Boehringer Ingelheim reports positive Pradaxa safety data

Boehringer Ingelheim has published data from a new study that reinforces the safety performance of its drug Pradaxa.

Analysis has been carried out of four phase III clinical trials that compare the safety of the drug to enoxaparin when used in the prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty.

It was demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the performance of the two treatments, with the risk of acute coronary syndrome events remaining low.

Researchers therefore concluded that Pradaxa does not elevate the risk of myocardial infarction compared to enoxaparin and is not associated with any clinically important rebound effects in the post-treatment period.

Professor Bengt Eriksson, senior consultant at the department of orthopaedic surgery at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden, said: "The evaluation provides reassurance for patients … that the risk of acute coronary syndrome events is low and that there is no rebound effect after the discontinuation of the treatment."

Earlier this month, the company published data showing how Pradaxa can help atrial fibrillation patients undergoing surgery to benefit from shorter treatment interruption than warfarin.