BMS/Pfizer gain FDA nod for Eliquis in 2012, after all

With the US FDA's decision on Bristol-Myers Squibb's and Pfizer's anticoagulant Eliquis (apixaban) not expected until 17 March, the companies' notice they would not provide detailed information on the 28 December approval until the following week might be a hint that even they were caught off guard by the early verdict – even though it was the second go-around for the drug's application at the agency.

The FDA gave its blessing for the two US drug giants to market Eliquis, an oral factor Xa inhibitor anticoagulant,...