Bristol-Myers and Pfizer's blood thinner Eliquis debuts in UK

US drug majors Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) say that their Eliquis (apixaban), an oral treatment, is now available in the UK for the prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in adult patients who have undergone elective total hip or knee replacement surgery.

“VTE is responsible for around 25,000 preventable deaths in the UK annually and preventing them following, for example, major joint surgery is a priority for the NHS [National Health Service]. Apixaban represents a new option in clot prevention for UK surgeons,” said Ander Cohen, Honorary Consultant Vascular Physician at King's College Hospital, London. Dr Cohen continued: “Apixaban provides oral administration to suit patients once they return home after surgery, during the time when they are most at risk of clotting complications.

Blockbuster status forecast for Eliquis