Eliquis enters Phase IV trial for NVAF patients undergoing Cardioversion - BMS + Pfizer

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Pfizer Inc. announced that the first patient has been enrolled into a Phase IV clinical trial called EMANATE (Eliquis evaluated in acute cardioversion coMpared to usuAl treatmeNts for AnTicoagulation in subjEcts with NVAF) assessing the effectiveness and safety of Eliquis (apixaban) in patients with NonValvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF) undergoing Cardioversion.

Eliquis is currently approved to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with NVAF. Cardioversion (administered through electric shock to the chest or with medication) is a commonly used, effective method of converting atrial fibrillation to a normal rhythm, allowing the heart to pump more effectively. Traditionally, anticoagulation is administered for a minimum of three weeks prior to cardioversion and for four weeks afterward. In some patients, early cardioversion can be performed on the same day or within days of new-onset NVAF, usually after imaging, to confirm the absence of a pre-existing thrombus in the heart, which could be dislodged during the cardioversion procedure and cause a stroke.

EMANATE, a randomized, open-label clinical trial, will assess the effectiveness and safety of Eliquis compared with usual care (parenteral heparin and/or oral anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist) initiated in patients with NVAF expected to undergo Cardioversion after short-term anticoagulation, in a clinical practice setting.