Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer and Portola highlight benefits of Eliquis reversal agent

Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer and Portola have announced clinical trial data showing the benefits of a new reversal agent for the anticoagulant product Eliquis.

Full results from the second part of the phase III ANNEXA-A study have demonstrated that the investigational agent andexanet alfa was able to provide sustained reversal of the anticoagulant effect of the factor Xa inhibitor Eliquis in healthy volunteers aged 50 to 75 years.

It achieved all primary and pre-specified secondary endpoints with high statistical significance, with levels of free unbound Eliquis in the plasma reduced and thrombin generation restored to normal.

Andexanet alfa was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events, thrombotic events or antibodies to factor X or Xa reported.

Dr Rory O'Connor, senior vice-president and head of global medical affairs for Pfizer's global innovative pharmaceuticals business, said: "Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer are committed to continuing to deliver innovative therapies to patients and are pleased with the positive results of both parts of the ANNEXA-A study."

Eliquis was granted a National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommendation for the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism in adults earlier this month.