Current Status and Ongoing Development of Reversing Agents for Novel Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs)

Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been associated with multiple safety benefits compared with vitamin K antagonists in patients with diseases at high thromboembolic potential, including nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Although these agents have several distinct advantages, they are limited by the lack of a proven antidote, which may represent a major concern in case of life-threatening bleeding. Several different drugs and compounds are currently under investigation as reversing agents of NOACs. This article provides an overview of potential NOACs antidotes, including recent patents of emerging compounds.