The
Harvard Clinical Research Institute (HCRI) announced today the
successful completion of randomization in the DAPT
Study, with the total number of patients randomized exceeding the
upper goal set for the Study. The DAPT Study is a four-year clinical
trial investigating the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT, the
combination of aspirin and a thienopyridine/antiplatelet medication to
reduce the risk of blood clots) following drug-eluting stent
implantations. The large-scale public health study is expected to bring
clarity to the global medical community regarding the benefits of 12
versus 30 months of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients receiving
drug-eluting stents to address coronary artery lesions. The American
College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association currently recommend 12
months of dual antiplatelet therapy for patients undergoing percutaneous
coronary intervention (PCI) following placement of a drug-eluting stent.