SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today made a presentation at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions describing its proprietary thrombin generation assay. Thrombin generation is a critical step in blood clot formation and thrombosis, and can be blocked by Factor Xa inhibitors as well as other anticoagulants.
Portola is currently conducting a Phase II clinical trial with its Factor Xa inhibitor for the prevention of thrombotic complications following knee replacement surgery. Establishing the therapeutic dose for this class of drugs has proven difficult using traditional anticoagulant assays, a limitation addressed by Portola’s new, proprietary assay which has been instrumental in the company’s Factor Xa program development efforts. Currently, each class of anticoagulants requires its own pharmacodynamic assay to measure biological activity. For example, heparin activity is measured by aPTT and Coumadin (warfarin) activity is measured by INR. Portola’s proprietary assay allows its scientists to compare thrombin generation inhibition across all classes of anticoagulants at their therapeutic concentrations.
“Finding the right dose is crucial for all antithrombotic drugs,” said David Phillips, Ph.D., senior vice president of biology at Portola Pharmaceuticals. “This assay, which is a product of Portola’s expertise in thrombosis, is a competitive advantage that has helped us predict the therapeutic concentration of our Factor Xa inhibitor.”
The presentation, entitled “Thrombin generation assay: a new biomarker for monitoring different classes of anticoagulants” (J. Kovacic, et al), was presented in conjunction with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.
About Portola’s Factor Xa inhibitor
Portola’s Factor Xa inhibitor is in Phase II clinical development for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. The compound is an orally available small molecule that directly inhibits the activity of Factor Xa, a validated target and key enzyme for blood clot formation. The drug candidate has a rapid onset of action, providing a consistent anticoagulant effect without the need for coagulation monitoring. Portola’s goal is to develop an oral drug for several major indications, including the prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, and secondary prevention of stroke and myocardial infarction.
About Portola
Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a private biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for acute and chronic cardiovascular and vascular disease. Portola is conducting a Phase II clinical trial with its oral Factor Xa inhibitor for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and a Phase I clinical program with its direct-acting, oral and IV ADP receptor antagonist. These drug candidates could potentially advance patient care in the $14 billion anti-thrombotics market. Portola also has a robust drug discovery platform focusing on the platelet and signaling pathways that mediate thrombosis and inflammation. Portola’s investors include Abingworth, Alta Partners, ATV, Frazier Healthcare Ventures, MPM Capital, Prospect Ventures and Sutter Hill Ventures.
Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
CONTACT: Trista Morrison of Porter Novelli Life Sciences, +1-858-229-1738,or tmorrison@pnlifesciences.com, for Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Web site: http://www.portola.com//
