Sirolimus: A complementary antiplatelet drug?

Sirolimus-mediated inhibition of procoagulant platelet activity: underlying mechanisms and repurposing drug potential (Ms Kamila Sledz)

Whenever we get a cut or a wound, platelets come together to form a clot and stop the continued bleeding. However, sometimes clots can cause blockages inside the blood vessels, which can eventually cause a heart attack or a stroke. To prevent this happening again in people who’ve had a heart attack, doctors can prescribe antiplatelet drugs –such as aspirin and clopidogrel. In addition, stents, mesh tubes, are routinely used to widen blocked blood vessels. Dr Ingeborg Hers of the University of Bristol is studying a drug called sirolimus. Doctors coat stents with sirolimus to prevent blood vessels from re-narrowing. Recent studies have shown that sirolimus may also interfere with clot formation. Through her BHF-funded research, Dr Hers wants to find out if sirolimus can be used as an antiplatelet treatment to complement standard treatments. She will study its effects on platelets and will work out which signalling pathways it affects. The hope is that sirolimus could help people who show diminished responses or resistance to mainstream antiplatelet drugs.