Daiichi Sankyo debuts Lixiana in Japan for VTE prevention after orthopedic surgery

Building on its cardiovascular portfolio, Japanese drug major Daiichi Sankyo (TYO: 4568) has launched its anti-blood clotting drug Lixiana (edoxaban) in Japan. The drug was recently approved by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (The Pharma Letter April 26) and marks the first time edoxaban is commercially available to patients in any global market, the company noted.

Edoxaban is a once-daily, oral anticoagulant that specifically, reversibly and directly inhibits the enzyme, Factor Xa, a clotting factor in the blood. Results from clinical studies supported the approval of edoxaban for the prevention of venous thromboDembolism (VTE) in patients with total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty and hip fracture surgery.

"Today's launch of edoxaban marks the global debut of the medication, which is an exciting breakthrough for patients who require VTE prevention after major orthopedic surgery," said Joji Nakayama, president and chief executive of Daiichi Sankyo. "Edoxaban demonstrates solid efficacy in clinical trials (2, 3) in this population of patients. Its predictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile allows for a convenient, once-daily dosing," he added.