Artivion, Inc., a leading cardiac and vascular surgery company focused on aortic disease, announced today that it has stopped the PROACT Xa clinical trial, a prospective, randomized, trial designed to determine if patients with an On-X mechanical aortic valve can be maintained safely and effectively on apixaban rather than on warfarin. The decision was based on the recommendation of the independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) of the trial due to lack of evidence supporting non-inferiority of apixaban to warfarin for valve thrombosis and thromboembolism.

• The PROACT Xa trial was designed to determine whether apixaban would yield equivalent safety to the standard anticoagulant, warfarin.
• The trial began enrolling in April 2020. The DSMB found that blood clots, resulting in stroke, occurred more frequently in patients receiving apixaban and that continuing the trial was unlikely to achieve the primary endpoint while possibly exposing patients to increased risk.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of a recalled product can be reported to

the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program online, by mail, or by fax.

• Submit a Report Online: https://www.accessdatfda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
• Send a Report Via S. Mail or Fax:

Download a form from https://www.fda.gov/safety/reporting-serious-problems-fda/forms- reporting-fda or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form. Then complete and return to the address on the form or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

Actual drug patent expiration dates and availability of new medications are subject to change due to patent litigation, settlement agreements, additional patents, exclusivities, and final FDA approval. Distribution and availability of new medications at pharmacies may not occur immediately following FDA approval. Patients are advised to speak with their healthcare professional or pharmacist regarding appropriateness as well as actual availability.

*This is provided for information only. The reference to any medication above does not mean the medication is covered by your plan.