Prasugrel Maleic acid is an orally active and potent P2Y12 receptor antagonist and inhibits ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Prasugrel Maleic acid is a thienopyridine and prodrug. Prasugrel Maleic acid also inhibits platelet function.

Prasugrel hydrochloride is an inactive prodrug that requires metabolic processing in vivo to generate the active antiplatelet metabolite. Prasugrel Maleic acid is rapidly absorbed from the gut. Prasugrel Maleic acid active metabolite inhibits in vitro platelet aggregation induced by adenosine ADP (10μM) (IC50: 1.8 μM), in rat platelets. Prasugrel Maleic acid acts faster and is significantly more effective than Clopidogrel in vivo. After oral administration of standard-loading doses of 60 mg, maximum plasma levels of the active metabolite are achieved within 1 h, effective, maximum inhibition of platelet aggregation at 1-2 h[1][2].