Exploring Factor XI: A Paradigm Shift as a Hemostasis Sparing Anticoagulant

Hemostasis and thrombosis are believed to be so intricately linked that any strategies that reduce thrombosis will have an inevitable impact on hemostasis. Consequently, bleeding is viewed as an unavoidable side effect of anticoagulant therapy. Emerging evidence suggests that Factor XI is important for thrombosis but has a minor role in hemostasis. This raises the possibility that anticoagulants that target Factor XI will be safer than currently available agents¹. This panel will explore the promise of Factor XI inhibition and how it may address many important unmet patient needs.¹ JACC, Vol. 78,No.6, 2021