Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb to research Eliquis antidote

Pfizer has announced a new collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb and Portola Pharmaceuticals to develop an antidote for Eliquis and other Factor Xa inhibitor therapies.

The agreement will see the organisations coming together to carry out a proof-of-concept study of PRT4445 a universal antidote in clinical development designed to reverse the anticoagulant activity of any Factor Xa inhibitor.

Due to start before the end of the year, the trial will assess the safety of PRT4445 and its ability to reverse the anticoagulation activity of Eliquis and similar products, including Portola's own developmental therapy betrixaban.

Should the trial prove successful, it could prove to be a useful new means of addressing concerns over the infrequent but serious bleeding events associated with anticoagulant therapy.

Brian Daniels, senior vice-president for global development and medical affairs at Bristol-Myers Squibb, said: "With our partner Pfizer, we look forward to working with Portola to advance the scientific understanding of the role of PRT4445 as a potential antidote for Eliquis."

Last month, Pfizer announced that it will be purchasing the privately-held specialty healthcare company NextWave Pharmaceuticals, thus expanding its portfolio of therapies for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and related central nervous system disorders.