficacy in this complex clinical scenario. Over a short time period, the paradigms surrounding the management of patients undergoing PCI who require OAC have substantially evolved. In this review, we summarize and critically evaluate the results of recent randomized clinical trials investigating the pharmacological management of patients who, in addition to antiplatelet therapy, have an indication for OAC treatment before or at the time of a PCI procedure.