Daiichi Sankyo reports positive phase III trial data for edoxaban

Daiichi Sankyo has reported positive findings from Hokusai-VTE, a phase III clinical trial of its innovative new drug edoxaban.

Data from the study showed that the investigational, once-daily oral therapy met its primary efficacy endpoint of non-inferiority compared to warfarin for the treatment and prevention of recurrent symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE).

It was shown to be an effective means of treating and preventing acute symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms, as well as being significantly safer than warfarin.

Dr Glenn Gormley, global head of research and development and senior executive officer at Daiichi Sankyo, said: "Daiichi Sankyo plans to submit new drug applications for edoxaban for VTE by the first quarter of 2014 in the US, Japan and Europe."

The company will be presenting data from a separate phase III trial assessing the drug as a treatment for atrial fibrillation later this year.

Founded in 2005 through the merger of Daiichi Pharmaceutical and Sankyo, Daiichi Sankyo is headquartered in Tokyo and is responsible for brands such as Olmetec, Efient and Lixiana.