November 16, 2010 – Results from the ROCKET AF trial showed that rivaroxaban given once daily is superior at reducing stroke and non-central nervous system (CNS) systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The trial compared the drug with warfarin, the most common stroke-prevention medicine in AF patients.
In the study, rivaroxaban showed a 21 percent relative risk reduction for stroke and non-CNS systemic embolism. Additionally, the results indicate that the treatment benefits compared to warfarin were sustained as long as the patients received rivaroxaban.
"Given the prevalence and morbidity associated with atrial fibrillation, and the well-known difficulties with warfarin use, it is exciting to have an alternative which was documented in this study to be effective with no increase in significant bleeding," said Robert M. Califf, M.D., study co-chairman and vice chancellor for clinical research from Duke University.
Rivaroxaban is being developed jointly by Johnson & Johnson and Bayer HealthCare.
For more information: www.jnjpharmarnd.com
November 12, 2025 
