Could we now discover clopidogrel and its precursor ticlopidine, two major antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents ?

In his seminar, Jean-Pierre Maffrand demonstrated the role of cytochrome P450 in the activation of platelet anti-aggregants such as clopidogrel and ticlopidine (marketed under the name Plavix). He also pointed out that the discovery of these major drugs was made off the beaten track of the strategies currently being developed by the major pharmaceutical groups.