Portola, Astellas to Develop Compounds for Thrombosis, Atherosclerosis

Portola Pharmaceuticals has entered into a license agreement with Astellas Pharma to advance the development of a series of promising preclinical compounds developed by Astellas.

Portola scientists identified the anti-thrombotic properties of Astellas' compounds, which inhibit platelet adhesion to arterial walls, offering a novel approach for the prevention of heart attacks and atherosclerosis.

These compounds may also reduce bleeding risk compared with current anti-thrombotics. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.