Bayer reports positive results for blood thinner after 2023 setback

BERLIN (Reuters) -German pharma company Bayer reported positive study ​results for its anticoagulant asundexian on Sunday,‌ two years after a research setback for the ‌promising blood thinner candidate.

In a Phase III study, a daily dose of 50 milligrams significantly reduced the risk of ischemic stroke compared ⁠with a placebo,‌ Bayer said.

Detailed results from the OCEANIC-STROKE study will be presented ‍at an upcoming scientific congress, said Bayer.

Bayer added that it plans to speak with health ​authorities worldwide in preparation for the submission ‌of marketing authorisation applications.

Bayer had originally predicted that asundexian would have peak sales potential of more than 5 billion euros ($5.76 billion) - more than any ⁠of its other drugs.

At ​the end of 2023,​ the company had a major setback with the drug after it failed ‍in a ⁠pivotal clinical trial involving patients with atrial fibrillation and a risk of stroke.

($1 ⁠= 0.8687 euros)

(Reporting by Joern Poltz.‌ Writing by Miranda Murray. ‌Editing by Jane Merriman)