Stability assessment of a new antithrombotic small peptide, Arg-Gly-Asp-Trp-Arg (RGDWR), and its derivative

Objective To assess the stabilities of Arg-Gly-Asp-Trp-Arg (RGDWR, designated as RWR), a new patented antithrombotic small peptide, and its derivative with ω-aminocaprylic acid on its N -terminus (ωRWR). Results RWR in rat plasma was decreased by between 32 and 48% after 4 h incubation on ice, indicating its instability in plasma. In contrast, ωRWR in plasma remained at 96–107%. Concentration changes were within 6.2% for ωRWR after storage in various conditions. ωRWR is therefore stable in rat plasma, as well as under different storage methods. Furthermore, ω-aminocaprylic acid added onto the RWR peptide did not affect its antiplatelet aggregation activity. Conclusions A novel small peptide, ωRWR, has been developed with a good stability for possible antithrombotic use.