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.

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.

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.