Prasugrel is a third-generation thienopyridine antiplatelet agent that inhibits platelet aggregation by irreversibly blocking the P2Y12 ADP receptor. It was developed to provide more consistent and rapid platelet inhibition than earlier drugs like clopidogrel, addressing issues of variability in patient response. Introduced in the late 2000s, prasugrel emerged from research aimed at reducing thrombotic events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and those with acute coronary syndromes. Its development reflects a broader trend in cardiovascular pharmacology toward more potent, fast-acting antiplatelet therapies, balancing efficacy with the risk of bleeding, and it continues to be an important option in managing high-risk cardiovascular patients.
