Prasugrel reduces ischaemic infarct volume and ameliorates neurological deficits in a non-human primate model of middle cerebral artery thrombosis

- Prasugrel inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation in non-human primates.
- Prasugrel reduced ischaemic infarct volume in a thrombotic stroke model.
- Prasugrel also ameliorated neurological deficits in the same model.
- This non-human primate model of thrombotic stroke is useful for stroke research.

Several clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of thienopyridine monotherapy in ischaemic stroke patients. Non-human primate models of ischaemic stroke have been used for various antithrombotic agents; however, to the best of our knowledge, there is no data on the effects of P2Y12 antagonists in models, such as the thrombotic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) monkey model. Accordingly, it remains unclear what level of inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) is required for optimal treatment of ischaemic stroke. In the present study, we investigated the effects of prasugrel, a third-generation thienopyridine antiplatelet drug, on platelet aggregation, thrombus formation and cerebral infarct volume in a non-human primate model. Daily oral administration of prasugrel resulted in significant and stable platelet inhibitory effects on Day 3, with IPA values ranging from 31% to 36% at 0.3 mg/kg/day and from 44% to 50% at 1 mg/kg/day. These IPA levels encompassed values observed in clinical trials of clopidogrel, and were thus selected for further study. In the thrombotic MCAO model, prasugrel increased MCA patency in a dose-dependent manner and significantly reduced ischaemic infarct volume by approximately 70% at 0.3 mg/kg/day and 90% at 1 mg/kg/day without increasing haemorrhagic infarction. Prasugrel also significantly reduced neurological deficit scores by 60% at 0.3 mg/kg/day and 80% at 1 mg/kg/day. In conclusion, prasugrel treatment resulted in effective reduction of ischaemic infarction and an associated improvement in neurological function without increasing haemorrhagic infarction. These data suggest that prasugrel monotherapy would be effective for the prevention of thrombotic stroke.