New pharmacotherapeutic options for oral anticoagulant treatment in atrial fibrillation patients aged 65 and older: factor XIa inhibitors and beyond

IntroductionAlthough much progress has been made using anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, bleeding is still a major concern.Areas coveredThis article reviews current pharmacotherapeutic options in this setting. Particular emphasis is placed on the ability of the new molecules to minimize the bleeding risk in elderly patients. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to March 2023 was carried out.Expert opinionContact phase of coagulation is a possible new target for anticoagulant therapy. Indeed, congenital or acquired deficiency of contact phase factors is associated with reduced thrombotic burden and limited risk of spontaneous bleeding. These new drugs seem particularly suitable for stroke prevention in elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in whom the hemorrhagic risk is high. Most of anti Factor XI (FXI) drugs are for parenteral use only. A group of small molecules are for oral use and therefore are candidates to substitute direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for stroke prevention in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. Doubts remain on the possibility of impaired hemostasis. Indeed, a fine calibration of inhibition of contact phase factors is crucial for an effective and safe treatment.

Automated summary

This article summarizes the progress made in using anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, with a particular focus on new drugs that can minimize bleeding risk in elderly patients.