TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — European regulators have approved a crucial new anticlotting drug, Eliquis, for preventing strokes and dangerous clots in the circulatory system, the drug’s makers said Tuesday.

Eliquis was approved for use in the 27 European Union countries in patients who have an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation and are at risk for strokes or dangerous clots called systemic embolisms.