New oral anticoagulants: a brief review.
This manuscript represents a brief review of the current oral anticoagulants that have come on the scene over the past decade and that are now in various stages of development through the process of phase II and III clinical trials. A brief review of the oral thrombin and direct factor Xa inhibitors is presented to apprise the practicing clinician of the status of these new agents. Efficacy and safety issues are mentioned as they relate to each agent and the need for alternative agents to replace the vitamin K antagonists for long-term anticoagulation therapy. Although none of the agents discussed in the review have been approved for clinical use, data accumulated thus far from the clinical studies have provided some degree of encouragement and optimism for their future approval.
Mazza
Joseph J
JJ
Departments of Hematology/Oncology, Marshfield Clinic and Clinical Research Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Marshfield, WI 54449, USA. mazza.joseph@mcrf.mfldclin.edu
Yale
Steven H
SH