Apixaban

Apixaban is an oral anticoagulant that directly inhibits factor Xa, reducing thrombin generation and blood-clot formation.

Factor Xa: Factor Xa is a coagulation enzyme that converts prothrombin into thrombin. Apixaban binds this enzyme and suppresses its role in generating thrombin.
Atrial fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that can allow blood clots to form in the heart. Apixaban lowers the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in eligible patients with this condition.
Warfarin: Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant that reduces vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Warfarin requires INR monitoring and has different food and drug interactions than apixaban.
Major bleeding: Major bleeding is clinically significant blood loss that can threaten life, require transfusion, or cause lasting harm. Bleeding is the principal serious harm associated with apixaban’s anticoagulant action.
Coagulation cascade: The coagulation cascade is a network of reactions that produces fibrin to stabilize blood clots. Apixaban interrupts one step in this clot-forming network.
Deep vein thrombosis: Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg or pelvis. Apixaban is used to treat this clot and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Rivaroxaban: Rivaroxaban is an oral anticoagulant that directly inhibits factor Xa. It shares apixaban’s target but differs in dosing schedules and clinical choices.
Renal impairment: Renal impairment is reduced kidney function that can alter the clearance or effects of medicines. Kidney function informs apixaban dosing and assessment of bleeding risk.
Thrombin: Thrombin is an enzyme that converts fibrinogen into fibrin and activates other clotting reactions. Factor Xa inhibition reduces the thrombin apixaban indirectly limits.
Pulmonary embolism: Pulmonary embolism is obstruction of a lung artery, usually by a traveling blood clot. Apixaban can treat pulmonary embolism and help prevent another event.

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Bristol Myers SquibbBroader topic: Eliquis, the company’s major anticoagulant, extends its business beyond oncology.