Serb Pharmaceuticals, a global specialty pharmaceutical company, and SFJ Pharmaceuticals, a global drug development company, reported that Serb has acquired exclusive U.S. rights to the ticagrelor reversal agent bentracimab from SFJ.

Bentracimab is a novel, monoclonal antibody fragment designed to reverse the antiplatelet activity of ticagrelor. Ticagrelor, marketed by AstraZeneca as Brilinta, is a reversible oral P2Y12 platelet inhibitor for patients who have suffered a heart attack or stroke, or who have acute coronary syndromes or coronary artery disease (CAD). Bentracimab, if approved by the FDA, could allow these patients to benefit from the antithrombotic effect of ticagrelor, preventing vascular events and reducing risk of death, while giving physicians a way to control bleeding in rare emergency situations such as surgery or a major bleeding event.

SFJ will remain responsible for the ongoing clinical trials of bentracimab and will work in collaboration with Serb to submit the Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. FDA, which they expect to file later this year.

Jeremie Urbain, executive chairman of Serb Pharmaceuticals, said, “The acquisition of bentracimab marks a significant step in our strategy to grow through investment in innovative, biologic products for critical care conditions and leverages our existing commercial and technical capabilities. We’re excited to partner with SFJ, recognized leaders in late-stage drug development, to bring this life-saving medicine to healthcare professionals and the patients they treat.”

Robert DeBenedetto, CEO of SFJ, said: “We are pleased to partner with Jeremie and the entire Serb team on this important step to help advance bentracimab to patients. Bentracimab has recognized potential benefits and we have confidence that SFJ in collaboration with Serb will be able to expeditiously and efficiently see bentracimab through the approvals process by the US FDA.”