Clinical evidence of the role of edoxaban in anticoagulation

摘要

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism are important causes of increased morbidity and mortality. For several decades, heparin and oral vitamin K antagonists have been used to anticoagulate patients. The disadvantages of these drugs have led to the development of new agents that are safe, effective and easy to use. Edoxaban is a novel, oral, once daily, direct and reversible factor Xa inhibitor. It acts by dose-dependent anticoagulation effect and the safety and tolerability of this agent has been largely demonstrated. Preliminary results of Phase II trials have shown edoxaban to be potentially advantageous to traditional anticoagulants in terms of bleeding in AF and in terms of embolisms after orthopaedic surgery. Ongoing Phase HI clinical trials for thromboembolic event prophylaxis and treatment and for prevention of strokes in patients with AF will provide more data. This review analyzes the clinical evidence of the role of edoxaban in anticoagulation.