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Drug maker AstraZeneca is to attempt to prove the long-term safety and efficacy profile of blood thinner Brilique by involving 21,000 patients in a trial, it has confirmed.
The pharmaceutical giant said the Pegasus-Timi 54 study will involve patients who have had a heart attack between one and three years before taking part.
It is aimed at finding out whether a combination of Brilinta (ticagrelor) and aspirin will cut the risk of further cardiovascular problems compared to just aspirin alone.
According to the group, the study will start sometime during the fourth quarter of this year.
According to Reuters, if the study proves a success, AstraZeneca could generate peak sales of around $2 billion (£1.26 billion).
Approval for the drug is expected in Europe, shortly after the European Medicines Agency backed the drug for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes.
In the US, a review that is currently being carried out should be over by mid-December.
Copyright Press Association 2010
