Medical experts have called for urgent attention to the prevention and management of stroke and blood clots, warning that these conditions remain major but often neglected threats to public health in Nigeria.
Their call came at the official launch of Varoxa, a rivaroxaban brand, by Micronova Pharmaceuticals’, held recently at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, with the theme, “All You Need in One Pill: Varoxa for AFib, DVT, and PE – Without the Hassle.”
The event unveiled two formulations, Varoxa-20 (20mg) and Varoxa-10 (10mg), to broaden treatment options for patients who require anticoagulation.
Speaking at the event, Professor Amam Mbakwem, professor of medicine and cardiology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), stressed that stroke and other thromboembolic disorders account for a significant proportion of avoidable deaths in the country.
She explained that many patients with atrial fibrillation and other clot-related conditions are often underdiagnosed or undertreated, thereby increasing their risk of complications. Mbakwem commended Micronova for bringing Varoxa, available in 10mg and 20mg formulations, into the Nigerian market, describing it as a convenient, versatile therapy that could improve treatment outcomes.
In her address, Professor Ebele Uche, professor of haematology and consultant haematologist at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), noted that anticoagulation therapy has long been burdened by compliance issues, especially with older medicines that require constant monitoring and dietary restrictions.
She emphasised that Varoxa offers patients a simpler, more reliable alternative, without the frequent checks that discourage long-term adherence. According to her, the availability of such therapies will help physicians provide better, evidence-based care for patients at risk of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke.
Discussants at the event, including Dr Agabi Osigwe, consultant physician and neurologist at CMUL/LUTH; and Dr Chinedum Joseph Itie, consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon with subspecialisation in arthroplasty and sports medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, highlighted the broad relevance of Varoxa across cardiology, neurology, haematology, and orthopaedic practice.
The duo underscored its value in managing post-surgical clot risks, neurological complications of atrial fibrillation, and trauma-related thrombotic conditions.
Earlier in his speech, Pharm. Gbenga Adebisi described the launch as part of Micronova’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s evolving healthcare needs through innovative and accessible medicines. He expressed confidence that Varoxa would redefine convenience in anticoagulant care and improve the quality of life for patients living with clot-related conditions.
In his remarks, Pharm. Muyiwa Olatunji reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing cardiovascular care through innovation and accessibility. He stated that Varoxa was developed to redefine standards in stroke and clot management, offering patients a therapy that is not only effective but also easier to administer with improved safety profiles.
With Nigeria facing an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, he noted that the introduction of Varoxa would mark a turning point in the country’s fight against stroke and blood clots, provided it is complemented by systemic reforms and grassroots health education.
The event which had in attendance, the presence of Mr Hermant Sharma, managing director, Micronova Pharmaceuticals, brought together leading clinicians and pharmacists, who unanimously agreed that strengthening access to effective anticoagulation therapy is crucial to reducing the burden of stroke and venous thromboembolism in Nigeria.
