Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer report positive Eliquis data

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer have announced new trial data showing the effectiveness of their drug Eliquis in the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Results from the six-month phase III Amplify trial – which involved 5,395 patients – showed that the anticoagulant demonstrated comparable efficacy and significantly lower rates of bleeding among this patient group than the current standard of care.

VTE encompasses deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms, both serious conditions that can be major causes of morbidity and mortality, with around one million patients in the EU diagnosed with VTE each year.

Dr Giancarlo Agnelli, professor of internal medicine at the University of Perugia, said: "These studies represent exciting data in the field of VTE treatment and indicate that apixaban may offer an important potential alternative in both acute and extended anticoagulation therapy for VTE patients."

Earlier this year, Eliquis received a recommendation from the UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as a means of reducing the risk of stroke and blood clots among atrial fibrillation sufferers.