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aspirin (ASA)
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane to decrease inflammation, pain, and platelet aggregation.
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane to decrease inflammation, pain, and platelet aggregation. Used for Acute myocardial infarction, Secondary prevention of myocardial infarction and stroke, Unstable angina.
At a glance
| Generic name | aspirin (ASA) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | acetylsalicylic acid, Not yet named |
| Sponsor | Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC |
| 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; Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Aspirin 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 clumping). The antiplatelet effect is particularly durable because aspirin irreversibly modifies platelet COX-1, and platelets cannot synthesize new enzyme.
Approved indications
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Secondary prevention of myocardial infarction and stroke
- Unstable angina
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA) prevention
- Mild to moderate pain and fever
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
- Dyspepsia
- Nausea
- Hemorrhage (minor)
- Allergic reactions (including bronchospasm in aspirin-sensitive patients)
- 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:
- aspirin (ASA) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- aspirin (ASA) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC portfolio CI