SC-49992--a potent and specific inhibitor of platelet aggregation

Fibrinogen binding is required for platelet aggregation and subsequent thrombus formation. SC-49992 (SC), an RGDF mimetic, is a potent and specific inhibitor of the binding of fibrinogen to its receptor on activated platelets, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (IC50 0.7 microM). SC was more potent (1-5 microM) than either RGDS, RGDF or the gamma chain dodecapeptide in blocking platelet aggregation to a variety of agonists in both dog and human platelet rich plasma. SC was more potent as an inhibitor of GP IIb/IIIa on platelets than it was against other integrin and non-integrin receptors, including the RGD-dependent vitronectin receptor and other non-RGD-dependent integrins such as CDII/CD18. SC had little effect on ristocetin induced agglutination. SC blocked ex vivo collagen induced aggregation in dogs and collagen induced thrombocytopenia in rats. These data suggest that elimination of the Arg-NH2 and the Arg-Gly amide bond of RGDF provided increased inhibitory potency and specificity. This structural modification may be of value in the development of other more potent RGDF mimetics for the inhibition of platelet aggregation.