Back to discover
Disease
Pulmonary Embolism
Late-stage therapeutic developmentEmerging researchRising momentum
11
Publications
18
Clinical trials
7
Related conditions
1
Related treatments
2
Related proteins
2021
Latest publication
Latest activity
betaRecent clinical, regulatory, research and industry developments relating to this disease.
PEERLESS II: RCT of FlowTriever vs. Anticoagulation Alone in Pulmonary Embolism
Clinical trial2026-07-14Status changed to Active, not recruiting · ClinicalTrials.gov
Approval: Rivaroxaban Koanaa (EMA)
Regulatory2025-11-21EMA
What's happening now
An analyst briefing on current research, clinical, regulatory and industry activity surrounding this disease.
Executive briefingUpdating summary…Momentum: Moderate
Key developments
- 1 regulatory approval from EMA on record.
- 5 clinical trials expected to report results, the earliest in Q1 2027.
Upcoming Milestones
- Q1 2027Optimization of Intravenous Unfractionated Heparin Starting Infusion Rate for Adult Patients With Deep Vein Thrombosis/Pulmonary Embolism or Cardiac Indications
- Q1 2027Pulmonary Embolism - Thrombus Removal With Catheter-Directed Therapy
- Q2 2028Clinical Surveillance vs. Anticoagulation for Low-risk Patients With Isolated Subsegmental Pulmonary Embolism: a Multicenter Randomized Placebo-controlled Non-inferiority Trial
- Q2 2028Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of the Efficacy and Safety of a Single Bolus Administration of Non-immunogenic Recombinant Staphylokinase in Patients With Intermediate High-risk Pulmonary Embolism (FORPE-2)
- Q2 2028Percutaneous Embolectomy, Low Dose Thrombolysis or Heparin for Intermediate High Risk Pulmonary Embolism (STRATIFY II)
Major developments
Upcoming trial readoutHigh impact
Results expected Q2 20282026-07-02
Upcoming trial readoutHigh impact
Results expected Q2 20282026-05-22
Important regulatory approvalImportant
Prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective hip or kneereplacement surgery. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults. (See section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients.)2025-11-21
Clinical MilestonesView all 9Hide
Results expected
- 2026-07-02Percutaneous Embolectomy, Low Dose Thrombolysis or Heparin for Intermediate High Risk Pulmonary Embolism (STRATIFY II)Results expected Q2 2028
- 2026-05-22Clinical Surveillance vs. Anticoagulation for Low-risk Patients With Isolated Subsegmental Pulmonary Embolism: a Multicenter Randomized Placebo-controlled Non-inferiority TrialResults expected Q2 2028
- 2026-05-18Pulmonary Embolism - Thrombus Removal With Catheter-Directed TherapyResults expected Q1 2027
- 2025-12-05Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of the Efficacy and Safety of a Single Bolus Administration of Non-immunogenic Recombinant Staphylokinase in Patients With Intermediate High-risk Pulmonary Embolism (FORPE-2)Results expected Q2 2028
- 2025-11-26Optimization of Intravenous Unfractionated Heparin Starting Infusion Rate for Adult Patients With Deep Vein Thrombosis/Pulmonary Embolism or Cardiac IndicationsResults expected Q1 2027
Recently completed
- 2026-04-13A Reduced Dose of Thrombolytic Treatment for Patients With Intermediate High-risk Acute Pulmonary Embolism: a Randomized Controled TrialPrimary completion
- 2026-03-30A Multicentre, Randomized Trial of Catheter-directed Thrombolysis in Intermediate-high Risk Acute Pulmonary Embolism (PRAGUE-26)Completed
- 2025-09-01Comparative Effectiveness of Pulmonary Embolism Prevention After Hip and Knee Replacement: Balancing Safety and EffectivenessCompleted
Other updates
+1 more in the activity timeline below
Regulatory UpdatesViewHide
- 2025-11-21Approval — RivaroxabanPrevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective hip or kneereplacement surgery. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults. (See section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients.)
Activity timeline10
- 2028-06-01ClinicalThe Role of MACitentan on the Prevention of Residual Pulmonary vasculaR OcclusionWithdrawn
- 2026-07-02ClinicalPercutaneous Embolectomy, Low Dose Thrombolysis or Heparin for Intermediate High Risk Pulmonary Embolism (STRATIFY II)Results expected Q2 2028
- 2026-05-22ClinicalClinical Surveillance vs. Anticoagulation for Low-risk Patients With Isolated Subsegmental Pulmonary Embolism: a Multicenter Randomized Placebo-controlled Non-inferiority TrialResults expected Q2 2028
- 2026-05-18ClinicalPulmonary Embolism - Thrombus Removal With Catheter-Directed TherapyResults expected Q1 2027
- 2026-04-13ClinicalA Reduced Dose of Thrombolytic Treatment for Patients With Intermediate High-risk Acute Pulmonary Embolism: a Randomized Controled TrialPrimary completion
- 2026-03-30ClinicalA Multicentre, Randomized Trial of Catheter-directed Thrombolysis in Intermediate-high Risk Acute Pulmonary Embolism (PRAGUE-26)Completed
- 2025-12-05ClinicalMulticenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of the Efficacy and Safety of a Single Bolus Administration of Non-immunogenic Recombinant Staphylokinase in Patients With Intermediate High-risk Pulmonary Embolism (FORPE-2)Results expected Q2 2028
- 2025-11-26ClinicalOptimization of Intravenous Unfractionated Heparin Starting Infusion Rate for Adult Patients With Deep Vein Thrombosis/Pulmonary Embolism or Cardiac IndicationsResults expected Q1 2027
- 2025-11-21RegulatoryApproval — RivaroxabanPrevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective hip or kneereplacement surgery. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults. (See section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients.)
- 2025-09-01ClinicalComparative Effectiveness of Pulmonary Embolism Prevention After Hip and Knee Replacement: Balancing Safety and EffectivenessCompleted
Therapeutic landscape
Therapies with a regulatory footing for this condition, alongside the wider set of agents co-studied with it in the literature.
Approved & established therapies
Rivaroxabanapproved
Approval — Prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective hip or k… (2025)
Apixabanapproved
Approval — Adults Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvula… (2020)
Edoxabanapproved
Approval — Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with nonvalvular atrial fibr… (2017)
Enoxaparinapproved
Approval — Inhixa is indicated for adults for: Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism, particularly… (2016)
Research-associated treatments
Clinical trials
The current development programme across all trial phases.
Clinical programme
18
6
18
6
Late-stage studies
Recruiting
Recently completed
Regulatory timeline
Drug regulatory events matched to this condition by indication — EMA.
First approvals
2025emaApproval — Rivaroxaban· Prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective hip or kneereplacement surgery. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults. (See section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients.) source ↗
2021emaApproval — Rivaroxaban· Rivaroxaban Mylan co-administered with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) alone or with ASA plus clopidogrel or ticlopidine, is indicated for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adult patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with elevated cardiac biomarkers. Rivaroxaban Mylan co-administered with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is indicated for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) at high risk of ischaemic events. ------ Prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement surgery. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults. ------- Adults Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with one or more risk factors, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ? 75 years, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Paediatric population Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of VTE recurrence in children and adolescents aged less than 18 years and weighing from 30 kg to 50 kg after at least 5 days of initial parenteral anticoagulation treatment. Paediatric population Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of VTE recurrence in children and adolescents aged less than 18 years and weighing more than 50 kg after at least 5 days of initial parenteral anticoagulation treatment. source ↗
2020emaApproval — Rivaroxaban· Prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement surgery. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults. (See section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults. (See section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients). Adults Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation with one or more risk factors, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ? 75 years, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults. (See section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients.) Paediatric population Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of VTE recurrence in children and adolescents aged less than 18 years and weighing from 30 kg to 50 kg after at least 5 days of initial parenteral anticoagulation treatment. Rivaroxaban Accord, co administered with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) alone or with ASA plus ticlopidine, is indicated for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adult patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with elevated cardiac biomarkers (see sections 4.3, 4.4 and 5.1). Rivaroxaban Accord, co administered with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is indicated for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) at high risk of ischaemic events. Adults Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with one or more risk factors, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ? 75 years, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults. (See section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients.) Paediatric population Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of VTE recurrence in children and adolescents aged less than 18 years and weighing more than 50 kg after at least 5 days of initial parenteral anticoagulation treatment. source ↗
2020emaApproval — Apixaban· Adults Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), with one or more risk factors, such as prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA); age≥ 75 years; hypertension; diabetes mellitus; symptomatic heart failure (NYHA Class ≥ II). Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults (see section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients). Paediatric population Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of recurrent VTE in paediatric patients from 28 days to less than 18 years of age. Adults Prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in adult patients who have undergone elective hip or knee replacement surgery. Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), with one or more risk factors, such as prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA); age ≥ 75 years; hypertension; diabetes mellitus; symptomatic heart failure (NYHA Class ≥ II). Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults (see section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients). Paediatric population Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of recurrent VTE in paediatric patients from 28 days to less than 18 years of age. source ↗
2017emaApproval — Edoxaban· Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) with one or more risk factors, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ? 75 years, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults. source ↗
2016emaApproval — Enoxaparin· Inhixa is indicated for adults for: Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism, particularly in patients undergoing orthopaedic, general or oncological surgery. Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in patients bedridden due to acute illnesses including acute heart failure, acute respiratory failure, severe infections, as well as exacerbation of rheumatic diseases causing immobilisation of the patient (applies to strengths of 40 mg/0.4 mL). Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), complicated or uncomplicated by pulmonary embolism. Treatment of unstable angina and non Q wave myocardial infarction, in combination with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Treatment of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) including patients who will be treated conservatively or who will later undergo percutaneous coronary angioplasty (applies to strengths of 60 mg/0.6 mL, 80 mg/0.8 mL, and 100 mg/1 mL). Blood clot prevention in the extracorporeal circulation during haemodialysis. source ↗
2011emaApproval — Apixaban· Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of recurrent VTE in paediatric patients from 28 days to less than 18 years of age. AdultsPrevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in adult patients who have undergone elective hip or knee replacement surgery. Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), with one or more risk factors, such as prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA); age ≥ 75 years; hypertension; diabetes mellitus; symptomatic heart failure (NYHA Class ≥ II).Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults (see section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients).Paediatric population Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of recurrent VTE in paediatric patients from 28 days to less than 18 years of age. AdultsPrevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), with one or more risk factors, such as prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA); age≥ 75 years; hypertension; diabetes mellitus; symptomatic heart failure (NYHA Class ≥ II).Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults (see section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients).Paediatric populationTreatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of recurrent VTE in paediatric patients from 28 days to less than 18 years of age. source ↗
2008emaApproval — Rivaroxaban· Xarelto, co-administered with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) alone or with ASA plus clopidogrel or ticlopidine, is indicated for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adult patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with elevated cardiac biomarkers. Xarelto, co-administered with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is indicated for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) at high risk of ischaemic events. Prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement surgery. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults. Adults Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with one or more risk factors, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ? 75 years, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Paediatric population Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of VTE recurrence in children and adolescents aged less than 18 years and weighing from 30 kg to 50 kg after at least 5 days of initial parenteral anticoagulation treatment. Paediatric population Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of VTE recurrence in children and adolescents aged less than 18 years and weighing more than 50 kg after at least 5 days of initial parenteral anticoagulation treatment. source ↗
European Medicines Agency (CC BY 4.0). Events are matched to this condition by drug indication text — approvals/updates for drugs indicated for it, not disease-specific acts.
Research activity
Key research shaping understanding of this disease, combining the latest publications with the most influential evidence.
Publications over time
20032021
Most influential
Recent publications
Major themes8
- Pulmonary Embolism2
- Angioplasty, Balloon1
- Betacoronavirus1
- Cardiology1
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery1
- Hematology1
- Hypertension, Pulmonary1
- Pandemics1
Leading journals6
- European heart journal3
- The New England journal of medicine2
- Acta orthopaedica1
- Blood advances1
- Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis : official journal of the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis1
- Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology1
Leading researchers8
- Torbicki A5
- Pruszczyk P4
- Agnelli G3
- Becattini C3
- Galiè N3
- Huisman MV3
- Humbert M3
- Konstantinides SV3
Affiliations (unnormalised)6
- McMaster University2
- University of Perugia2
- and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)1
- Asan Medical Center1
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona1
- Bologna University Hospital1
Disease biology
Key proteins & gene products studied in this disease. Number shows shared papers.
Related conditions
Diseases frequently studied alongside this one. Number shows shared papers.
Disease profile
A grounded synthesis of the condition — overview, causes, mechanism, risk factors and current standard of care.
Overview
Pulmonary embolism is blockage of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches by an embolus. The supplied literature also treats it as part of venous thromboembolism and notes that embolic material can be thrombotic or non-thrombotic, with a wide range of clinical presentations.
Causes
The immediate cause is embolic obstruction of the pulmonary arterial tree. The grounding supports thrombotic emboli as the main context through its venous thromboembolism and anticoagulation literature, and also notes that non-thrombotic emboli can occur from a variety of embolic materials.
Pathophysiology
Pulmonary embolism produces vascular obstruction in the pulmonary circulation, which can impair perfusion and, depending on the embolic material and burden, cause variable haemodynamic consequences. In non-thrombotic embolism, severe air and fat embolism can have more significant effects, while chronic unresolved thromboembolic obstruction can lead to fibrotic intravascular material, increased pulmonary vascular resistance, and progressive right heart failure in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Risk factors
The supplied grounding does not provide specific risk factors for pulmonary embolism itself. It does note that pulmonary embolism occurs within the broader setting of venous thromboembolism and that severe COVID-19 is associated with coagulopathy and reported pulmonary embolism.
Current standard of care
Treatment is generally anticoagulation for thrombotic pulmonary embolism, with dalteparin appearing in the co-studied drug set. For non-thrombotic pulmonary embolism, treatment is mostly supportive and may vary by embolic material and clinical severity; chronic thromboembolic disease may additionally be managed with lifelong anticoagulation, surgery, angioplasty, and medical therapy.
AI-generated summary grounded in MeSH and 5 peer-reviewed sources. Informational only — not medical advice. Generated 2026-07-07.
Reference
Authoritative identity, definition & identifiers.
Defined in MeSH
Blocking of the PULMONARY ARTERY or one of its branches by an EMBOLUS.
Identifiers
References & data sources
- Disease identity & definition — NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), public domain
- Clinical trials — ClinicalTrials.gov (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- Research activity — Europe PMC (EMBL-EBI) + OpenAlex-derived paper links
- Related entities are derived from literature co-mention (studied together) — associative, not causal.