GeCCO Study

The Medco Research Institute launched a study called GeCCO (Genotype-Guided Comparison of Clopidogrel and Prasugrel Outcomes Study) to determine whether the effectiveness of Plavix® (clopidogrel) is similar to Effient® (prasugrel) when factoring in a member’s genetic make-up. The study examines whether the 70-75 percent of patients who extensively metabolize clopidogrel have similar out­comes to those members taking prasugrel. Prasugrel is a higher cost medication and has been shown to have more bleeding side effects when compared to clopidogrel. Dr. Ewel states, “Plavix is going generic in 2012 and this study could provide important information to clients who are focusing on potential drug benefit design changes for members taking cardiovascular medications such as clopidogrel or prasugrel”.

Cynthia Ewel, PhD