Bayer OCEANIC-STROKE results November 2025: topline success confirmed
Bayer OCEANIC-STROKE results November 2025 confirm that the Phase III study met its primary efficacy and safety endpoints. The update covers asundexian in patients after a non‑cardioembolic ischemic stroke or high‑risk TIA. Detailed numbers were not disclosed, but the topline readout is positive, according to company and news reports.
Zoom in: The company says a 50 mg once‑daily dose of asundexian, on top of antiplatelet therapy, reduced the risk of ischemic stroke versus placebo. Additionally, the study reported no increase in ISTH major bleeding risk compared with placebo. These outcomes anchor the asundexian phase iii stroke program on stronger footing.
By the numbers:
- Dose: asundexian 50 mg once daily, added to antiplatelet therapy.
- Efficacy: reduced recurrent ischemic stroke risk versus placebo (topline).
- Safety: no increase in ISTH major bleeding risk versus placebo.
- Scale: >12,300 participants in an event‑driven Phase III.
- First-in-class milestone: the first successfully completed Phase III factor xia inhibitor trial.
- Status: FDA Fast Track asundexian designation for this indication.
- Disclosure: full data slated for a scientific congress.
The upshot: This readout revives a program that suffered a 2023 atrial fibrillation setback. However, the secondary prevention setting is different, and the signal here is clean at topline.
Efficacy and safety: asundexian 50 mg on antiplatelets
As reported, asundexian 50 mg once daily reduced ischemic stroke risk versus placebo when layered on standard antiplatelet therapy. Moreover, the study observed no increase in ISTH major bleeding risk. That balance is crucial because bleeding concerns often limit antithrombotic adoption.
Consequently, the asundexian phase iii stroke outcome addresses a core clinical trade‑off. Still, clinicians will want subgroup views, time‑to‑event curves, and consistency across antiplatelet regimens once full data arrive.
Inside the OCEANIC-STROKE Phase III trial design
The OCEANIC-STROKE trial design was multicenter, international, randomized, placebo‑controlled, double‑blind, and event‑driven. It enrolled more than 12,300 patients following a non‑cardioembolic ischemic stroke or high‑risk TIA. Importantly, that scale supports robust estimation of both efficacy and safety signals.
Additionally, the oceanic-stroke trial design should help contextualize external validity across regions and care settings. Yet, readers should note that only topline results are public today.
Bayer OCEANIC-STROKE results timeline: 2023 setback to Nov. 2025
In 2023, asundexian missed goals in a pivotal atrial fibrillation study. On November 23, 2025, Bayer released the successful secondary stroke prevention topline. Then, on November 24, shares jumped more than 8% and were reported as surging nearly 10% intraday.
Therefore, the program’s narrative has shifted within two trading days. However, final judgment awaits complete presentations and peer review.
Why it matters: Bayer OCEANIC-STROKE results November 2025 and the Factor XIa class
This is the first successfully completed Phase III factor xia inhibitor trial. As a result, the class now has a definitive late‑stage success in secondary stroke prevention. That matters for developers pursuing contact pathway targets.
Furthermore, the asundexian phase iii stroke win could refresh investment in the category. But real‑world uptake will hinge on absolute risk reductions, bleeding profiles, and practical layering with antiplatelets.
Regulatory outlook and data disclosure plans
Bayer plans to present the full OCEANIC-STROKE dataset at an upcoming scientific congress. In parallel, the company will engage health authorities globally to prepare marketing applications. Notably, FDA Fast Track asundexian status is already in place for secondary prevention after non‑cardioembolic ischemic stroke.
Additionally, the FDA Fast Track asundexian designation can enable rolling submissions and closer dialogue. Still, regulators will review the totality of evidence, including subgroup and safety details.
Market reaction
Investors responded quickly to the topline disclosure. Shares in Bayer rose more than 8% and were reported as nearing a 10% gain. Nevertheless, valuation will depend on durability of the effect size and commercial execution.
What’s Next
What’s next: Expect detailed OCEANIC-STROKE data at a major scientific meeting. Then, watch for global regulatory interactions and potential filings.
Moreover, comparisons to other factor xia inhibitor trial efforts will likely follow. Meanwhile, continued updates on the oceanic-stroke trial design nuances and safety data will guide clinician adoption.
Sources
- Reuters: Bayer reports positive results for blood thinner after 2023 setback
- Reuters: Bayer shares up more than 8% on revived fortunes for blood thinner
- Business Wire: Bayer’s Asundexian Met Primary Efficacy and Safety Endpoints in Landmark Phase III OCEANIC-STROKE Study in Secondary Stroke Prevention
- Bayer: Bayer’s Asundexian Met Primary Efficacy and Safety Endpoints in Landmark Phase III OCEANIC-STROKE Study in Secondary Stroke Prevention | Bayer United States
- Investegate (EQS-Adhoc): EQS-Adhoc: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft: Bayer’s Asundexian Met Primary Efficacy and Safety Endpoints in Landmark Phase III OCEANIC-STROKE Study in Secondary Stroke Prevention
- Financial Times: Bayer soars on promising trial results for stroke prevention drug
- Nasdaq (RTTNews): Bayer’s Asundexian Meets Primary Goals In Phase III Study In Secondary Stroke Prevention

