Petition launched to raise AF and stroke awareness
pharmafile | April 20, 2012 | News story | Business Services, Medical Communications, Sales and Marketing | AF, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pradaxa, Xarelto, stroke
Various health organisations have called on more people involved in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) to help raise awareness of its link to stroke.
The World Heart Federation (WHF), Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA), AntiCoagulation Europe and the Stroke Alliance for Europe are among those supporting the ‘1 Mission 1 Million – Getting to the Heart of Stroke’ initiative.
The groups, and campaign sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim, announced plans for 2012 – such as a global petition in support of relevant programmes – at this week’s World Cardiology Congress in Dubai.
With an emphasis on community-based action, last year €1 million was awarded in funding to 32 projects – which included research, free ECG screening programmes or the creation of patient groups – in 18 countries.
Organisers estimate that 200,000 people are now being helped by the work of programmes such as these as well as radio and TV broadcasts, and other awareness events.
“1 Mission 1 Million has already made a huge difference by funding AF-related stroke prevention projects and potentially saving many lives,” says AFA founder Trudie Lobban.
“2012 will offer more opportunities for those working to prevent AF–related strokes,” said Dr Kathryn Taubert, WHF chief science officer.
“Many people are not fully aware of the increased risk of stroke associated with AF, despite it being the most common heart rhythm abnormality.”
Up to three million people worldwide have an AF-related stroke every year, with one in four people aged 40 years or older developing AF during their lifetime.
These strokes tend to be more severe and cause greater disability than non-AF strokes. More details of the campaign will be presented during ‘World Heart Rhythm Week’ (21-27 May).
Warfarin has been the main oral blood thinner available to treat stroke prevention in patients with AF, but it requires regular monitoring and dose fixing due to the risk of bleeding.
As Boehringer’s sponsorship of the campaign suggests, the company is a major player in the AF market.
Its blood thinner Pradaxa (dabigatran) was last month approved by NICE for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in people with atrial fibrillation.
Patients will be told about the treatment’s risks compared to warfarin, however: in October last year the European Medicines Agency warned it could cause renal problems.
Pradaxa’s direct competitor, Bayer’s Xarelto (rivaroxaban), can also help prevent stroke and embolism in AF patients, but NICE says it still needs more data to recommend it.
The NICE thumbs-down would be a major blow for Bayer, as AF is its most lucrative licenced indication.
Adam Hill
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