Bayer HealthCare reports positive data from rivaroxaban trial

Bayer HealthCare has published new clinical data supporting the potential benefits offered by its drug rivaroxaban among atrial fibrillation (AF) sufferers.

The company, in association with its development partner Johnson and Johnson, has conducted a phase III study comparing the treatment to warfarin in reducing the risk of strokes and non-CNS systemic embolisms in AF patients.

It was shown that rivaroxaban performed better than the alternative over the course of the trial, while demonstrating similar rates of associated bleeding and a reduced risk of serious bleeding-related events.

This suggests that Bayer's drug could potentially surpass the current standard of care in treating the disease, which affects millions of people worldwide.

Dr Robert Califf, study co-chairman and vice-chancellor for clinical research from Duke University, said: "It is exciting to have an alternative which was documented in this study to be effective with no increase in significant bleeding."

Earlier this month, Bayer announced plans to bring a number of its leading brands under the Bayer HealthCare umbrella name, a move which will involve the retirement of the Bayer Schering Pharma identity.