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New Stroke Drug Could Replace Warfarin

Blood thinner Pradaxa was 34% more effective in trials

By Mat Probasco, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 31, 2009 5:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – In what could be a sea change in the fight against strokes, a new blood-thinning drug could soon replace the 50-year-old warfarin, reports the Wall Street Journal. Boehringer Ingelheim's new drug, Pradaxa, proved to be 34% more effective at reducing the risk of stroke and 15% better at stopping fatal strokes than warfarin in clinical tests. Pradaxa also doesn't carry the same risks, which include of poor interaction with other drugs and foods as common as green vegetables.

Millions of people suffer from heart-rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation, which is sometimes treated with warfarin—a drug used in high doses as rat poison. Pradaxa, also called dabigatran, inhibits the effects of thrombin, which is a naturally occurring substance responsible for blood clotting. More tests are needed before official approval of the drug.

Warfarin in high doses is used in rat poison. (©Jug Jones)

A new blood-thinning drug could eventually replace warfarin in fighting stokes. (Photo: Business Wire)

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New Stroke Drug Could Replace Warfarin

Blood thinner Pradaxa was 34% more effective in trials

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Sen. Mark Kirk Has a Stroke

Illinois Republican who won Barack Obama's seat hospitalized

After Stroke, South Pole Worker Is Denied Evacuation

US officials say it's too risky to fly out Renee-Nicole Douceur

Apples, Pears Fend Off Strokes

White-fleshed fruit reduced strokes in Dutch study

Depression Tied to Stroke Risk in Women

But researchers doubt link is direct

Lawyer: Mubarak Has Had a Stroke

Hospital where he's being held denies report

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New Stroke Drug Could Replace Warfarin

Blood thinner Pradaxa was 34% more effective in trials

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

stroke • Warfarin

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Sen. Mark Kirk Has a Stroke

Illinois Republican who won Barack Obama's seat hospitalized

After Stroke, South Pole Worker Is Denied Evacuation

US officials say it's too risky to fly out Renee-Nicole Douceur

Apples, Pears Fend Off Strokes

White-fleshed fruit reduced strokes in Dutch study

Depression Tied to Stroke Risk in Women

But researchers doubt link is direct

Lawyer: Mubarak Has Had a Stroke

Hospital where he's being held denies report

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?