Boehringer Ingelheim reports positive new Pradaxa data

Boehringer Ingelheim has reported data from a new trial of Pradaxa that adds to the body of clinical evidence supporting its use among atrial fibrillation patients.

Findings published in the Circulation journal show that Pradaxa was associated with a significantly shorter interruption of oral anticoagulation therapy compared to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation who require surgery.

It means that those who are required to undergo a procedure can do so more quickly, while limiting the amount of time they experience reduced stroke protection levels.

Moreover, researchers found that those discontinuing use of the drug experienced a lower risk of perioperative bleeding within 48 hours of surgery compared to warfarin users.

Eve Knight, co-founder and chief executive of AntiCoagulation Europe, said: "This data is encouraging for patients as it demonstrates that with Pradaxa, shorter therapy interruptions with no increase in bleeding risk are possible."

In 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim experienced a year-on-year increase in sales of 6.2 percent, which was attributed in part to the successful 2011 launch of Pradaxa.