The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has discontinued the low-dose rivaroxaban arm of its Phase 3 CAPTIVA stroke prevention trial. The trial aimed to compare the efficacy of experimental arms (rivaroxaban or ticagrelor, or both) against clopidogrel in reducing the 1-year rate of ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or vascular death. The decision came after an independent safety review revealed increased safety events and a lack of potential benefits. The NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, which sponsors the trial, acted on the recommendation of the Data Safety and Monitoring Board to halt the rivaroxaban group due to safety concerns and a predetermined futility threshold. Rivaroxaban is a product of Bayer AG and Johnson & Johnson. Full story on Benzinga.com.