Effects of the Oral, Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor Rivaroxaban on Platelet‐Induced Thrombin Generation and Prothrombinase Activity1

Abstract

Rivaroxaban (BAY 59‐7939) is an oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor in advanced development. This study was undertaken to investigate its effects on thrombin generation. In this placebo‐controlled, randomized, crossover study, 12 healthy subjects received rivaroxaban (single 5‐ or 30‐mg dose) or placebo. Thrombin generation was investigated by measuring the endogenous thrombin potential and prothrombinase‐induced clotting time. Maximal effect of rivaroxaban was observed 2 hours after drug administration: prothrombinase‐induced clotting time was prolonged 1.8 and 2.3 times baseline after rivaroxaban 5 and 30 mg, respectively. Collagen‐induced endogenous thrombin potential was reduced by ∼80% and ∼90% compared with baseline after rivaroxaban 5 and 30 mg, respectively, and tissue factor‐induced endogenous thrombin potential was reduced by ∼40% (5 mg) and ∼65% (30 mg), respectively. Thrombin generation remained inhibited for 24 hours. There was a close correlation between plasma concentration of rivaroxaban and prolongation of prothrombinase‐induced clotting time and reduction in endogenous thrombin potential. Rivaroxaban strongly inhibits platelet‐induced thrombin generation, after activation of either platelets or the coagulation pathway, even in the presence of minimal factor Xa inhibition in plasma.