Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

Portola inks PRT4445 collaboration with BMY/PFE for use as antidote to Eliquis and “other” FXa inhibitors:

http://news.bms.com/press-release/partnering-news/portola-bristol-myers-squibb-and-pfizer-sign-clinical-collaboration-ag&t=634873950062842062

Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced a clinical collaboration agreement to conduct a proof-of-concept study of PRT4445 and the investigational oral Factor Xa inhibitor ELIQUIS.

The collaboration will be in effect during the clinical proof-of-concept study, which is anticipated to start by the end of this year. The study is designed to demonstrate the safety of PRT4445 and its ability to reverse the anticoagulation activity of ELIQUIS and other Factor Xa inhibitors, including betrixaban, Portola’s Phase 3 oral Factor Xa inhibitor. Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer will make an undisclosed cash payment to Portola upon initiation of the proof-of-concept study with ELIQUIS and will provide development and regulatory guidance for the study. Portola retains 100 percent global development and commercialization rights for PRT4445.

Despite the explicit mention of Betrixaban above, I reamin unconvinced that it has a future (#msg-70839287). The new collaboration with BMY/PFE sounds like a case of, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”