Clinicians can prescribe the anti-platelet treatment, co-administered with aspirin, for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adults with acute coronary syndromes including prior MI, the SMC ruled.
Results from the PLATO trial showed ticagrelor plus aspirin showed a reduction in ischaemic events compared with standard treatment.
Patients who took the drug had 21% reduced relative risk of cardiovascular death and 16% lower relative risk of repeat cardiovascular events compared with standard care, with no increase in major bleeding.
NICE is currently reviewing evidence for the treatment and is set to publish full guidance later this year.