Eptifibatide

How it works

Modeled on rattlesnake venom, it blocks GP IIb/IIIa, the receptor platelets use to stick together, in heart attacks and stenting.

What it's made of

A ring of 6 amino acids plus a seventh residue with no amino group. It copies the idea of barbourin, from the venom of the pygmy rattlesnake: it carries KGD instead of RGD, which makes it specific to platelets.

What it's for

Prescribed for

Acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation, and coronary angioplasty, to reduce death or heart attack.