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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Ferric Chloride-induced Murine Thrombosis Models
Published on: September 5, 2016
Inhibition of Factor XI activity as a promising antithrombotic strategy
Zhu Chen1, Dietmar Seiffert1, Brian Hawes1
1Merck Research Laboratories, Cardiometabolic Disease Biology, 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA.
Abstract:
Prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders with minimal bleeding risk remains a significant unmet medical need. Studies in Factor XI (FXI)-deficient humans and experimental animal models suggest that targeting FXI in humans provides antithrombotic benefits with reduced bleeding liability compared with current standard of care. In this review, we describe an exciting era in the discovery and development of antithrombotic agents as multiple therapeutic modalities for FXI(a) inhibition progress through preclinical and clinical development.
Insights
Targeting Factor XI (FXI) offers a promising approach for preventing and treating blood clots with a lower risk of bleeding. This review highlights the progress in developing novel FXI inhibitors for improved antithrombotic therapy.
Area of Science:
- * Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research
- * Pharmacological Development of Anticoagulants
Background:
- * Thromboembolic disorders represent a major clinical challenge, with current treatments carrying a significant bleeding risk.
- * Factor XI (FXI) plays a crucial role in thrombosis, and its inhibition is being explored as a safer antithrombotic strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review the current landscape of Factor XI (FXI) inhibition as a therapeutic target.
- * To discuss the development of novel antithrombotic agents targeting FXI(a).
Main Methods:
- * Review of preclinical and clinical studies on FXI inhibition.
- * Analysis of therapeutic modalities targeting FXI(a).
Main Results:
- * Evidence from FXI-deficient models suggests FXI targeting provides antithrombotic benefits with reduced bleeding.
- * Multiple FXI(a) inhibitors are advancing through development.
Conclusions:
- * Targeting FXI represents a promising strategy to address the unmet need for antithrombotic therapies with a reduced bleeding risk.
- * The ongoing development of FXI inhibitors marks an exciting advancement in anticoagulant research.
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Therapeutic Index

