Astellas Pharma has decided to discontinue the global development of darexaban maleate, an oral direct Factor Xa inhibitor for all indications.

Astellas had been developing darexaban globally for the indications of preventing venous thromboembolism after major orthopedic surgery, stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and ischemic events prevention in acute coronary syndrome. Astellas had been considering the appointment of a partner for the phase III clinical development and commercialization of darexaban for these indications rather than developing and commercializing it alone. However, Astellas concluded that finding a suitable partner has been difficult and considering intensified competition for this product and the order of priority in its pipeline, Astellas has decided to discontinue development of darexaban for all indications.