PRT

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Andexanet alfa

Andexanet alfa (PRT064445, PRT4445) is a drug under investigation as a potential antidote for factor Xa inhibitors, a group of anticoagulant (anti–blood clotting) drugs that includes rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban. It is being developed by Portola Pharmaceuticals.

Mechanism of action

Andexanet alfa is a biologic agent, a modified recombinant derivative of factor Xa (fXa). It acts as a decoy receptor — it has a higher affinity to the fXa inhibitor than natural fXa, and consequently the inhibitor binds to the drug rather than to fXa itself. The drug does not seem to be effective against the factor IIa inhibitor dabigatran.

Studies

In rats, andexanet alfa corrected increases in blood loss resulting from anticoagulation by enoxaparin and fondaparinux. A small, phase I safety and tolerability study in humans has been completed and a phase II trial is under way as of January 2014. Interim results from this study showed that it reversed the action of rivaroxaban within two minutes.

Personal rapid transit

Personal rapid transit (PRT), also referred to as podcars, is a public transport mode featuring small automated vehicles operating on a network of specially built guideways. PRT is a type of automated guideway transit (AGT), a class of system which also includes larger vehicles all the way to small subway systems.

PRT vehicles are sized for individual or small group travel, typically carrying no more than 3 to 6 passengers per vehicle. Guideways are arranged in a network topology, with all stations located on sidings, and with frequent merge/diverge points. This allows for nonstop, point-to-point travel, bypassing all intermediate stations. The point-to-point service has been compared to a taxi or a horizontal lift (elevator).

As of July 2013, four PRT systems are operational: The world's oldest and most extensive PRT system is in Morgantown, West Virginia. It has been in continuous operation since 1975. Colloquially known merely as 'the PRT,' West Virginia University's system moves student and visitors alike to a number of popular destinations throughout the city. Since 2010 a 10-vehicle 2getthere system has operated at Masdar City, UAE, and since 2011 a 21-vehicle Ultra PRT system has run at London Heathrow Airport. A 40-vehicle Vectus system with in-line stations officially opened in Suncheon,South Korea, in April 2014 after a year of testing. Expansion of the Masdar system was cancelled just after the pilot scheme opened. Numerous other PRT systems have been proposed but not implemented, including many substantially larger than those now operating.