Direct factor Xa inhibitor edoxaban: from bench to clinical practice
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Rapid Point-of-Care Assay of Enoxaparin Anticoagulant Efficacy in Whole Blood
Published on: October 12, 2012
Mpa Brekelmans1, S Middeldorp2, M Coppens3
1a Department of Vascular Medicine F4-146 , Academic Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
Insights
Edoxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor, offers effective stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism treatment. It provides similar thromboembolic protection to warfarin with a reduced bleeding risk.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Edoxaban is a novel direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) targeting factor Xa.
- It is the fourth DOAC approved for clinical use.
- DOACs represent a significant advancement in anticoagulant therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key characteristics of edoxaban.
- To summarize the clinical evaluation program for edoxaban's regulatory approval.
- To highlight edoxaban's role in stroke prevention and VTE management.
Main Methods:
- Review of large Phase III randomized controlled trials.
- Analysis of clinical data supporting regulatory submissions.
- Comparison of edoxaban with warfarin and other anticoagulants.
Main Results:
- Edoxaban demonstrated reduced bleeding risk compared to warfarin.
- It provided comparable protection against thromboembolic events.
- Phase III trials formed the basis for its approval in AF and VTE.
Conclusions:
- Edoxaban is a valuable addition to anticoagulation therapies.
- Its once-daily dosing and specific dose adjustments enhance its utility.
- Limitations include specific renal clearance criteria and initial heparin use for acute VTE.
Abstract:
Edoxaban is a direct factor Xa inhibitor and has become the fourth direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) approved for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) and for treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This review provides an overview of the key characteristics of edoxaban and clinical evaluation program leading to regulatory approval. Approval for AF and VTE treatment was based on large phase III randomized controlled trials that showed that edoxaban reduces the risk of bleeding compared with warfarin and provides similar protection against thromboembolism. Edoxaban is the second once-daily DOAC, is tested in a reduced dose for patients with a moderate renal impairment, body weight of ≤60 kg or concomitant use of p-glycoprotein inhibitors and thereby is a valuable addition to the therapeutic arsenal of modern anticoagulation. For AF regulatory approval in the USA is limited to patients with a creatinine clearance of 15-95 ml/min. Another limitation is the need for initial parenteral anticoagulation with heparin in treatment of acute VTE.
Related Concept Videos
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Duration of Dose-Effect Relationship

