Pfizer Inc (PFE – Free Report) and partner Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY – Free Report) presented findings from a phase IV study on Eliquis, which demonstrated the oral anticoagulation’s potential in achieving and maintaining normal heart rhythm (cardioversion).

The study, EMANATE, compared Eliquis with standard-of-care, Heparin, for reducing the occurrence of acute stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding, clinically relevant non-major bleeding and all-cause death in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients undergoing cardioversion.

We remind investors that Eliquis is already approved for the reduction of the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with NVAF, treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) and reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy, and prophylaxis of DVT, which may lead to PE, in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery. However, the drug is not approved for the reduction of stroke in NVAF patients undergoing cardioversion.

Pfizer has underperformed the industry so far this year. The stock has gained 3% during this period, while the industry gained 11.3%.

Coming back to the latest news, cardioversion procedure is associated with a concern for clotting of blood in the heart while travelling to brain (stroke) or other body parts (systemic embolism). The EMANATE study showed that there was no stroke in Eliquis group compared to six strokes in the Heparin arm. However, no systemic embolism was observed for both the drug groups. Eliquis also reduced the number of major bleeding events and clinically relevant non-major bleeding events compared to Heparin.

The current standard-of-care – Heparin and Coumadin – requires monitoring and potential dose adjustment while administered for reducing the risk of stroke. However, Eliquis can be administered at a fixed dose of 5mg twice daily.

We note that Eliquis, being an anticoagulant, increases the risk of bleeding, which can become serious and potentially fatal.