Bayer presents phase III Xarelto results

Bayer has announced the results of three phase III studies of Xarelta (rivaroxaban) at the International Congress on Thrombosis in Athens.

In the three Record trials, the compound was found to be significantly more effective at reducing the composite of all-cause mortality and symptomatic venous thromboembolism when measured at day 12 of treatment following orthopaedic surgery.

Bayer reports Xarelto is the first novel orally-administered anticoagulant to show a significant reduction in this clinical endpoint compared to existing treatments.

It notes the compound is being jointly developed by Bayer HealthCare and Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development.

Dr AGG Turpie, professor of medicine at McMaster University, Canada, said: “Results from this pooled analysis emphasise the potential of rivaroxaban to play a key role in reducing the risks for patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery.”

He added that rivaroxaban could potentially set a new clinical standard for the prevention of venous thromboembolism as a result of its efficacy results and improved convenience.

Last week, Bengt Eriksson at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden said the developments made by rivaroxaban are of great benefit to patients undergoing major hip and knee surgery, as these patients are at high risk of experiencing life-threatening complications.