Eptifibatide

Eptifibatide is a cyclical heptapeptide with anticoagulant activity. Eptifibatide selectively and reversibly binds to and blocks the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor. This prevents the binding of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and other adhesive ligands and leads to an inhibition of platelet aggregation and prevents thrombus development. It is an efficient peptide drug to reduce the risk of cardiac ischemic events, however has a short half-life. Therefore, antithrombotic agents like eptifibatide are required to become improved with a protected and targeted delivery system such as using nano-liposomes to the site of thrombus.