Singapore: Boehringer Ingelheim has reported that in Asian populations, Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) offers considerable benefits for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) from this region. The new sub-analysis of the RE-LY trial demonstrates consistently superior efficacy of Pradaxa (150 mg) compared to warfarin for this particular patient group.

Pradaxa (150 mg) also shows larger risk reductions in the rate of haemorrhagic stroke and systemic embolism (SE) in addition to providing greater reductions in major and total bleeding.

"The findings of this study reaffirm the efficacy and safety of dabigatran etexilate for the treatment of people living with atrial fibrillation around the world," commented Dr Gregory Lip, professor, cardiovascular medicine, center for cardiovascular sciences, University of Birmingham. "This analysis provides doctors who are practicing in this region with further guidance and support for the use of this oral anticoagulant and the benefits that it can deliver to patients."

There is a vast and increasing number of Asian people living with atrial fibrillation, with over eight million people being treated for the condition in China alone. In the Asia-Pacific region, it is reported that over 5.1 million people suffer a first-ever AF-related stroke each year, with this number expected to rise dramatically as the population ages.