Studies into the in vitro metabolism and antiplatelet effects of novel aspirin ester prodrugs

Abstract

Aspirin is the most commonly used antiplatelet agent in the world, and is invaluable in prevention o f myocardial infarction, thrombosis and stroke. However prolonged use has been associated with gastrointestinal side-effects such as ulceration and haemorrhage which may be fatal. This thesis describes the design and evaluation of aspirin prodrugs, which may liberate aspirin only on reaching the circulation, thus circumventing the GIT and having a potentially less severe gastrotoxicity profile.