Use of Vitamin K Antagonists in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation is Driven by the Availability of an Oral Formulation, Cost and Widespread Inclusion on Guidelines and Formularies

MALVERN, Pa., Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Arlington Medical Resources (AMR), a provider of premier market intelligence for the pharmaceutical and diagnostic imaging industries, finds that, in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, surveyed European cardiologists indicate that use of vitamin K antagonists, as a class, is primarily driven by the availability of an oral formulation, overall low cost and widespread inclusion on European medical society guidelines and hospital formularies. Vitamin K antagonists and low molecular weight heparins are the most commonly used anticoagulants across physician specialties in Europe.

"Orally administered vitamin K antagonists tend to dominate prescribing in both in-patient and discharge therapy setting, while low molecular weight heparins are more frequently used in the in-patient setting because of their injectable formulation," said AMR Analyst James Andersen.

The analysis can be found in Hospital Insight Series: Anticoagulants—Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (Europe) which will publish later this month. The report analyzes the use of anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation using AMR's comprehensive and highly detailed clinical data in conjunction with primary research and extensive understanding of the market. This report contains European data and examines the reasons behind cardiologists' product preferences, factors driving anticoagulant prescribing patterns and physician receptivity to emerging treatments.

About AMR

AMR (www.AMR-data.com) serves the market intelligence needs of the pharmaceutical and diagnostic imaging industries. Research includes clinical inpatient databases that directly link anti-infective drug with indication/procedure, formulary and stocking status tracking studies, drug purchasing audits and diagnostic imaging procedure volume/contrast media usage audits. AMR is a Decision Resources, Inc. company.

About Decision Resources, Inc.

Decision Resources, Inc. is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources, Inc. at www.DecisionResourcesInc.com.

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SOURCE Arlington Medical Resources