New reversal agent for factor Xa inhibitors shows promise

Commentary on: Siegal DM, Curnette JT, Connolly SJ, et al.. Andexanet alfa for the reversal of Factor Xa inhibitor activity. N Engl J Med 2015;373:2413–24. Context Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have emerged as alternatives to vitamin K-antagonists (eg, warfarin) for the long-term management of stroke prevention for non-valvular atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolic disease. Favourable side-effect profiles and absence of therapeutic monitoring are important benefits of these newer agents. Warfarin is readily reversed with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or prothrombin complex concentrates.1 The first reversal agent for DOACs, idarucizumab recently received Food and Drug Administration approval as the reversal of the direct thrombin inhibitor, dabigatran. A reversal agent for the factor Xa-inhibitors, Andexanet Alfa is the subject of a recent Phase 3a trial and the core topic of this commentary.2 Methods In a two-part, randomised, placebo-controlled study, healthy, older volunteers were...
Source: Evidence-Based Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Clinical trials (epidemiology), Immunology (including allergy), Drugs: cardiovascular system, Stroke, Venous thromboembolism, Unwanted effects / adverse reactions Therapeutics/Prevention Source Type: research