Practical issues of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibition: saving lives and saving money

Abciximab is a monoclonal, human chimeric antibody with unique pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and receptor-specificity that distinguishes it from the small-molecule platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors. Abciximab has consistent, well-defined dosing and robust clinical results. Pooled data across abciximab trials comprising 9290 patients at maximum duration of follow-up demonstrates a 19% reduction in the relative risk of mortality (P =.003). There is a misperception of the cost of abciximab that focuses solely on the acquisition price of the drug. Cost-effectiveness analysis models compare the incremental improvement in clinical outcomes related to the increase in cost. Abciximab is extremely cost-effective in cost per life-year saved and is very attractive economically compared to alternative spending of health care dollars.