Direct Factor Xa and direct thrombin inhibitors: a clinical trial update.

Anticoagulant use is recommended for the prevention and treatment of several thromboembolic disorders including venous thromboembolism. However, anticoagulants are often underprescribed because of the disadvantages associated with conventional agents, including the requirement for routine clinical monitoring and parenteral administration. Recent research has focused on the development of agents that target specific factors in the coagulation cascade, primarily Factor (F)Xa and thrombin. There are several new, targeted oral anticoagulants in development that could potentially provide more effective and more convenient anticoagulation than conventional agents. This review provides an update on clinical trials of the direct FXa and thrombin inhibitors.