Novartis acquires elinogrel rights

Novartis has acquired rights to an anti-clotting compound elinogrel from Portola, it has been revealed.

Used as a preventative treatment for heart attacks and strokes, the drug can be taken in either oral or intravenous formulations.

As a result of the company purchasing the rights, it will have responsibility for phase III trials, manufacturing and marketing of the product.

The organisation said it will also collaborate on further trials with Portola.

Global head of development at Novartis Trevor Mundel said there was a “significant unmet need” for the drug.

He added: “Elinogrel is a novel compound with attributes that have the potential to offer clinical benefits over currently approved antiplatelet therapies.”

Mr Mundel went on to note the product will diversify the firm’s cardiovascular pipeline.

Last month, Novartis launched its Extavia multiple sclerosis treatment.

The drug was approved to treat patients with the condition, from the first signs of the associated symptoms to advanced, relapsed forms.