What happened
Bayer said Monday that China's National Medical Products Administration approved Asundexian to reduce the chance of a second stroke in adults with a prior event. The pill will be sold as Sunharbo and targets Factor XIa, a clotting protein.
It is the first Factor XIa inhibitor to win any regulatory approval. Bristol Myers Squibb and Johnson & Johnson are testing a rival candidate, milvexian.
Trial details and competitive backdrop
A clinical study found Asundexian, when used alongside antiplatelet therapy, reduced secondary stroke risk by 26% without increasing serious bleeding. Stefan Oelrich, who leads Bayer's pharma unit, has said the drug - which previously failed in a heart condition study - could reach blockbuster scale as a stroke therapy.
Bayer is seeking approvals in other markets as well, with submissions filed in countries that include the US and Europe.
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Why China matters
Bayer notes that in China, stroke stands as the foremost cause of death and long-term disability, and rates have risen in recent years. About 1 in 10 individuals who make it through a noncardioembolic ischemic stroke experience a recurrence within one year, even with today's preventive measures.
The bottom line for investors
Bayer says Sunharbo should help revive its pharma growth engine, which is contending with generics hitting blood thinner Xarelto and eye drug Eylea. Its newer drugs include the menopause therapy Lynkuet and the heart treatment Beyonttra. Shares climbed as much as 3.4% Monday, and the stock has gained nearly 23% year to date.
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