Phase III study evaluated rivaroxaban versus aspirin in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source with no atrial fibrillation

Study unlikely to show benefit of rivaroxaban versus aspirin if it were to be completed

RARITAN, NJ, USA I October 5, 2017 I Janssen Research & Development, LLC and its development partner Bayer today announced the Phase III NAVIGATE ESUS study, evaluating the efficacy and safety of XARELTO® (rivaroxaban) for the secondary prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with a recent embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), is stopping early for futility. This decision is based on the recommendation of the study’s Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) as the trial showed comparable efficacy between rivaroxaban and the standard of care, aspirin, and little chance of rivaroxaban showing an overall benefit versus aspirin if the study were to be completed. While bleeding rates were very low overall and within the expected range, an increase in bleeding was observed in the rivaroxaban arm compared to aspirin.

ESUS refers to patients with embolic stroke of unknown origin in whom common causes such as atrial fibrillation and carotid artery stenosis have been excluded. It is estimated to affect approximately 500,000 people in the United States annually.

“XARELTO® is a highly effective anticoagulant for patients at risk for stroke from atrial fibrillation, as well as for the prevention and treatment of clots in a variety of approved indications,” said Paul Burton, MD, PhD, FACC, Vice President, Medical Affairs, Janssen. “Results from ROCKET AF and emerging real-world data continue to show the positive benefit of XARELTO® in preventing cardiovascular events, including stroke.”

The Phase III NAVIGATE ESUS trial enrolled approximately 7,200 patients from 459 sites across 31 countries worldwide. In the study, patients were randomized to receive either rivaroxaban 15 mg once daily or aspirin 100 mg once daily alone. The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of stroke and systemic embolism; the primary safety endpoint was major bleeding. A complete data analysis is expected to be presented in 2018.

WHAT IS XARELTO®?
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.

About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies
At the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, we are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. We are Janssen. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us on Twitter at @JanssenUS.

SOURCE: Janssen