Late-breaking XANTUS study demonstrates high efficacy of new oral anticoagulent in stroke prevention
XALIA - the first published prospective real world study confirms the benefit of new oral anticoagulant in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in routine clinical practic
DUBAI, 16 January 2016 - Nearly 600 physicians from across the Middle East participated at the XPERT Medical Forum inaugurated on 15 January by Dr Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Policy and the Licensing Sector in the UAE Ministry of Health, and organized by global healthcare leader Bayer Parmaceuticals.
The third annual edition of the event, which unfolded over two days, underscores Bayer’s commitment to developing treatments that improve the quality of life for thrombosis patients, thereby transforming the XPERT conference to a pivotal industry landmark.
In his opening speech, Dr Amin Al Amiri noted that, “Cardiovascular illnesses represent a sizeable share of the global burden of non-communicable diseases. In particular, thrombosis tops the three most prevalent heart diseases including acute coronary syndrome, venous thromboembolism and strokes. In addition to their impact on patients’ quality of life, these illnesses have a substantial economic burden.”
He clarified that non-communicable diseases account for nearly one third of deaths worldwide and the same ratio in the UAE, out of which 30.2% are attributable to cardiovascular diseases alone.
“The Ministry of Health supports the health of individuals and that of the UAE community by providing comprehensive and premium healthcare services in a sustainable environment aligned with policies and regulations as well as local and international programmes and partnerships,” said Dr Amin Al Amiri. “Encouraging healthier lifestyles to reduce non-communicable diseases is a key goal within the Ministry’s strategic framework for 2014 - 2016. This will be achieved by developing healthcare policies, regulations and programmes that address the associated risk factors.”
He added that, “The Ministry of Health supports regulatory practices that ensure nationwide access to comprehensive healthcare, these include regulations for technology, medical equipment and approved treatments, all aiming to preserve product safety, quality and efficacy and to facilitate citizens’ access to genuine and safe treatments whenever they are needed.”
With a focus on the latest thrombosis treatments, the conference featured annual meetings bringing together healthcare experts from diverse specialities such as cardiac, respiratory, hematology, neurology and internal medicine physicians, as well as pharmacists from across the region.
Dr Maurice Khoury, Cardiology Professor and Consultant at the American University in Beirut emphasized the growing danger of thrombosis which puts the lives of millions of patients worldwide at risk, “Statistics show that one person dies every 37 seconds as a result of venous thromboembolisms, accounting for nearly 834,000 deaths every year. Bayer Pharmaceuticals is committed to help and has announced the availability of its new oral anticoagulant, an evidence-based medication for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis with an established efficacy and safety profile.”
Dr Adel El Etreby, Professor of Cardiology and Chief of the Cardiology Department at Ain Shams University, and Head of the Egyptian Cardiology Society said that, “Real-world evidence is increasingly relevant for physicians as it complements and expands on insights gained from clinical trials. Real-World evidence including registries, non-interventional studies, data repository reviews, surveys and big data, can enhance understanding of the disease burden and everyday use of newer medicines, help inform decision-making, support guideline implementation and improve patient safety and outcomes.”
Dr Nooshin Bazargani, Professor of Cardiology at the Dubai Hospital noted that, “Results of the Real-World Evidence study XANTUS were revealed at the European Society of Cardiology 2015. With the participation of 6,784 patients from Europe, Canada and the USA, XANTUS provides concrete proof confirming the safety and efficacy of the new anticoagulant for stroke prevention in patients with Atiral Fibrilation (AF), consistent with data from the earlier study Rocket AF. The XANTUS study reassures physicians prescribing the new oral anticoagulant that it is a safe and effective treatment option for AF patients at risk of stroke.”
Dr Khalid Abdul Rahaman Al Saleh, Consultant Hematologist and Medical Oncologist, KSA, elaborated on further study results, “The XALIA study, another pivotal trial, presented at the American Society of Heamtology conference 2015 confirms the positive risk-benefit ratio for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), indicated by the earlier by Phase III study EINSTEIN DVT, and proves that these Real-World Evidence results are beneficial for patients seen by physicians on a daily basis during clinical practice.”
“Safe and responsible use of the new oral anticoagulant is a paramount priority for Bayer Pharmaceuticals and the company is committed to support healthcare practitioners and patients to ensure this,” said Phil Smits, MD, General Manager at Bayer Pharmaceuticals Middle East. “Driven by our commitment we have undertaken these significant studies which demonstrate realistic proof that helps physicians make better-informed treatment decisions based on clear and corroborated information when dealing with AF patients and others on a daily basis.”
He explained that “AF causes an irregular heartbeat, an independent factor and one of the biggest risk factors for brain strokes. One in every five brain strokes caused by a disruption to blood circulation to the brain happens as a result of thrombosis or hemorrhage. AF patients are five times more likely to suffer brain strokes, and this risk is increased if other diseases are jointly present.”
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