Portola, BMS and Pfizer to collaborate on Eliquis and PRT4445

Portola, BMS and Pfizer aim to find out whether PRT4445 is a safe and effective antidote to Eliquis and other Factor Xa inhibitors.

Portola Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and Pfizer have announced a new clinical collaboration agreement to conduct a proof-of-concept study using Portola's universal Factor Xa inhibitor antidote PRT4445 and the investigational oral Factor Xa inhibitor Eliquis (apixaban).

Eliquis has been developed for its anticoagulant properties, but as with other anticoagulants there is a risk of serious bleeding, for which an effective antidote is required.

The newly announced collaboration aims to determine whether PRT4445 has the potential to become the first approved agent to reverse the activity of Factor Xa inhibitors such as Eliquis.

It is anticipated that the clinical proof-of-concept study will commence before the end of the year, hopefully demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of PRT4445.

Upon initiation of the study, Portola will receive an undisclosed cash payment from BMS and Pfizer. The company will retain global development and commercialisation rights for its compound.

"This clinical collaboration brings together world-class expertise in the field of thrombosis from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer and Portola with the goal of accelerating the development of PRT4445 as an antidote to Eliquis, while allowing Portola to retain all rights to develop and commercialise the compound in the future," said William Lis, chief executive officer of Portola.

Brian Daniels, senior vice-president of global development and medical affairs at BMS, added that the company looks forward to working with its partner Pfizer and Portola to advance the understanding of the role of PRT4445 as a potential antidote.