Currently, dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel represents the key treatment strategy for the prevention of ischemic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and/or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, there is a broad inter-individual response variability to such treatment strategy, and a considerable number of patients persist with inadequate platelet inhibition, which has been associated with an increased risk of ischemic events. Overall, these findings underscore the need for novel antiplatelet agents able to achieve greater platelet inhibition; this can potentially reduce ischemic event rates. Prasugrel (CS-747; LY 640315), a novel third-generation oral thienopyridine, is a specific, irreversible antagonist of the platelet adenosine diphosphate P2Y(12) receptor. Laboratory studies have shown prasugrel to be associated with more prompt, potent and predictable degrees of platelet inhibition compared with clopidogrel. In a large-scale clinical study, which was comprised of high-risk ACS patients undergoing PCI, prasugrel was shown to significantly reduce the short- and long-term risk of ischemic events, including stent thrombosis. However, such significant reduction in ischemic events occurred at the expense of a higher risk of bleeding. Recent clinical trial data analyses have led to a better understanding of the efficacy and safety of prasugrel. This article reviews the currently available data regarding the efficacy and safety of prasugrel in ACS patients.