Blood thinner Prasugrel approved by European Commission

Prasugrel, made by Eli Lilly and Co. in a joint with Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., was approved for heart patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing an artery-opening procedure. The condition includes heart attacks and chest pain. The drug is aimed at decreasing the platelets' capacity to stick or bundle up together, which can result in arteries clogging, which in its turn could lead to a heart attack. The European Commission granted marketing authorization for the blood thinner prasugrel, which will be sold under the name Efient. According to the company, the drug will be launched "in the coming weeks." - eNews