Boehringer Ingelheim launches new Pradaxa clinical trial

Boehringer Ingelheim has announced the commencement of RE-CIRCUIT, a new clinical study of its novel anticoagulant Pradaxa.

The trial will investigate the safety and efficacy of uninterrupted anticoagulant treatment with Pradaxa in patients with atrial fibrillation who undergo ablation. The international study will include a total of 610 patients.

Results from RE-CIRCUIT are expected in 2016. It comes as part of the wider RE-VOLUTION clinical trial programme, which will include 15 studies involving more than 55,000 patients in over 44 countries globally.

Blood-thinning agents such as Pradaxa can help to prevent stroke and blood clots and are crucial during ablation, as the procedure can increase the risk of clotting.

Professor Hugh Calkins, chairman of the study steering committee, said: "This study will provide valuable insights with regard to the practical management of patients requiring anticoagulation during these procedures."

The drug, which is one of the most strategically important agents in Boehringer Ingelheim's portfolio, was approved in Europe for the treatment and prevention of recurrence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.