The first oral direct thrombin inhibitor, ximelagatran [Exanta] offers advantages over warfarin in the prevention of stroke and systemic embolic events in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), according to results from the SPORTIF V study presented at the 76th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association [Orlando, US; November 2003].*This study, which involved almost 4000 patients, showed that ximelagatran was as effective as warfarin in reducing the incidences of fatal or disabling stroke and haemorrhagic stroke, but was associated with a lower combined incidence of major and minor bleeding.