Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer commence new Eliquis study

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer have enrolled the first patient in a new phase IV trial of their anticoagulant therapy Eliquis.

The Emanate trial will assess the effectiveness and safety of Eliquis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) undergoing cardioversion compared with usual care, with up to 1,500 patients to be involved.

Cardioversion is a commonly used and effective method of converting atrial fibrillation to a normal rhythm. Anticoagulants are generally administered for a minimum of three weeks prior to cardioversion and for four weeks afterward.

The study will help to expand the body of knowledge surrounding Eliquis, which is already approved to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with NVAF.

Dr Jack Lawrence, vice-president for cardiovascular global clinical research and development lead on Eliquis at Bristol-Myers Squibb, said: "This phase IV trial will provide important data that will inform the use of Eliquis in patients with NVAF undergoing cardioversion."

This comes after Eliquis was recommended by Europe's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for approval in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in adults, as well as for the prevention of recurrent DVT and PE.