An aromatic amide obtained by formal condensation of the carboxy group of 2-{[(4-carbamimidoylphenyl)amino]methyl}-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid with the secondary amoino group of N-pyridin-2-yl-beta-alanine. The active metabolite of the prodrug dabigatran etexilate, it acts as an anticoagulant which is used for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism.