Ximelagatran compared with warfarin for prevention of thromboembolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Rationale, objectives, and design of a pair of clinical studies and baseline patient characteristics (SPORTIF III and V)

Background Ximelagatran is a novel, oral direct thrombin inhibitor under investigation as an alternative to warfarin for prevention of thromboembolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Two long-term studies in patients with AF and at least one additional risk factor for stroke are underway to compare the safety and efficacy of fixed-dose ximelagatran (36 mg bid) without coagulation monitoring with dose-adjusted warfarin (international normalized ratio 2.0-3.0). Methods SPORTIF III is a randomized, open-label, parallel-group study with blinded event assessment involving 3407 patients at 259 sites in 23 countries. SPORTIF V is similar, but with double-blind treatment allocation involving 3922 patients at 409 North American sites. The primary end point in each study is the incidence of all strokes and systemic embolic events, and the objective is to establish the noninferiority of ximelagatran relative to warfarin. Secondary end point constellations include (1) death, stroke, systemic embolism, and myocardial infarction; (2) ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and systemic embolism; and (3) bleeding and treatment discontinuation. Blinded central committees adjudicate all end points and monitor patient safety. The studies commenced July 2000; enrollment ended in December 2001. Each study will accrue greater than or equal to4000 patient-years and greater than or equal to80 primary end points with a minimum per-patient exposure of 12 months. Combined analysis of both studies is also planned. Results The demographics of the 2 patient populations are similar and should allow the studies to meet the objective. Conclusions The program, the largest conducted in this indication, will determine the safety and antithrombotic efficacy of ximelagatran as an alternative to warfarin for prevention of thromboembolism in patients with AF.