What is "apixaban"

n. An experimental drug with potential applications as an anticoagulant.

Apixaban, sold under the tradename Eliquis, is an anticoagulant for the treatment of venous thromboembolic events. It is taken by mouth. It is a direct factor Xa inhibitor.

Apixaban was approved in Europe in 2012. It was approved in the U.S. in 2014 for treatment and secondary prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It is being developed in a joint venture by Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb.