Bristol Myers Squibb and Johnson & Johnson launch an educational initiative highlighting Factor XIa as a promising new target in thromboembolic disease and anticoagulation.
Written By: Nikita Chaudhari BPharm
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Bristol Myers Squibb has launched a new clinician-focused educational initiative, “Change the Target. Change What’s Possible.”, developed in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, aimed at addressing persistent gaps in the prevention of thromboembolic disease.
Despite decades of progress in cardiovascular medicine, a substantial number of patients remain inadequately protected from serious events such as stroke and systemic embolism. In the U.S. alone, around 40% of patients with atrial fibrillation are untreated or undertreated, while nearly one in four strokes is recurrent, many considered preventable. Concerns around bleeding risk with existing therapies continue to play a major role in these treatment gaps.
Why current anticoagulation still falls short
Modern antithrombotic therapies have evolved to selectively target points within the coagulation cascade. However, most currently available anticoagulants inhibit factors in the common pathway of coagulation. While effective at preventing clots, this approach can also impair normal hemostasis, increase the risk of bleeding and force difficult trade-offs between safety and efficacy for clinicians and patients.
According to Clay Johnston, MD, PhD, MPH, co-founder and chief medical officer at Harbor Health, patients at risk for stroke and other thromboembolic events need therapies that can reduce dangerous clot formation without amplifying bleeding risk. Emerging targets such as factor XIa may offer a way forward.
Factor XIa: a new way of thinking about clot prevention
Factor XIa has emerged as a promising target in thrombosis research. It plays a key role in thrombin generation and clot propagation, processes central to harmful clot formation. Importantly, FXIa appears to be less critical for normal, healthy clotting.
By inhibiting FXIa, researchers aim to separate thrombosis from hemostasis, potentially preventing pathological clots while preserving the body’s ability to form protective clots. This concept could redefine how anticoagulation is approached, especially for patients who remain at high risk despite current therapies.
Tania Small, MD, senior vice president and head of Medical Affairs at Bristol Myers Squibb, highlighted that a deeper understanding of the coagulation cascade has opened the door to targets like FXIa, helping guide new strategies for thrombosis prevention without compromising safety.
A collaboration focused on closing the care gap
Through their long-standing collaboration, Bristol Myers Squibb and Johnson & Johnson are jointly investigating factor XIa as a potential treatment approach for thromboembolic diseases. The alliance combines scientific expertise with global development and commercial capabilities, with the shared goal of improving outcomes for patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions.
Beyond research, the collaboration also supports education and engagement across the cardiovascular and neurological communities, including partnerships with patient advocacy organizations.
For more details on the campaign and factor XIa research, clinicians can visit factorxi.com
References
Bristol Myers Squibb Introduces “Change the Target. Change What’s Possible.” to Highlight Unmet Needs in Cardiovascular and Thromboembolic Care, 03 February 2026, Bristol Myers Squibb – Bristol Myers Squibb Introduces “Change the Target. Change What’s Possible.” to Highlight Unmet Needs in Cardiovascular and Thromboembolic Care
Ali AE, Factor XI as a new target for prevention of thromboembolism in cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2025 Jan;58(1):1-14. Epub 2024 May 18. PMID: 38762711. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11239-024-02986-z