PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for the treatment of orphan diseases, has entered an exclusive, worldwide license agreement with MedImmune, the global biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca. The agreement is for PB2452, a Phase 1-ready reversal agent for ticagrelor.

Ticagrelor is unique due to its ability to reversibly bind to the receptor, whereas others like it bind permanently. Due to that fact, ticagrelor is the only oral antiplatelet with the potential to be reversed. PB2452 is designed to rapidly and specifically to do just that in rare emergency situations. 

“PB2452’s compelling preclinical data support its potential to be a first-in-class reversal agent for ticagrelor. We are excited that MedImmune has chosen to partner with PhaseBio for this medically important asset, which also allows us to diversify our pipeline beyond our ELP technology platform,” said Jonathan P. Mow, chief executive officer of PhaseBio.