News Release

Newly developed antidote successfully reversed anti-clotting medication dabigatran

Abstract 17765 (Room C140)

Peer-Reviewed Publication

American Heart Association

For the first time, an antidote developed specifically for dabigatran successfully reversed the effects of the anti-clotting medication in healthy volunteers, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2013.

New oral anti-clotting medications such as dabigatran (Pradaxa) are easier to take than warfarin. However, up until now, there have been no specific antidotes available to reverse the effects of these new anti-clotting medications when managing life-threatening bleeding or performing emergency surgery. This study shows some promise for an antidote for dabigatran.

Researchers developed an antibody fragment (Fab) that specifically binds dabigatran and prevents it from inhibiting clot formation.

Fab was given as 1 hour or 5-minute infusions to 145 healthy male volunteers. Immediate, complete and sustained reversal of dabigatran-induced anticoagulation was observed.

The antidote is still under development and is not yet approved for clinical use, researchers said.

###

For more news from AHA Scientific Sessions 2013 follow us on Twitter @HeartNews #AHA13.

Statements and conclusions of study authors that are presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect association policy or position. The association makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at http://www.heart.org/corporatefunding.

Additional resources related to these tips are on the right column of the release link at http://newsroom.heart.org/news/monday-news-tips-2563028?preview=33a9c0eba00d53ad8e2e23fa06f34915.

NOTE: ALL TIMES ARE CENTRAL. ALL TIPS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL THE TIME OF PRESENTATION OR 3 P.M. CT/4 P.M. ET EACH DAY, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. For more information Nov. 16-20, call the AHA News Media Staff Office in the Dallas Convention Center at (214) 853-8008. Before or after these dates, call the Communications Office in Dallas at (214) 706-1173. For public inquiries, call (800) AHA-USA1 (242-8721).


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.