New drug blocks formation of killer clots to prevent strokes and heart attacks

Four of the co-authors on the paper, L-R: Ms Natasha Setiabakti,
Associate Professor Justin Hamilton,(senior author)
Ms Nurul Aisha Zainal Abidin, Dr Mitch Moon

Monash researchers have found a potential drug that can be given as a preventive against heart attack.

The drug – which has been studied in human cells and animal models – literally blocks the minute changes in blood flow that precede a heart attack and acts on the platelets preventing the platelet-triggered clot from forming before it can kill or cause damage.

One-third of all deaths globally – 18 million a year - are caused by cardiovascular disease, largely heart attack or stroke, both of which are triggered by clots blocking the vessels in the brain or heart.