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Eliquis (apixaban)
Apixaban selectively inhibits Factor Xa, decreasing thrombin generation and thrombus development.
Apixaban is a selective Factor Xa inhibitor indicated for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and treatment/prophylaxis of DVT and PE. It demonstrates linear pharmacokinetics with 50% bioavailability and 12-hour half-life, requiring dose adjustment with strong CYP3A4/P-gp inhibitors. Primary risks include bleeding with concurrent anticoagulants and reduced efficacy with enzyme inducers. The drug is contraindicated in active bleeding and severe hypersensitivity reactions.
At a glance
| Generic name | apixaban |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Drug class | Factor Xa inhibitor |
| Target | Factor Xa (FXa) |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 2012 |
| Annual revenue | 14443 |
Mechanism of action
Apixaban is a selective inhibitor of FXa that does not require antithrombin III for antithrombotic activity. It inhibits both free and clot-bound FXa, as well as prothrombinase activity. By inhibiting FXa, apixaban decreases thrombin generation and thrombus development. Apixaban has no direct effect on platelet aggregation but indirectly inhibits platelet aggregation induced by thrombin.
Approved indications
- Arterial embolus and thrombosis
- Myocardial Reinfarction Prevention
Common side effects
- Major Bleeding
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Intracranial Hemorrhage
- Hemorrhagic Stroke
- Other Intracranial Hemorrhage
Serious adverse events
- Fatal Bleeding
- Fatal Intracranial Hemorrhage
- Fatal Non-intracranial Bleeding
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Syncope
Drug interactions
- Combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir)
- Clarithromycin
- Combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John's wort)
- Antiplatelet agents, fibrinolytics, heparin, aspirin, chronic NSAID use
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 9326945 | 2031-02-24 | Formulation |
| 9326945*PED | 2031-08-24 | Compound |
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |
| SEC EDGAR | Revenue + earnings |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Eliquis CI brief — competitive landscape report
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- Bristol-Myers Squibb portfolio CI