Pfizer’s ELIQUIS to be reviewed

Pfizer has announced its new drug treatment for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism has been accepted for review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Called ELIQUIS, the product has been developed alongside Bristol-Myers Squibb and the FDA is expected to reach a decision on the drug by late August 2014. 

The treatment has been submitted for review following two successful phase III trials that took place in June 2013 and December 2012. A combined total of nearly 8,000 patients were involved in the tests.

ELIQUIS was also accepted for review by the European Medicines Agency in November this year, meaning it could soon be widely available should it receive approval. 

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are together known as venous thromboembolism and affect a significant number of people each year.

Around 900,00 patients are diagnosed with the condition annually in the US and the figure stands at one million in the European Union.