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Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA)
Acetylsalicylic acid irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane to decrease inflammation, pain, and platelet aggregation.
Acetylsalicylic acid irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane to decrease inflammation, pain, and platelet aggregation. Used for Acute myocardial infarction prevention and secondary prevention, Ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack prevention, Unstable angina.
At a glance
| Generic name | Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Aspirin, aspirin, Chewable aspirin |
| Sponsor | Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre |
| Drug class | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID); antiplatelet agent |
| Target | Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1); Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular; Pain management; Inflammation |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
ASA acetylates serine residues on COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, permanently blocking their catalytic activity. This prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins (which mediate inflammation and pain) and thromboxane A2 (which promotes platelet aggregation). The antiplatelet effect is particularly important at low doses, where COX-1 inhibition in platelets predominates, making ASA useful for cardiovascular protection.
Approved indications
- Acute myocardial infarction prevention and secondary prevention
- Ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack prevention
- Unstable angina
- Mild to moderate pain
- Fever
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
- Dyspepsia
- Nausea
- Hypersensitivity reactions (including bronchospasm in aspirin-sensitive patients)
- Increased bleeding risk
- Renal impairment (with chronic use)
Key clinical trials
- Screening and Multiple Intervention on Lung Epidemics (PHASE2)
- Effect of Anticoagulant Therapy on Endometrial Receptivity and Pregnancy Outcomes in Infertility
- IRELAnD: Investigating the Role of Early Low-dose Aspirin in Diabetes (PHASE3)
- Aspirin in Preventing Colorectal Cancer in Patients With Colorectal Adenoma (PHASE2)
- The Impact of Factor Xa Inhibition on Thrombosis, Platelet Activation, and Endothelial Function in Peripheral Artery Disease (PHASE4)
- The Effect and Safety of Combined Anti-platelet Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Large Artery Atherosclerosis (PHASE4)
- Impact of First-trimester Preeclampsia Screening on Perinatal and Maternal Morbidity (RANSPRE) (NA)
- Short-Term Anticoagulation Versus Antiplatelet Therapy for Preventing Device Thrombosis Following Left Atrial Appendage Closure (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre portfolio CI