Bayer’s Xarelto given NICE backing

NICE has recommended Xarelto (rivaroxaban) in final guidance as an option for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in people with atrial fibrillation (AF).

The recommendation means patients will get access to the first single tablet, once-daily, oral stroke prevention medicine since the introduction of warfarin in the 1950s

Luis-Felipe Graterol, Medical Director, Bayer HealthCare UK, said the company is “delighted” with NICE’s decision and will now work with local NHS fundraisers to “help evolve services” with Xarelto.

Up to 700,000 people in England and Wales have AF. People with the condition are at a higher risk of developing blood clots and subsequent stroke.

Xarelto is an orally administered drug that helped prevent blood from clotting and has a UK marketing authorisation for the prevention of stroke and system embolism in those with non-valvular AF who have associated risks.

The guidance adds that the decision to swap treatment from warfarin to Xarelto should be discussed between the clinician and patient to highlight any reported risks and benefits.

“We know that some people taking warfarin can find it difficult to maintain their blood clotting at a proper level,” said Professor Carole Longson, NICE Health Technology Evaluation Centre Director. 

“Rivaroxaban, like dabigatran etexilate, which NICE recently approved as an option for this indication, can benefit people with AF. We are therefore pleased to recommend rivaroxaban as another cost-effective option for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in people with atrial fibrillation.”

NICE recommended Boehringer Ingelheim’s Pradaxa as a treatment option in final guidance for the same indication back in March.