An aromatic amide obtained by formal condensation of the carboxy group of 2-{[(4-{N'-[(hexyloxy)carbonyl]carbamimidoyl}phenyl)amino]methyl}-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid with the secondary amino group of ethyl N-pyridin-2-yl-beta-alaninate. A prodrug for dabigatran, a thrombin inhibitor and anticoagulant which is used for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism.