BARCELONA, Spain, Sept. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Janssen Research & Development, LLC (Janssen) and its development partner, Bayer HealthCare, announced today results from the X-VeRT trial, demonstrating once-daily XARELTO® (rivaroxaban) may be an alternative to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in treating and reducing the risk of blood clots in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients undergoing elective cardioversion, a common medical procedure to reset the heartbeat back to a regular rhythm.
Cardioversion requires stable anticoagulation to help prevent life-threatening blood clots before, during and after the procedure. The X-VeRT trial is the first prospective study of any Factor Xa inhibitor in this high-risk patient population.
In this 1,504 patient Phase 3b exploratory trial, compared to VKA therapies such as warfarin, 0.51 percent of patients treated with XARELTO® were observed to have a primary efficacy outcome of stroke, transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke), peripheral embolism (a clot in blood vessels outside of the heart), myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cardiovascular death compared with 1.02 percent of patients treated with VKA. In addition, 0.61 percent of patients treated with XARELTO® were also observed to have a major bleeding event compared with 0.81 percent for VKA. The differences in both the efficacy and safety primary endpoints were not statistically significant, as this trial was not designed to determine statistical significance.
Current European and American guidelines recommend at least three weeks of effective anticoagulation with a VKA (target International Normalized Ratio [INR] 2-3) prior to cardioversion and at least four weeks of anticoagulation after the procedure.
"The X-VeRT study results provide physicians with additional insights that may help them manage NVAF patients who are scheduled for cardioversion," said Riccardo Cappato, M.D., Professor of Electrophysiology and Chief of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Center, University of Milan, Irccs Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy, and co-lead investigator of the X-VeRT study. "X-VeRT explores the potential advantage of using once-daily rivaroxaban as an alternative to VKA therapy to rapidly establish and maintain stable anticoagulation and avoid delays to cardioversion."
The X-VeRT study (eXplore the efficacy and safety of once-daily oral riVaroxaban for the prEvention of caRdiovascular events in patients with nonvalvular aTrial fibrillation scheduled for cardioversion) is part of the EXPLORER global cardiovascular research program for XARELTO®. It includes 11 trials assessing the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in high-risk patient populations, including those with chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, acute coronary syndrome and embolic stroke of undetermined source. By the time of its completion, more than 275,000 patients will have participated in the XARELTO® clinical development program, including completed and ongoing clinical trials, independent registries and non-interventional studies. More than 151,000 of those patients have been or will be part of controlled, randomized clinical trials.
"The results of the X-VeRT study build on the promising data first seen in a post-hoc analysis of the landmark ROCKET AF trial," said Anne Hermanowski Vosatka, M.D., Ph.D, F.A.C.C., Vice President and Compound Development Team Leader for XARELTO®, Janssen. "XARELTO is the most studied and widely prescribed Factor Xa inhibitor in the world today. We remain committed to continuing to advance our understanding of how this medicine can address critical medical needs. Beyond X-VeRT, we have initiated 10 additional studies in high-risk patient populations, including acute coronary syndrome, embolic stroke of undetermined source, and peripheral artery disease."
"Patients on warfarin require significant preparation prior to having cardioversion, as they need to have their blood checked for three weeks prior to the procedure to determine if dose adjustments are needed to keep the medicine effective," said Andrea Natale, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.H.R.S., F.E.S.C., Executive Medical Director, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center. "The X-VeRT results indicate that rivaroxaban may offer a simpler process for clinicians because it does not require routine blood monitoring."
About the X-VeRT StudyX-VeRT was a prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel group Phase 3b study involving 1,504 patients with hemodynamically stable non-valvular atrial fibrillation of > 48 hours or unknown duration, recruited from 16 countries worldwide. Patients scheduled for cardioversion were randomly assigned to rivaroxaban 20mg once-daily (15mg if creatinine clearance was between 30 and 49 mL/min) or INR-adjusted VKA therapy in a 2:1 ratio. The decision regarding early cardioversion (a goal of between 1–5 days of rivaroxaban or usual VKA therapy before the procedure) or delayed cardioversion (rivaroxaban or VKA for 3–8 weeks prior to the procedure) was taken by the local investigator.
In NVAF patients, 0.51 percent of patients treated with XARELTO® were observed to have a primary efficacy outcome of stroke, transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke), peripheral embolism (a clot in blood vessels outside of the heart), myocardial infarction (heart attack) and cardiovascular death compared with 1.02 percent of patients treated with VKA. In addition, 0.61 percent of patients treated with XARELTO® were also observed to have a major bleeding event compared with 0.81 percent for VKA. The differences in both the efficacy and safety primary endpoints were not statistically significant, as this trial was not designed to determine statistical significance.
About XARELTO® (rivaroxaban):
XARELTO® is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation, not caused by a heart valve problem. For patients currently well managed on warfarin, there is limited information on how XARELTO® and warfarin compare in reducing the risk of stroke.
XARELTO® is also a prescription medicine used to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and to help reduce the risk of these conditions occurring again.
XARELTO® is also a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of forming a blood clot in the legs and lungs of people who have just had knee or hip replacement surgery.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT XARELTO®?
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you develop any of these signs or symptoms of bleeding:
XARELTO® is not for patients with artificial heart valves.
WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE XARELTO®?
Do not take XARELTO® if you:
Especially tell your doctor if you take:
HOW SHOULD I TAKE XARELTO®?
Take XARELTO® exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not change your dose or stop taking XARELTO® unless your doctor tells you to.
Please see "What is the most important information I should know about XARELTO®?"
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., at 1-800-JANSSEN (1-800-526-7736).
Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warnings, and Medication Guide.Trademarks are those of their respective owners.
About Janssen
At Janssen, we are dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet needs of our time in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases and vaccines, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we develop innovative products, services and healthcare solutions to help people throughout the world. Janssen Research & Development, LLC and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. are part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Please visit http://www.janssenrnd.com for more information.
(This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including regarding product development. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approvals; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; changes in behavior and spending patterns or financial distress of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to governmental laws and regulations and domestic and foreign health care reforms; general industry conditions, including trends toward health care cost containment; and increased scrutiny of the health care industry by government agencies. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, including in Exhibit 99 thereto, and the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertake to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.)
Media Contacts: Kristina ChangTel: (908) 927-2416 Mobile: (201) 213-4115 [email protected]
Pam Van Houten Tel: (908) 927-2977 Mobile: (908) [email protected]
Investor Relations Contacts: Johnson & JohnsonLouise Mehrotra Tel: (732) 524-6491
Johnson & JohnsonStan Panasewicz Tel: (732) 524-2524
SOURCE MCS, Inc.
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Cardioversion requires stable anticoagulation to help prevent life-threatening blood clots before, during and after the procedure. The X-VeRT trial is the first prospective study of any Factor Xa inhibitor in this high-risk patient population.
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In this 1,504 patient Phase 3b exploratory trial, compared to VKA therapies such as warfarin, 0.51 percent of patients treated with XARELTO® were observed to have a primary efficacy outcome of stroke, transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke), peripheral embolism (a clot in blood vessels outside of the heart), myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cardiovascular death compared with 1.02 percent of patients treated with VKA. In addition, 0.61 percent of patients treated with XARELTO® were also observed to have a major bleeding event compared with 0.81 percent for VKA. The differences in both the efficacy and safety primary endpoints were not statistically significant, as this trial was not designed to determine statistical significance.
Current European and American guidelines recommend at least three weeks of effective anticoagulation with a VKA (target International Normalized Ratio [INR] 2-3) prior to cardioversion and at least four weeks of anticoagulation after the procedure.
"The X-VeRT study results provide physicians with additional insights that may help them manage NVAF patients who are scheduled for cardioversion," said Riccardo Cappato, M.D., Professor of Electrophysiology and Chief of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Center, University of Milan, Irccs Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy, and co-lead investigator of the X-VeRT study. "X-VeRT explores the potential advantage of using once-daily rivaroxaban as an alternative to VKA therapy to rapidly establish and maintain stable anticoagulation and avoid delays to cardioversion."
The X-VeRT study (eXplore the efficacy and safety of once-daily oral riVaroxaban for the prEvention of caRdiovascular events in patients with nonvalvular aTrial fibrillation scheduled for cardioversion) is part of the EXPLORER global cardiovascular research program for XARELTO®. It includes 11 trials assessing the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in high-risk patient populations, including those with chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, acute coronary syndrome and embolic stroke of undetermined source. By the time of its completion, more than 275,000 patients will have participated in the XARELTO® clinical development program, including completed and ongoing clinical trials, independent registries and non-interventional studies. More than 151,000 of those patients have been or will be part of controlled, randomized clinical trials.
"The results of the X-VeRT study build on the promising data first seen in a post-hoc analysis of the landmark ROCKET AF trial," said Anne Hermanowski Vosatka, M.D., Ph.D, F.A.C.C., Vice President and Compound Development Team Leader for XARELTO®, Janssen. "XARELTO is the most studied and widely prescribed Factor Xa inhibitor in the world today. We remain committed to continuing to advance our understanding of how this medicine can address critical medical needs. Beyond X-VeRT, we have initiated 10 additional studies in high-risk patient populations, including acute coronary syndrome, embolic stroke of undetermined source, and peripheral artery disease."
"Patients on warfarin require significant preparation prior to having cardioversion, as they need to have their blood checked for three weeks prior to the procedure to determine if dose adjustments are needed to keep the medicine effective," said Andrea Natale, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.H.R.S., F.E.S.C., Executive Medical Director, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center. "The X-VeRT results indicate that rivaroxaban may offer a simpler process for clinicians because it does not require routine blood monitoring."
About the X-VeRT StudyX-VeRT was a prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel group Phase 3b study involving 1,504 patients with hemodynamically stable non-valvular atrial fibrillation of > 48 hours or unknown duration, recruited from 16 countries worldwide. Patients scheduled for cardioversion were randomly assigned to rivaroxaban 20mg once-daily (15mg if creatinine clearance was between 30 and 49 mL/min) or INR-adjusted VKA therapy in a 2:1 ratio. The decision regarding early cardioversion (a goal of between 1–5 days of rivaroxaban or usual VKA therapy before the procedure) or delayed cardioversion (rivaroxaban or VKA for 3–8 weeks prior to the procedure) was taken by the local investigator.
In NVAF patients, 0.51 percent of patients treated with XARELTO® were observed to have a primary efficacy outcome of stroke, transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke), peripheral embolism (a clot in blood vessels outside of the heart), myocardial infarction (heart attack) and cardiovascular death compared with 1.02 percent of patients treated with VKA. In addition, 0.61 percent of patients treated with XARELTO® were also observed to have a major bleeding event compared with 0.81 percent for VKA. The differences in both the efficacy and safety primary endpoints were not statistically significant, as this trial was not designed to determine statistical significance.
About XARELTO® (rivaroxaban):
- Nine million patients have received XARELTO® worldwide, and more than eight million prescriptions have been written for XARELTO® in the U.S.
- XARELTO® is broadly reimbursed with 96 percent of patients on Medicare Part D and 92 percent of commercial patients covered at the lowest branded co-pay.
- XARELTO® has a broad indication profile and is approved for six indications:
- To reduce the risk of strokes and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. For patients currently well managed on warfarin, there is limited information on how XARELTO® and warfarin compare in reducing the risk of stroke.
- To treat patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- To treat patients with pulmonary embolism (PE).
- To reduce the risk of recurrence of DVT or PE following an initial six-month treatment for acute venous thromboembolism.
- To reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs of patients who have just had knee replacement surgery.
- To reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs of patients who have just had hip replacement surgery.
XARELTO® is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation, not caused by a heart valve problem. For patients currently well managed on warfarin, there is limited information on how XARELTO® and warfarin compare in reducing the risk of stroke.
XARELTO® is also a prescription medicine used to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and to help reduce the risk of these conditions occurring again.
XARELTO® is also a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of forming a blood clot in the legs and lungs of people who have just had knee or hip replacement surgery.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT XARELTO®?
- For people taking XARELTO® for atrial fibrillation:People with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart beat) are at an increased risk of forming a blood clot in the heart, which can travel to the brain, causing a stroke, or to other parts of the body. XARELTO® lowers your chance of having a stroke by helping to prevent clots from forming. If you stop taking XARELTO®, you may have increased risk of forming a clot in your blood.Do not stop taking XARELTO® without talking to the doctor who prescribes it for you. Stopping XARELTO® increases your risk of having a stroke.If you have to stop taking XARELTO®, your doctor may prescribe another blood thinner medicine to prevent a blood clot from forming.
- XARELTO® can cause bleeding, which can be serious, and rarely may lead to death. This is because XARELTO® is a blood thinner medicine that reduces blood clotting. While you take XARELTO® you are likely to bruise more easily and it may take longer for bleeding to stop.
- Aspirin or aspirin-containing products
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Warfarin sodium (Coumadin®, Jantoven®)
- Any medicine that contains heparin
- Clopidogrel (Plavix®)
- Other medicines to prevent or treat blood clots
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you develop any of these signs or symptoms of bleeding:
- Unexpected bleeding or bleeding that lasts a long time, such as:
- Nosebleeds that happen often
- Unusual bleeding from gums
- Menstrual bleeding that is heavier than normal, or vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding that is severe or that you cannot control
- Red, pink, or brown urine
- Bright red or black stools (looks like tar)
- Cough up blood or blood clots
- Vomit blood or your vomit looks like "coffee grounds"
- Headaches, feeling dizzy or weak
- Pain, swelling, or new drainage at wound sites
- A thin tube called an epidural catheter is placed in your back to give you certain medicine
- You take NSAIDs or a medicine to prevent blood from clotting
- You have a history of difficult or repeated epidural or spinal punctures
- You have a history of problems with your spine or have had surgery on your spine
XARELTO® is not for patients with artificial heart valves.
WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE XARELTO®?
Do not take XARELTO® if you:
- Currently have certain types of abnormal bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking XARELTO® if you currently have unusual bleeding.
- Are allergic to rivaroxaban or any of the ingredients of XARELTO®.
- Have ever had bleeding problems
- Have liver or kidney problems
- Have any other medical condition
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if XARELTO® will harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking XARELTO®. If you take XARELTO® during pregnancy, tell your doctor right away if you have bleeding or symptoms of blood loss.
- Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if XARELTO® passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will take XARELTO® or breastfeed.
Especially tell your doctor if you take:
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral®)
- Itraconazole (Onmel™, Sporanox®)
- Ritonavir (Norvir®)
- Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra®)
- Indinavir (Crixivan®)
- Carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol®-XR, Teril™, Epitol®)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin-125®, Dilantin®)
- Phenobarbital (Solfoton™)
- Rifampin (Rifater®, Rifamate®, Rimactane®, Rifadin®)
- St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)
HOW SHOULD I TAKE XARELTO®?
Take XARELTO® exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not change your dose or stop taking XARELTO® unless your doctor tells you to.
- Your doctor will tell you how much XARELTO® to take and when to take it.
- Your doctor may change your dose if needed.
- Atrial Fibrillation: Take XARELTO® 1 time a day with your evening meal.If you miss a dose of XARELTO®, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time.
- Blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs:
- Take XARELTO® once or twice a day as prescribed by your doctor.
- Take XARELTO® with food at the same time each day.
- If you miss a dose of XARELTO®:
- and take XARELTO® 2 times a day: Take XARELTO® as soon as you remember on the same day. You may take 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose. Take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time.
- and take XARELTO® 1 time a day: Take XARELTO® as soon as you remember on the same day. Take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time.
- Hip or knee replacement surgery: Take XARELTO® 1 time a day with or without food. If you miss a dose of XARELTO®, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time.
- If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole, talk to your doctor about other ways to take XARELTO®.
- Your doctor will decide how long you should take XARELTO®. Do not stop taking XARELTO® without talking to your doctor first.
- Your doctor may stop XARELTO® for a short time before any surgery, medical or dental procedure. Your doctor will tell you when to start taking XARELTO® again after your surgery or procedure.
- Do not run out of XARELTO®. Refill your prescription for XARELTO® before you run out. When leaving the hospital following a hip or knee replacement, be sure that you have XARELTO® available to avoid missing any doses.
- If you take too much XARELTO®, go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call your doctor right away.
Please see "What is the most important information I should know about XARELTO®?"
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., at 1-800-JANSSEN (1-800-526-7736).
Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warnings, and Medication Guide.Trademarks are those of their respective owners.
About Janssen
At Janssen, we are dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet needs of our time in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases and vaccines, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we develop innovative products, services and healthcare solutions to help people throughout the world. Janssen Research & Development, LLC and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. are part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Please visit http://www.janssenrnd.com for more information.
(This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including regarding product development. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approvals; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; changes in behavior and spending patterns or financial distress of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to governmental laws and regulations and domestic and foreign health care reforms; general industry conditions, including trends toward health care cost containment; and increased scrutiny of the health care industry by government agencies. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, including in Exhibit 99 thereto, and the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertake to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.)
Media Contacts: Kristina ChangTel: (908) 927-2416 Mobile: (201) 213-4115 [email protected]
Pam Van Houten Tel: (908) 927-2977 Mobile: (908) [email protected]
Investor Relations Contacts: Johnson & JohnsonLouise Mehrotra Tel: (732) 524-6491
Johnson & JohnsonStan Panasewicz Tel: (732) 524-2524
SOURCE MCS, Inc.
