Atrial Fibrillation

-- Strong Cash Position of $306 Million; 9th Consecutive Quarter of Positive or Neutral Cash Balance ---- Total Net Revenue of $42 Million Represents Continued Source of Cash from the U.S., RoW Partnerships and Early Phases of European Launches ---- Positive European Momentum Continues with Progress from Pricing & Reimbursement Efforts and Incremental Revenue Growth Driven Primarily by Spain and the UK ---- Company to Host Virtual Analyst & Investor Day November 14 ---- Company Remains Committed to Maintaining Public Listing – DUBLIN and BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amarin Corporation plc (NASDAQ: AMRN), today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, and provided a business update. At Amarin, the company’s product -- VASCEPA®/VAZKEPA® (icosapent ethyl) -- has significant growth and value potential globally. This continues to be validated by progress around the world. During the quarter, VAZKEPA sales grew 19% sequentially in Europe, driven primarily by Spain and the UK. Notably, in Italy, the Company has taken additional steps with the Italian authorities and hopes to be in a position to share news soon. In the U.S., the Company has maintained +50% share of the IPE market through the third quarter. As a result, the U.S. business has continued to generate significant cash representing +$300M consistently over the last nine quarters, all in the face of ongoing generic competition. Additionally, the Company continues to assess the potential optimal timing for an authorized generic launch. Commenting on the Company and its third quarter results, Aaron Berg, Amarin’s President and CEO stated, “While we and our global partners continue to execute on our multipronged global strategy focused on getting VASCEPA/VAZKEPA into the hands of as many patients as possible, the senior leadership team and I, as well as the Board of Directors, remain committed to evaluating all opportunities to maximize the value and impact of this highly impactful product. To that end, we look forward to highlighting the global opportunity for VASCEPA/VAZKEPA and to hear directly from both prescribers and select partners from around the world on the impact of VASCEPA/VAZKEPA during our upcoming virtual Analyst and Investor Day on November 14.” Continuing, Berg said, “We remain fully committed to our public listing – it is very important for us as well as our shareholders. In addition to continuing to drive the business, there are a number of paths available to us to resolve the issue.” Third Quarter Operational Highlights Amarin continued to advance pricing and reimbursement efforts across additional European and Rest of World (RoW) markets, including: In Italy, realized further progress with the pricing and reimbursement authorities, and the Company hopes to be able to share further updates soon.In Portugal, secured national reimbursement for VAZKEPA.In Australia, in collaboration with our partner CSL Seqirus, secured national reimbursement for VAZKEPA in Australia, where CSL is now launching the product. Investigators presented new subgroup data from the landmark REDUCE-IT® cardiovascular outcomes trial with VASCEPA/VAZKEPA, as well as abstracts showcasing the mechanistic activity of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress.Investigators presented new research on the clinical impact of VASCEPA/VAZKEPA in patients with diabetes and high cardiovascular risk and the anti-Lp(a) oxidation mechanistic effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) at the 60th Annual European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Meeting. Financial Update Financial Highlights ($ in millions)Three months ended September 30, 2024Three months ended September 30, 2023% ChangeTotal Net Revenue$42.3$66.1-36%Operating Expenses1$41.4$50.5-18%Cash$305.7$320.7-5% 1 – Excludes restructuring expense of $0.7 million in the 3 months ended September 30, 2023 Total net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $42.3 million, compared to $66.1 million in the corresponding period of 2023, a decrease of 36%. Net product revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $41.9 million, compared to $64.9 million in the corresponding period of 2023, a decrease of 36%. This decrease was driven primarily by an impact in net selling price due to US generic competition as well as a decrease in volume primarily related to CVS moving from an exclusive account to no longer covering VASCEPA. U.S. net product revenue was $30.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $62.4 million in the corresponding period of 2023. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, European net product revenue was $4.3 million and Rest of World (RoW) net product revenue was $6.9 million, compared to $0.8 million and $1.8 million, respectively in the corresponding period in 2023. Cost of goods sold for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $26.0 million, compared to $36.2 million in the corresponding period of 2023. Overall gross margin on net product revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was 38% and 44%, respectively. Excluding the inventory restructuring charge in Q3 2023 gross margin was 64%. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $36.9 million, compared to $45.5 million in the corresponding period of 2023. This decrease was primarily due to cost optimization efforts across the business. Research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 were $4.5 million, compared to $5.1 million in the corresponding period of 2023. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company reported net loss of $25.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, or basic and diluted loss per share of $0.06. This net loss includes $4.7 million in non-cash stock-based compensation. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company reported net loss of $19.3 million, or basic and diluted loss per share of $0.05. This net loss included $4.6 million in non-cash stock-based compensation expense. Excluding non-cash stock-based compensation expense and restructuring expense, non-GAAP adjusted net loss was $20.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 or non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted loss per share of $0.05, compared with non-GAAP adjusted net loss of $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 or non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted loss per share of $0.00. As of September 30, 2024, the Company reported aggregate cash and investments of $305.7 million, which includes receipt of the $15 million EDDING CVRR milestone payment in the quarter, compared to aggregate cash and investment of $306.7 million as of June 30, 2024. 2024 Financial Outlook The Company is committed to executing against the significant opportunity in Europe. The Company is focused on maintaining market share in the U.S. and maximizing cash generation from the attractive and growing Rest of World (RoW) income stream. The Company continues to make progress on reducing operating expenses and managing its cash position, including $10 million of operating expense savings in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023. The Company reaffirms its belief that current cash and investments and other assets are adequate to support continuing operations for the foreseeable future. Virtual Analyst & Investor Day 2024 – November 14 Amarin will host a virtual analyst and investor day on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 8:00 AM EST to 10:00 AM EST. The event will be hosted by members of the Amarin senior management team and will focus on updating the investment community on the current state of the VASCEPA/VAZKEPA franchise, with particular attention given to discussions on the dynamics of key geographies that represent the future value of the franchise, including Europe. In addition, a dedicated question and answer session will be held during which the Amarin senior management team will entertain questions submitted in advance to investor.relations@amarincorp.com. As a virtual event, the program will be webcast and archived for future reference and will be open to all participants; participation will require a simple registration step before joining, which will be available through the Company website prior to this event. Throughout the event, there will be no live interaction with audience participants. Q3 2024 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast Information Amarin will host a conference call on October 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss this information. The conference call can be accessed on the investor relations section of the company's website at www.amarincorp.com, or via telephone by dialing 888-506-0062 within the United States, 973-528-0011 from outside the United States, and referencing conference ID 732244. A replay of the call will be made available for a period of two weeks following the conference call. To listen to a replay of the call, dial 877-481-4010 from within the United States and 919-882-2331 from outside of the United States, and reference conference ID 51361. A replay of the call will also be available through the company's website shortly after the call. About AmarinAmarin is an innovative pharmaceutical company leading a new paradigm in cardiovascular disease management. We are committed to increasing the scientific understanding of the cardiovascular risk that persists beyond traditional therapies and advancing the treatment of that risk for patients worldwide. Amarin has offices in Bridgewater, New Jersey in the United States, Dublin in Ireland, Zug in Switzerland, and other countries in Europe as well as commercial partners and suppliers around the world. About VASCEPA®/VAZKEPA® (icosapent ethyl) Capsules VASCEPA (icosapent ethyl) capsules are the first prescription treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) comprised solely of the active ingredient, icosapent ethyl (IPE), a unique form of eicosapentaenoic acid. VASCEPA was launched in the United States in January 2020 as the first drug approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of high-risk patients with persistent cardiovascular risk despite being on statin therapy. VASCEPA was initially launched in the United States in 2013 based on the drug’s initial FDA approved indication for use as an adjunct therapy to diet to reduce triglyceride levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. Since launch, VASCEPA has been prescribed more than twenty-five million times. VASCEPA is covered by most major medical insurance plans. In addition to the United States, VASCEPA is approved and sold in Canada, China, Australia, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. In Europe, in March 2021 marketing authorization was granted via a centralized procedure for icosapent ethyl in the European Union for the reduction of risk of cardiovascular events in patients at high cardiovascular risk, under the brand name VAZKEPA. VAZKEPA (icosapent ethyl) is currently sold in Europe in Sweden, Finland, Austria, the UK (including England, Wales & Scotland and Northern Ireland), Spain, Portugal, Greece and the Netherlands. In April 2021 marketing authorization for VAZKEPA (icosapent ethyl) was granted in Great Britain (applying to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). United States Indications and Limitation of Use VASCEPA is indicated: As an adjunct to maximally tolerated statin therapy to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in adult patients with elevated triglyceride (TG) levels (≥ 150 mg/dL) and established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus and two or more additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. As an adjunct to diet to reduce TG levels in adult patients with severe (≥ 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. The effect of VASCEPA on the risk for pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined. Important Safety Information VASCEPA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to VASCEPA or any of its components. VASCEPA was associated with an increased risk (3% vs 2%) of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was greater in patients with a previous history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. It is not known whether patients with allergies to fish and/or shellfish are at an increased risk of an allergic reaction to VASCEPA. Patients with such allergies should discontinue VASCEPA if any reactions occur. VASCEPA was associated with an increased risk (12% vs 10%) of bleeding in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The incidence of bleeding was greater in patients receiving concomitant antithrombotic medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel or warfarin. Common adverse reactions in the cardiovascular outcomes trial (incidence ≥3% and ≥1% more frequent than placebo): musculoskeletal pain (4% vs 3%), peripheral edema (7% vs 5%), constipation (5% vs 4%), gout (4% vs 3%), and atrial fibrillation (5% vs 4%). Common adverse reactions in the hypertriglyceridemia trials (incidence >1% more frequent than placebo): arthralgia (2% vs 1%) and oropharyngeal pain (1% vs 0.3%). Adverse events may be reported by calling 1-855-VASCEPA or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Patients receiving VASCEPA and concomitant anticoagulants and/or anti-platelet agents should be monitored for bleeding. FULL U.S. FDA-APPROVED VASCEPA PRESCRIBING INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.VASCEPA.COM. Europe For further information about the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for VAZKEPA® in Europe, please visit: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/12964/smpc. Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information. Use of Non-GAAP Adjusted Financial Information Included in this press release are non-GAAP adjusted financial information as defined by U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation G. The GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to each non-GAAP adjusted financial measure used or discussed, and a reconciliation of the differences between each non-GAAP adjusted financial measure and the comparable GAAP financial measure, is included in this press release after the condensed consolidated financial statements. Non-GAAP adjusted net (loss) income was derived by taking GAAP net loss and adjusting it for non-cash stock-based compensation expense, restructuring expense and other one-time expenses. Management uses these non-GAAP adjusted financial measures for internal reporting and forecasting purposes, when publicly providing its business outlook, to evaluate the company’s performance and to evaluate and compensate the company’s executives. The company has provided these non-GAAP financial measures in addition to GAAP financial results because it believes that these non-GAAP adjusted financial measures provide investors with a better understanding of the company’s historical results from its core business operations. While management believes that these non-GAAP adjusted financial measures provide useful supplemental information to investors regarding the underlying performance of the company’s business operations, investors are reminded to consider these non-GAAP measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for, financial performance measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with the company’s results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP. In addition, it should be noted that these non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies, and management may utilize other measures to illustrate performance in the future. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including beliefs about Amarin’s key achievements in 2023 and the potential impact and outlook for achievements in 2024 and beyond; Amarin’s 2024 financial outlook and cash position; Amarin’s overall efforts to expand access and reimbursement to VAZKEPA across global markets; and the overall potential and future success of VASCEPA/VAZKEPA and Amarin generally. These forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks associated with an investment in Amarin can be found in Amarin's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including Amarin’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2024 and annual report on Form 10-K for the full year ended 2023. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Amarin undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. Amarin’s forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of significant transactions the company may enter into, such as mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures or any material agreements that Amarin may enter into, amend or terminate. Availability of Other Information About AmarinInvestors and others should note that Amarin communicates with its investors and the public using the company website (www.amarincorp.com), the investor relations website (www.amarincorp.com/investor-relations), including but not limited to investor presentations and investor FAQs, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. The information that Amarin posts on these channels and websites could be deemed to be material information. As a result, Amarin encourages investors, the media, and others interested in Amarin to review the information that is posted on these channels, including the investor relations website, on a regular basis. This list of channels may be updated from time to time on Amarin’s investor relations website and may include social media channels. The contents of Amarin’s website or these channels, or any other website that may be accessed from its website or these channels, shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933. Amarin Contact InformationInvestor & Media Inquiries: Mark Marmur Amarin Corporation plc PR@amarincorp.com -Tables to Follow- CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA (U.S. GAAP) Unaudited September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 (in thousands) ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $156,944 $199,252 Restricted cash 526 525 Short-term investments 148,788 121,407 Accounts receivable, net 112,642 133,563 Inventory 224,000 258,616 Prepaid and other current assets 7,316 11,618 Total current assets 650,216 724,981 Property, plant and equipment, net 24 114 Long-term inventory 74,023 77,615 Operating lease right-of-use asset 7,984 8,310 Other long-term assets 1,250 1,360 Intangible asset, net 17,118 19,304 TOTAL ASSETS $750,615 $831,684 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $40,507 $52,762 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 161,047 204,174 Current deferred revenue — 2,341 Total current liabilities 201,554 259,277 Long-Term Liabilities: Long-term deferred revenue — 2,509 Long-term operating lease liability 8,215 8,737 Other long-term liabilities 9,471 9,064 Total liabilities 219,240 279,587 Stockholders’ Equity: Common stock 305,202 302,756 Additional paid-in capital 1,911,445 1,899,456 Treasury stock (65,344) (63,752) Accumulated deficit (1,619,928) (1,586,363) Total stockholders’ equity 531,375 552,097 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $750,615 $831,684 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA (U.S. GAAP) Unaudited Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands, except per share amounts) (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Product revenue, net$41,852 $64,903 $144,522 $214,744 Licensing and royalty revenue 446 1,153 21,786 17,454 Total revenue, net 42,298 66,056 166,308 232,198 Less: Cost of goods sold 26,022 23,560 75,359 72,553 Less: Cost of goods sold - restructuring inventory — 12,674 — 39,228 Gross margin 16,276 29,822 90,949 120,417 Operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative (1) 36,904 45,457 115,340 155,997 Research and development (1) 4,540 5,105 14,884 16,428 Restructuring — 711 — 10,743 Total operating expenses 41,444 51,273 130,224 183,168 Operating loss (25,168) (21,451) (39,275) (62,751) Interest income, net 3,374 3,216 10,028 8,438 Other income (expense), net 265 (575) 1,954 3,092 Loss from operations before taxes (21,529) (18,810) (27,293) (51,221) Provision for income taxes (3,605) (501) (6,272) (2,110) Net loss$(25,134) $(19,311) $(33,565) $(53,331) Loss per share: Basic$(0.06) $(0.05) $(0.08) $(0.13) Diluted$(0.06) $(0.05) $(0.08) $(0.13) Weighted average shares: Basic 411,150 408,417 410,786 407,489 Diluted 411,150 408,417 410,786 407,489 (1) - Excluding non-cash stock-based compensation, selling, general and administrative expenses were $33,075 and $41,807 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and research and development expenses were $3,671 and $4,113, respectively, for the same periods. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS) Unaudited Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands, except per share amounts) (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net loss for EPS1 - GAAP (25,134) (19,311) (33,565) (53,331) Stock-based compensation expense 4,698 4,643 14,303 12,034 Restructuring inventory — 12,674 — 39,228 Restructuring expense — 711 — 10,743 Advisor fees — — — 6,270 Net (loss) income for EPS1 - non-GAAP $(20,436) $(1,283) $(19,262) $14,944 1basic and diluted (Loss) earnings per share: Basic - non-GAAP $(0.05) $(0.00) $(0.05) $0.04 Diluted - non-GAAP $(0.05) $(0.00) $(0.05) $0.04 Weighted average shares: Basic 411,150 408,417 410,786 407,489 Diluted 411,150 408,417 410,786 417,117

DANVERS, Mass., Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Results were presented at Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) 2024 conference from the first completed pivotal trial on patients supported with Impella ECP™, a novel transvalvular axial flow pump with compressible pump architecture. Impella ECP is a technology of Abiomed, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, and the global leader in heart recovery. Continue Reading Figure 1. Source: “Mechanical Circulatory Support of High-Risk PCI with a Novel, Low-Profile pMCS: First Results of the Impella ECP Pivotal Study” Figure 2: Video showing Impella ECP pump insertion. The pivotal investigational device exemption (IDE) study, which enrolled 256 patients at 18 sites in the US, met the primary endpoint. MACCE (Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events) rate at 30 days was 6.3%, significantly below the pre-defined performance goal (see figure 1). The study demonstrated Impella ECP's safety and efficacy for use in high-risk PCI. Operators chose 8Fr Angio-Seal as the first-closure method in 70% of the patients, with a 92% success rate1. (See full presentation) The study was led by Principal Investigator Amir Kaki, MD2, Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support and Complex Coronary Intervention at Henry Ford - St. John Hospital and Medical Center. "The study met its prespecified 30-day primary endpoint with low complication rates and the 9Fr arterial access enabled a high success rate closing with an 8Fr Angio-Seal," said Dr. Kaki. "Impella ECP technology with small-bore access and closure offers benefits for patients and physicians." With a 9Fr size at insertion, Impella ECP is designed to be implanted and removed using small bore access and closure techniques. After insertion, Impella ECP expands to 21Fr to provide circulatory support and left ventricular (LV) unloading for high-risk PCI. Impella ECP is an investigational device limited by federal law to investigational use only. Impella ECP is in use as part of the FDA-approved continuous access program at selected US sites. As a next step, Impella ECP will be submitted to the US FDA for approval. About Cardiovascular Solutions from Johnson & Johnson MedTech Across Johnson & Johnson, we are tackling the world's most complex and pervasive health challenges. Through a cardiovascular portfolio that provides healthcare professionals with advanced mapping and navigation, miniaturized tech, and precise ablation, we are addressing conditions with significant unmet needs such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation. We are the global leaders in heart recovery, circulatory restoration and the treatment of heart rhythm disorders, as well as an emerging leader in neurovascular care, committed to taking on two of the leading causes of death worldwide in heart failure and stroke. For more information about heart recovery technology, visit . About Johnson & Johnson At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more about our MedTech sector's global scale and deep expertise in cardiovascular, orthopaedics, surgery and vision solutions at . Follow us @JNJMedTech and on LinkedIn. Abiomed, Inc. is a Johnson & Johnson MedTech company. Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the Impella Platform. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Abiomed, Inc. and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: uncertainty of regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; challenges to patents; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of healthcare products and services; and trends toward healthcare cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at sec.gov, jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Neither Abiomed, Inc. nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. 1 Success defined as hemostasis with first and only device and no additional closure strategy. 2 Dr. Amir Kaki is a paid consultant and speaker for Abiomed, Inc. He was not paid for his quote in this press release. Contact: Jenny Leary, [email protected] SOURCE Johnson & Johnson MedTech WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

AF makes patients five times as vulnerable to strokes. Credit: meeboonstudio / Shutterstock. Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have a stroke may benefit from taking anticoagulants earlier than is currently recommended. This is according to two new studies which suggest that AF patients who take blood-thinning drugs earlier are less likely to have a second stroke and show no increased risk of a brain bleed. AF means that patients suffer from an irregular heartbeat, which can sometimes result in clots in the heart, which in turn can cause strokes if they reach the brain. AF patients are five times more vulnerable to the risk of strokes for this reason. 8MM, diagnosed prevalent cases of AF, N, both sexes, ages ≥40 years, 2022 According to GlobalData, there were over 14 million total prevalent cases of AF in the eight major markets (8MM: the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan and Canada) in 2022. In its 2023 report, it forecasted that cases would see an AGR of over 2% between 2022 and 2032. GlobalData is Pharmaceutical Technology ‘s parent company. See Also: LEO’s Adbry demonstrates long-term efficacy in atopic dermatitis GSK pumps up to $800m for US manufacturing site upgrade Of these markets, GlobalData expects Canada to have the highest AGR of 3.04%, which would put the total number of prevalent cases in the country at 712,577 by 2032. US AGR is expected to be second highest, at 2.76% (giving it 5,517,206 prevalent cases by 2023), and Spain will be third, with an AGR of 2.26% and 1,149,257 cases by 2023. The report explains: “Any change in the total prevalent cases of AF is attributable to changing population demographics in the 8MM.” Current advice recommends that AF stroke patients should have to wait up to 14 days before receiving anticoagulants (blood thinners). This is because, on rare occasions, anticoagulants can cause bleeding in the brain. UK guidelines are varied and depend on the severity of the stroke, but suggest that those who have had a moderate or severe stroke should wait at least five days before starting blood thinning treatments. However, there has been a lack of research on the impact of early compared to delayed anticoagulant treatment for AF stroke patients. This is what researchers at University College London (UCL) wanted to examine in their study, funded by the British Heart Foundation and published in the Lancet . Chief investigator David Werring said: “There are concerns that starting anticoagulants too early might increase the risk of bleeding into the area of the brain damaged by the stroke – especially in people with more severe strokes. However, starting them too late might leave the patient at risk of stroke due to further clots from the heart.” In the study, UCL researchers analysed 3,621 AF patients across 100 hospitals, all of whom had suffered a stroke between 2019 and 2024. Half of the participants began anticoagulant treatment early (meaning within four days of the stroke), and the other half had delayed treatment (between seven and 14 days). Researchers found that both groups experienced a similar number of recurrent strokes and early treatment was found to be effective. Those who received treatment early did not experience an increased risk of a bleed to the brain. Of the results, the British Heart Foundation’s chief scientific and medical officer Bryan Williams said: “This important study reveals that taking blood thinning medication within the first few days of a stroke does not come with heightened risk, as previously thought. These results could be transformative, making the case for earlier treatment that could help more people with atrial fibrillation avoid having another stroke, and the associated complications.”