Bayer HealthCare commences phase IIIb trial of Xarelto

Bayer HealthCare has announced the initiation of a phase IIIb trial of its oral anticoagulant Xarelto (rivaroxaban) that will involve around 2,100 patients worldwide.

The Pioneer AF-PCI study will assess the best treatment method for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention with stent placement, evaluating two rivaroxaban-based therapies and a dose-adjusted vitamin K antagonist.

According to Bayer HealthCare, physicians have been asking questions about how Xarelto can be used among patients with overlapping risk factors, as this is an area where the understanding of best practice is presently limited.

This trial is part of a global clinical development programme for rivaroxaban that will have involved more than 100,000 patients by the time it is completed.

Dr Kemal Malik, member of the Bayer HealthCare executive committee and head of global development, said: "The Pioneer AF-PCI study is part of our ongoing commitment to improve patient outcomes across a broad range of venous and arterial thromboembolic conditions."

According to Bayer's most recent financial report, rising demand for Xarelto was a key driver of growth for the company last year.