Credit: Shutterstock photoThe HealthCare segment of Bayer ( BAYRY ) has several drugs in its portfolio. Xarelto is one of the key revenue drivers at the segment. Xarelto is approved for several indications in the U.S. including stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and reducing the risk of recurrent DVT and PE. Xarelto is marketed by Johnson & Johnson ( JNJ ) in the U.S. and by Bayer outside the U.S.
Last week Bayer announced the publication of positive data from the phase III EINSTEIN study on Xarelto in the Thrombosis Journal. The EINSTEIN program is evaluating Xarelto in comparison to a dual-drug regimen of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and vitamin K antagonist (VKA) as a treatment of DVT and PE and the prevention of recurrent DVT and PE.
Results from the study revealed that Xarelto had a lower rate and severity of major bleeding in comparison to the dual-drug therapy of LMWH and VKA. Xarelto also improved treatment satisfaction in comparison to the dual-drug therapy.
Bayer and Johnson & Johnson are looking to expand Xarelto's indication further. Successful label expansion will boost the sales potential of the drug. In May this year, Xarelto was approved in the EU for the prevention of atherothrombotic events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke) after an ACS in adults suffering from elevated cardiac biomarkers at a dose of 2.5 mg twice-daily (BID) in combination with antiplatelet therapy.
In the second quarter of 2013, Xarelto sales increased 237.4% year over year to €219 million.
Bayer, a large-cap pharma company, presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and so does another large-cap peer Eli Lilly and Company ( LLY ). Meanwhile, large-cap stocks such as Roche ( RHHBY ) look more attractive with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
