Cangrelor, marketed as Kengreal or Kengrexal, is an antiplatelet drug that targets the P2Y12 receptor of platelets. It was developed as a derivative of ATP that is not enzymatically degraded by the cell. Cangrelor is already active, and is injected intravenously. Here, it binds to the P2Y purinoreceptor 12 on the surface of platelet cells, preventing ADP from binding to and activating it. Cangrelor prevents the activation of the Gi protein associated with the P2Y12 receptor from inactivating adenylate cyclase in the platelet, leading to a buildup of cAMP. This cAMP then activates calcium efflux pumps, preventing calcium buildup in the platelet, which would cause activation, and later, aggregation.

Cangrelor Pathway References