A venom-derived cyclic heptapeptide that blocks platelet aggregation.
Also known as: Integrilin
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Eptifibatide is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide derived from a disintegrin in pygmy rattlesnake venom. It reversibly blocks the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor, the final common step of platelet aggregation, and it is an approved antiplatelet therapeutic for acute coronary syndrome and coronary intervention. Content here is educational only.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide from snake-venom disintegrin
Primary research or clinical context: Approved for acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention
Disintegrin mimicry
Snake-venom disintegrins interrupt clotting by mimicking the RGD/KGD motif that binds platelet integrins. Eptifibatide captures this KGD-mimetic motif in a stable cyclic peptide, a well-known example of venom-inspired drug design.
Final-step blockade
Because glycoprotein IIb/IIIa engagement with fibrinogen is the last step in platelet cross-linking, blocking it prevents aggregation regardless of the activating stimulus. Its reversible binding is often contrasted with irreversible antiplatelet agents in cardiology teaching.
FAQ about Eptifibatide
What is Eptifibatide?+
Eptifibatide is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide derived from a disintegrin in pygmy rattlesnake venom. It reversibly blocks the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor, the final common step of platelet aggregation, and it is an approved antiplatelet therapeutic for acute coronary syndrome and coronary intervention. Content here is educational only.
Is Eptifibatide an approved medicine?+
Eptifibatide: Approved for acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention. Always follow licensed medical guidance for approved products.
What is the typical length of Eptifibatide?+
Eptifibatide is commonly described as approximately 7 amino acids (GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor).