Clopidogrel Proves More Effective Than Aspirin in Long-Term Therapy Post-Stent
Seoul, Monday, 1 September 2025.
Clopidogrel reduces cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke risk by 14% compared to aspirin post-PCI, with no significant bleeding difference, according to a Lancet study.
Introduction to the Study
The recent study published in The Lancet on 1 September 2025, has brought to light the superior efficacy of clopidogrel over aspirin as a long-term therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This finding is particularly significant given the large sample size of 28,982 patients from seven global randomized clinical trials. The study revealed that clopidogrel reduced the combined risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke by 14%, in comparison to aspirin, with no significant difference in major bleeding rates between the two groups [1].
Impact on Healthcare Protocols
This groundbreaking research could lead to substantial changes in clinical protocols for managing patients post-PCI. Traditionally, aspirin has been the cornerstone of antiplatelet therapy following PCI due to its well-established efficacy and safety profile. However, these findings suggest that clopidogrel, a P2Y12 inhibitor, might offer a more effective alternative in reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. This shift could prompt healthcare systems worldwide to reevaluate their standards of care, promoting clopidogrel as a preferable option in long-term post-stent treatment [1][2].
Potential Long-Term Effects
The long-term implications of these findings are manifold. Beyond individual patient outcomes, the widespread adoption of clopidogrel could lead to a reduction in healthcare costs associated with managing recurrent cardiovascular events. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of continuous research and adaptation of treatment strategies, encouraging ongoing trials and evaluations to refine therapeutic approaches in cardiology. As the medical community digests these findings, further research could provide more insights, particularly concerning diverse demographic responses and long-term safety profiles [1][3].
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The meta-analysis spearheaded by the Samsung Medical Center marks a pivotal moment in cardiovascular medicine, with the potential to influence treatment guidelines globally. The recognition of clopidogrel’s advantages over aspirin could lead to its broader use in clinical practice, reshaping the landscape of antiplatelet therapy. As healthcare providers consider these findings, further studies are anticipated to explore and confirm the long-term benefits of clopidogrel, potentially setting a new standard for post-PCI care [1][3].