Is an anti-clotting injection selatogrel effective for patients suffering from heart attacks?

This study examined how fast and effective a dose of an anti-clotting injection, selatogrel, was for patients suffering from heart attacks. The authors found that both doses were effective by 30 minutes, but the high dose worked faster.

At the beginning of a heart attack, patients should be given anti-clotting medication. This helps to stop the heart attack and prevent subsequent attacks over a short period. It can also prevent permanent damage to the heart muscle. Tablet anti-clotting medication is effective but can be slow to take effect. 

Selatogrel is an anti-clotting injection that reaches the bloodstream faster so it should take effect more quickly. It is unclear which dose of selatogrel is most safe and effective for patients with a heart attack.

47 patients suffering from a heart attack were either given a low dose (8 mg) of selatogrel (24 patients) or a high dose (16 mg; 23 patients). All patients then received a tablet anti-clotting medication such as ticagrelor (Brilique) or clopidogrel (Plavix). Patients’ responses were measured for up to 48 hours.

15 minutes after treatment, selatogrel was effective for 75% of patients in the low-dose group and 91% of patients in the high-dose group. 30 minutes after treatment, selatogrel was effective for 91% of patients in the low-dose group and 96% of patients in the high-dose group. 60 minutes after treatment, selatogrel was effective for 78% of patients in the low-dose group and 96% of patients in the high-dose group.

Gender, age, type of heart attack, and time from heart attack beginning to treatment made no difference to patients’ results. Similarly, body mass index, having diabetes mellitus, or kidney disease made no difference to patients’ results.

50% of the low-dose group and 35% of the high dose group experienced side effects. The most common side effect was rapid, irregular heartbeats. 1 patient in the low-dose group experienced a minor bleed following treatment.

The authors concluded that selatogrel is a safe and rapidly effective treatment for patients suffering from heart attacks.

This study would benefit from including more patients. No placebo was included in the study so bias may have occurred.