• Researchers emulated a clinical trial using real-world data to compare apixaban and warfarin for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients.
• The emulation study found similar outcomes for both drugs, differing from the original trial that favored apixaban.
• Discrepancies may stem from better warfarin control, suboptimal apixaban dosing, and differences in patient ethnicity and concomitant medication use.
• The approach could help assess treatment effects in underrepresented groups and validate trial results in real-world settings.