Factor XI inhibitors are on the rise as a potential breakthrough therapy in treating anticoagulation, as they offer a safer alternative to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for atrial fibrillation patients, according to Christian T. Ruff, M.D., M.P.H., director of general cardiology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and associate professor at Harvard Medical School.
While DOACs are highly effective at preventing strokes, their bleeding risks often limit their use, especially in high-risk patients.
Ruff explained further into this challenge to Managed Healthcare Executive.
“I think what I envision with factor XI inhibition is that I hope they’re as effective as the DOACs. If they’re more effective, great. But the reason we’re not using the DOACs is not because they’re not effective—it’s because the bleeding…