Effects of the oral, direct factor xa inhibitor rivaroxaban on platelet-induced thrombin generation and prothrombinase activity.

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 approximately 80% and approximately 90% compared with baseline after rivaroxaban 5 and 30 mg, respectively, and tissue factor-induced endogenous thrombin potential was reduced by approximately 40% (5 mg) and approximately 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.