Merck & Co returns betrixaban rights to Portola; gets OK for expanded Zostavax use

25 March 2011

As a result of a further review of its developmental drug portfolio, US drug giant Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) plans to return to privately-held Portola Pharmaceuticals all rights for betrixaban, an investigational oral Factor Xa inhibitor anticoagulant being evaluated for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (SPAF).

"Regaining full rights to betrixaban represents a transformational opportunity for Portola," said William Lis, chief executive of Portola, adding: "We will work with our academic partners on options for an independent development plan to bring betrixaban to the market and intend to discuss these options with the [Food and Drug Administration] in the near future."

Subject of $470 million deal

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