Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of a Bolus and Infusion of Cangrelor: A Direct, Parenteral P2Y12 Receptor Antagonist

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of cangrelor administered as an intravenous bolus plus a continuous infusion in healthy volunteers. Twenty-two healthy volunteers are randomized to receive 1 of 2 intravenous cangrelor dosing regimens: a 15-/μg/kg bolus followed by a 2-μg/kg/ min infusion or a 30-μg/kg bolus followed by a 4-μg/kg/min infusion. The infusion is continued for 60 minutes, and serial blood samples are obtained for evaluation of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters. Administration of an intravenous bolus followed by a continuous infusion rapidly achieves maximum concentrations of cangrelor that are associated with extensive platelet inhibition within 2 minutes. Moreover, extensive platelet inhibition is maintained throughout the infusion period with near full recovery of platelet function within 60 to 90 minutes of terminating the infusion. The effect of high-dose cangrelor is more consistent and demonstrates a greater level of inhibition on adenosine diphosphate-induced P-selectin expression; however, no significant differences are observed between the 2 dosing regimens with regard to platelet aggregation or time to recovery of platelet function. Cangrelor administered as an intravenous bolus followed by a continuous infusion in healthy volunteers offers rapid and reversible inhibition of platelet function.