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The evolution of platelet-directed pharmacotherapy

R C Becker1, S Smyth

  • 1Division of Hematology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC 27705, USA. becke021@mc.duke.edu

Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis : JTH
|July 28, 2009
PubMed

The evolution of platelet directed pharmacotherapy in the prevention and treatment of patients with thrombotic disorders is based soundly on a rapidly expanding knowledge of platelet biology. Traditionally viewed, throughout most of its relatively brief history in medicine, as an anucleate, passive contributor to hemostasis, a more contemporary perspective acknowledges platelets as complex, multidimensional cells that participate actively in coagulation, vascular repair, angiogenesis and thrombosis within the micro and the macro-circulatory systems. Herein, we consider platelet-directed pharmacotherapy from these fundamental, biology-based exemplars--megakaryocytes, signal transduction and the platelet--coagulation protease interface. We also highlight the emerging biopharmacology platform of oligonucleotide platelet adhesion antagonists and their complementary antidotes.

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