Eptifibatide is a platelet aggregation inhibitor - an anti-coagulant that selectively blocks the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor. It is a cyclic heptapeptide derived from a protein found in the venom of the southeastern pygmy rattlesnake. It belongs to the class of the so called arginin-glycin-aspartat-mimetics and reversibly binds to platelets. Eptifibatide inhibits platelet aggregation by reversibly binding to the platelet receptor glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa of human platelets, thus preventing the binding of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and other adhesive ligands. Inhibition of platelet aggregation occurs in a dose- and concentration-dependent manner. It is used for treatment of myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndrome.