Daiichi Sankyo reports positive edoxaban trial data

Daiichi Sankyo has announced positive new trial data from its latest studies of edoxaban, its multipurpose oral once-daily factor Xa inhibitor.

Results from two phase III trials conducted in Japan and Taiwan have revealed the drug is able to deliver significant reductions in the risk of patients developing venous thromboembolism following total knee or hip arthroplasty, compared to an alternative.

Rates of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were both shown to be reduced over the course of the studies, without any significant increase in bleeding incidents.

Dr Kazunori Hirokawa, global head of research and development at Daiichi Sankyo, said: "Daiichi Sankyo remains committed to developing edoxaban in our global clinical trials programme."

Thus far, the therapy is available only in Japan, although it is also being assessed as a stroke prevention therapy in atrial fibrillation patients worldwide.

Last month, the company expanded its UK product portfolio with the introduction of Sevikar HCT, a new combination therapy for hypertension.