Expert review of hematology
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While associated life-threatening and fatal bleeding events are less frequent with the direct factor Xa inhibitors compared to vitamin K antagonists, significant concern surrounding management of major bleeds and urgent periprocedural interruption of these agents exists among clinicians. Andexanet alfa is a recombinant human factor Xa decoy protein developed in response to this clinical gap in the care of patients receiving anticoagulation with factor Xa inhibitors. Areas covered: This paper reviews results from preclinical and healthy-volunteer studies demonstrating the ability of andexanet to rapidly and reliably normalize coagulation indices in patients treated with both direct and indirect factor Xa inhibitors. ⋯ It also provides an overview of the major safety concerns reported in these trials which include allergic and infusion reactions, development of anti-andexanet antibodies and, importantly, thrombosis. Expert commentary: While initial reports on restoration of hemostasis and safety are promising, further study of andexanet is required to gauge its efficacy and toxicity, including a potential prothrombotic effect. Further, its use in patients requiring urgent surgery should be studied.