Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer publish positive apixaban trial data

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer have reported data from a clinical study of apixaban, demonstrating its efficacy in addressing the healthcare needs of atrial fibrillation patients.

Results from the phase III Averroes trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that the drug was superior to aspirin in reducing the occurrence of strokes and systemic embolisms among patients, with no significant increase in bleeding incidents.

Currently, aspirin is a key treatment for patients in this category who are unsuitable for warfarin therapy, but this study suggests that apixaban could potentially prove a more favourable option.

A further apixaban/warfarin comparison study, Aristotle, is currently being conducted among 18,206 patients, with results set to be presented later in 2011.

Dr Stuart Connolly, professor of medicine at Canada's McMaster University and lead investigator of Averroes, said: "It is important to have potential new treatment options that are both safe and effective."

Last month, Bristol-Myers Squibb published its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2010, reporting a year-on-year sales growth driven by products such as Plavix and Onglyza.