Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer launch Eliquis in the UK

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer have announced the UK launch of their innovative anticoagulant Eliquis.

The therapy for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) has been launched after receiving European regulatory approval last month.

In pivotal clinical trials, the drug has shown superior efficacy in the treatment of this condition to warfarin, the long-established standard of care, but one that carries a number of undesirable side effects.

More than 24,000 patients were involved in the Aristotle and Averroes phase III trials, which supported the EU approval of the drug.

Rick Lones, executive medical director for Bristol-Myers Squibb for the UK and Ireland, said: "The availability of apixaban for doctors and their patients in the UK is an important milestone for the prevention of stroke in patients with NVAF."

Earlier this month, the companies reported positive data from Amplify-EXT, an Eliquis study that showcased its benefits in preventing recurrent venous thromboembolisms.