Abstracto

Edoxaban: a new oral direct factor Xa inhibitor for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders

Rupert Bauersachs

Anticoagulants have a key role in the treatment of arterial and venous thromboembolic disorders. The recently introduced novel oral anticoagulants target a single coagulation factor (factor Xa or thrombin) and address several of the limitations associated with traditional agents. Edoxaban is an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor that inhibits free and clot bound factor Xa and has been investigated in an extensive clinical development program. This article provides an overview of the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of edoxaban. Phase III studies have evaluated edoxaban versus conventional therapy to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48) and in the treatment and prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism (Hokusai-VTE).