NICE approves new stroke prevention treatment

NICE has recommended Lixiana (edoxaban) for preventing stroke and systemic embolism in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, saying it is a cost effective use of NHS resources.The draft guidance states: “Edoxaban is recommended, within its marketing authorisation, as an option for preventing stroke and systemic embolism in adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with one or more risk factors, including: Congestive heart failure Hypertension Diabetes Prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack Age 75 years or older. It adds: “The Committee concluded that taking all of the analyses into account, edoxaban was cost effective compared with warfarin and could be recommended as