Dabigatran etexilate, a thrombin inhibitor for the prevention of venous thromboembolism and stroke.

Dabigatran etexilate (BIBR-1048, Rendix), an orally active prodrug of the thrombin inhibitor dabigatran (BIBR-953ZW), is being developed by Boehringer Ingelheim Corp as a potential antithrombotic agent. By March 2003, the compound was in phase IIb/III trials for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. By November 2005, a phase III trial had been initiated for the prevention of stroke and embolism due to atrial fibrillation and in May 2006 phase III trials for the prevention of secondary venous thromboembolism began. By July 2007, an EU filing for the drug had been made.