Last reviewed · How we verify
Vitamin K antagonist(warfarin)
Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X) by blocking the vitamin K epoxide reductase enzyme, thereby reducing thrombin generation and blood clot formation.
Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X) by blocking the vitamin K epoxide reductase enzyme, thereby reducing thrombin generation and blood clot formation. Used for Atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention, Venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) treatment and prevention, Mechanical heart valve thromboprophylaxis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Vitamin K antagonist(warfarin) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Joon Bum Kim |
| Drug class | Vitamin K antagonist |
| Target | Vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKORC1) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Warfarin acts as a vitamin K antagonist by inhibiting the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase, which is essential for the gamma-carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. This prevents the synthesis of functional clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X in the liver, leading to prolonged prothrombin time (PT/INR) and reduced thrombotic risk. The anticoagulant effect develops over several days as existing clotting factors are cleared from circulation.
Approved indications
- Atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention
- Venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) treatment and prevention
- Mechanical heart valve thromboprophylaxis
- Acute myocardial infarction with high thromboembolic risk
Common side effects
- Bleeding (major and minor)
- Warfarin-induced skin necrosis
- Nausea
- Alopecia
- Rash
Key clinical trials
- SWITCH: Apixaban vs Vitamin K in HM3 (PHASE3)
- Aspirin and Hemocompatibility Events in Chronic Advanced Heart Failure Patients With Assist Device (PHASE4)
- Comparison of Anti-Thrombotic Treatments Between Aspirin and Warfarin During Initial Six Months After Bioprpsthetic Heart Valve Replacement (PHASE4)
- Anticoagulation Therapy in Non-device-related Intra-cardiac Thrombus (PHASE3)
- Warfarin Effects on Male Fertility After Cardiac Surgery
- Low INR to Minimize Bleeding With Mechanical Valves Trial (PHASE3)
- Long-term Anticoagulation With Oral Factor Xa Inhibitor Versus Vitamin K Antagonist After Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement (PHASE4)
- Learning Theory Patient Education for Anticoagulants (NA)
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 |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Vitamin K antagonist(warfarin) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Vitamin K antagonist(warfarin) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Joon Bum Kim portfolio CI