Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen division has announced that Xarelto (rivaroxaban) has bagged successful results in a paediatric trial of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

The was found to have a similar low risk of recurrent VTE – or blood clots – and similar rates of bleeding when compared to current standard anticoagulation therapy in a clinical trial.

In the Phase III EINSTEIN-Jr study, the largest pediatric trial conducted for the treatment of VTE, the company found that 1.2% of the Xarelto group experienced a recurrent event compared to 3.0% of the standard anticoagulation group.

Clinically relevant bleeding was also similar, occurring in 3.0% of the Xarelto group and 1.9% of the standard anticoagulation group.

"VTE affects people of all ages, which is why we are committed to advancing new research and uncovering ways for Xarelto to help people in need," said James List, global therapeutic area head, cardiovascular & metabolism, Jansse.

He continued, "The EINSTEIN-Jr. results offer important insights on the efficacy and safety of Xarelto in managing blood clots in our youngest patients."

The full findings of the study were presented during a late-breaking session at the 27th Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) in Melbourne, Australia.

VTE most frequently occurs in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis, but if it dislodges and travels to the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism, which in some cases can be fatal.