Bayer announced on October 26, 2026, that China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) had approved its antithrombotic drug asundexian. Marketed as Sunharbo, it is the first Factor XIa inhibitor approved anywhere in the world.
The approval covers use to reduce stroke risk in adults following a non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or a high-risk transient ischemic attack. Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability in China, making the country a significant market for the therapy.
Bayer is counting on asundexian to help replace revenue from its best-selling blood thinner, Xarelto, which is facing patent expiration. Bayer shares rose significantly after the announcement.