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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms
Published on: December 9, 2015
Clopidogrel resistance.
Ernesto Oqueli1, Martin Hiscock, Ronald Dick
1Epworth Hospital, Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. ernestoo@epworth.org.au
Clopidogrel resistance, defined as low platelet inhibition, is inconsistently characterized. Emerging evidence suggests it may indicate a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events post-intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Clopidogrel resistance describes reduced platelet inhibition after administration.
- Inconsistent definitions and characterization complicate research.
- Underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept and implications of clopidogrel resistance.
- To highlight the association between clopidogrel resistance and adverse cardiovascular events.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies defining and investigating clopidogrel resistance.
- Analysis of reported associations between platelet inhibition levels and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Diverse nomenclature and definitions exist for clopidogrel resistance.
- Recent studies suggest a link between reduced platelet inhibition and increased adverse events after percutaneous coronary interventions.
- No large prospective studies confirm this direct relationship.
Conclusions:
- Clopidogrel resistance may serve as a marker for increased cardiovascular risk.
- Further large-scale investigations are necessary to validate these findings.
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