The newly approved Pradaxa is the first of a novel class of anticoagulant medication which inhibits an enzyme involved in blood clotting
. In clinical trials, people with atrial fibrillation taking Pradaxa had fewer strokes than those taking the commonly prescribed anticoagulant medication warfarin. Warfarin is difficult to use as patients must be monitored with periodic blood tests, and the blood thinning medication interacts negatively with many other drugs and some foods. Germany's Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Pradaxa is marketed in 75 mg and 110 mg capsules. Several American pharmaceutical companies are rushing to develop or get FDA approval for similar medications.