Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb reported phase II results on their new bloodthinner apixiban as compared to the standard therapy - warfarin. Apixiban reduced the risk of stroke or embolism by 21%, major bleeding by 31% and mortality by 11% in atrial fibrillation patients.
Pfizer & Bristol Bloodthinner: And The Wags Say… // Pharmalot.
"You now have a drug that is not only more effective but more safe," said Jack Ansell, chairman of the department of medicine at Lennox Hill Hospital. See Fierce Biotech.
Apixiban (marketed as Eliquis) will now take steady aim at the $9 billion market for bloodthinners. Analysts say the drug could grab up to 50% share. It will compete with Boehringer Ingelheim's newly approved Pradaxa and with Bayer - J&J's expected to be approved Xarelto. A large portion of the $9 billion market would go a long way toward helping Pfizer forget about any of its Lipitor troubles as that drug comes off patent and faces heavy generic competition.
Posted by Bruce Lehr Aug 30th 2011.
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