Angiomax works just as well as heparin: study

By Debra Sherman

CHICAGO (Reuters) - As the commonly used blood thinner heparin is recalled around the world and some doctors worry about shortages, researchers say the anti-clotting drug Angiomax works just as well.

A study released on Saturday found the two drugs worked about the same in low- to moderate-risk patients in preventing death, heart attack and the need to repeat medical intervention on a diseased blood vessel. The study, which was paid for by Nycomed Pharma of Germany, did not include high-risk patients.

"They are not that much different," said Dr. Adrian Kastrati, who led the study and presented the findings at a joint meeting of the American College of Cardiology and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions in Chicago.

Angiomax, generically known as bivalirudin and made by the Medicines Cos, is far more expensive than heparin, produced by Baxter International Inc.

Kastrati said the premium price tag doesn't mean Angiomax is a superior product.

Angiomax may be a better alternative for those patients who are at a high-risk for bleeding, he said, because heparin caused more bleeding.

But "there should be a thorough investigation to identify those subgroups of patients who would benefit from one drug or the other," Kastrati said in an interview.

It could be that heparin is better for those at risk of restricted blood supply to the heart, while Angiomax works best for those at risk for bleeding, he said.