The discovery and development of rivaroxaban.

Thromboembolic conditions present a considerable challenge to healthcare services because they are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The mainstays of prevention and treatment are anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. Established anticoagulants have drawbacks that make their use difficult to manage and sustain. This has stimulated the search for new oral anticoagulants that are more convenient and yet still effective. This paper describes the development and future potential of rivaroxaban (Xarelto; Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany)-the first oral, direct Factor Xa inhibitor to be approved for clinical use in the prevention of venous thromboembolism in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement surgery.