Daiichi Sankyo and Perosphere launch new drug trial

Daiichi Sankyo has announced a new collaboration with Perosphere on the development of a synthetic small molecular entity that can reverse the effects of anticoagulant therapy.

The companies will carry out a clinical trial of PER977 to assess its safety, tolerability and effectiveness in reversing the anticoagulant activity of edoxaban, Daiichi Sankyo's investigational oral once-daily direct factor Xa-inhibitor.

Pre-clinical studies have shown that PER977 can take effect within 30 minutes after intravenous administration and has a clearance half-life of approximately 1.5 hours.

Novel oral anticoagulants such as edoxaban were developed to help address the limitations of older agents, but there is currently no approved means of counteracting them in cases of severe bleeding or when emergency interventions are needed.

Dr Mahmoud Ghazzi, chief medical advisor for global drug development at Daiichi Sankyo, said: "Given our focus on optimising patient care, the development of a reversal agent is a priority for Daiichi Sankyo in the event one may be needed by physicians."

Earlier this year, the firm commenced a new phase III trial of a treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, in association with ArQule.