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Updated: Apr 3, 2026

Author Spotlight: Developing Parmodulins to Target Protease-Activated Receptors for Inflammation Control
Published on: May 24, 2024
Platelet thrombin receptor antagonism with vorapaxar: pharmacology and clinical trial development
Francesco Franchi1, Fabiana Rollini1, Yongwhi Park1
1University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA.
Abstract:
Oral antiplatelet therapies for secondary prevention of ischemic recurrences in patients with atherosclerotic disease manifestations include aspirin and P2Y12 receptor antagonists. Despite the use of these therapies, patients remain at risk for recurrent ischemic events, which may be attributed to other platelet signaling pathways which continue to be activated. More intense antithrombotic strategies have been investigated, including identifying additional targets to modulate platelet activation. Among these, thrombin-mediated platelet activation through PAR-1 has been subject to broad clinical investigation. Vorapaxar is the only PAR-1 receptor antagonists that completed large-scale clinical investigations and is approved for clinical use. This manuscript provides an overview of the pharmacology and clinical trial development of vorapaxar as well as its role in clinical practice.
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