Last reviewed · How we verify
Aspirin treatment
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of thromboxane A2 and other prostaglandins to decrease platelet aggregation and inflammation.
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of thromboxane A2 and other prostaglandins to decrease platelet aggregation and inflammation. Used for Acute myocardial infarction prevention and secondary prevention, Ischemic stroke prevention, Transient ischemic attack (TIA) prevention.
At a glance
| Generic name | Aspirin treatment |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development |
| 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
Aspirin acetylates serine residues on COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, permanently blocking their catalytic activity. This prevents the synthesis of thromboxane A2 in platelets, which is essential for platelet activation and clot formation, thereby reducing thrombotic events. Additionally, aspirin's anti-inflammatory effects stem from inhibition of prostaglandin production in various tissues.
Approved indications
- Acute myocardial infarction prevention and secondary prevention
- Ischemic stroke prevention
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA) prevention
- Unstable angina
- Pain and fever relief
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
- Dyspepsia
- Nausea
- Hemorrhagic stroke (at higher doses)
- Allergic reactions/bronchospasm
- Renal impairment (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 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)
- OPTIA-AF Trial: Rhythm-Guided Antithrombotic Strategy After AF Ablation (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 treatment CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Aspirin treatment updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- VA Office of Research and Development portfolio CI