Bayer HealthCare launches three new studies of Xarelto

Bayer HealthCare has announced a new expansion of the global clinical development programme for Xarelto, its rivaroxaban-based oral Factor Xa inhibitor therapy.

The three new studies will assess the safety and efficacy of the drug in the prevention of potentially deadly blood clots among patients at risk of arterial thromboembolism, in partnership with Janssen.

Separate trials will look at the effect of the drug in patients who have suffered an embolic stroke of undetermined source, those with peripheral artery disease undergoing interventions and people who have had an acute coronary syndrome.

Dr Joerg Moeller, member of the Bayer HealthCare executive committee and head of global development, said: "We are committed to further investigate the potential benefits of rivaroxaban in areas of significant unmet medical need."

Xarelto is the most broadly indicated novel oral anticoagulant and has already been approved for five indications in seven distinct areas of use.

The drug was one of the company's key drivers of financial growth during the second quarter of 2014.