Eli Lilly’s anti-platelet drug Efient has been given the nod by UK healthcare watchdog NICE for more widespread use, pending a final review. 

The health technology assessor has issued draft guidance recommending Efient (prasugrel) in combination with aspirin to prevent blood clots for patients who have previously had a heart attack, have unstable angina or are preparing for artery-widening surgery. 

In 2009, the drug won NICE approval for high-risk patients who were both undergoing surgery and had a history of heart attack or angina. Now it is likely to expand in use as an anti-clotting agent alone. 

Director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation at NICE, Professor Carole Longson, confirms: “The draft guidance now recommends prasugrel as an option for more people with acute coronary syndromes than our previous guidance.” 

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmafile.com/news/188495/lilly-s-efient-tipped-expanded-nice-approval