Bayer HealthCare and Janssen begin two new rivaroxaban trials

Bayer HealthCare and US development partner Janssen have commenced a pair of new clinical studies of the novel oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban.

The first of the phase III trials, Mariner, will evaluate the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban to reduce the risk of post-hospital discharge symptomatic venous thromboembolism in patients suffering acute medical illness.

Meanwhile, the second – Einstein Junior – will assess the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban for the treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism in children. Mariner will involve around 8,000 patients, while Einstein Junior will enrol 150 subjects.

The company has already completed an extensive clinical study programme with more than 10,000 patients to demonstrate the clinical benefits of rivaroxaban, which is sold under the brand name Xarelto.

Dr Joerg Moeller, member of the Bayer HealthCare executive committee and head of global development, said: "We still see significant unmet needs in the area of venous thrombosis, which we want to address through these additional studies."

Xarelto is the world's most broadly indicated novel oral anticoagulant and is expected to be one of Bayer's most commercially important products in the coming years.