Understanding the Mechanism: Does Aspirin Bind Irreversibly?
•
4 min read
Unlike other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, which bind reversibly, aspirin is unique in that it binds irreversibly to its target enzyme, cyclooxygenase. This covalent, permanent modification is the fundamental reason for aspirin's lasting antiplatelet effects and its key role in cardiovascular disease prevention.