Bayer reported Phase 3 results showing its Factor XIa inhibitor asundexian reduced risk of secondary stroke by 26% without increasing major bleeding. The once‑daily oral candidate delivered a statistically meaningful reduction in recurrent ischemic events, positioning asundexian as a potential entrant in stroke prevention and a contender in the emerging FXIa inhibitor class. The data were presented publicly and compared against ongoing programs from Regeneron, Bristol Myers Squibb and J&J that are also pursuing FXIa as an antithrombotic target. If regulators accept the totality of evidence, asundexian could reshape secondary‑stroke management with a safer anticoagulant profile.