The molecule, called VR-OAC (Vanilloid Receptor-related Osmotically Activated Channel), is an ion channel that responds to changes in osmotic pressure of extracellular fluid.

Despite secondary prevention with OAC, the risk for recurrent stroke and mortality is high in patients with AF. However, OAC discontinuation is tied to a doubling of recurrent stroke.

TAKEAWAY: The rate of stroke or systemic embolism with asundexian was 0.8% among OAC-naive patients and 1.4% among OAC-experienced patients. The rates with apixaban were 0.6% and 0.3%, respectively.