Reflecting its expertise in immunology, Biogen Idec has partnered with Portola Pharmaceuticals’ for the development and commercialisation of Portola’s early-stage oral Syk (spleen tyrosine kinase) inhibitor programme for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Portola will receive US$36 M upfront and Biogen Idec will make a US$9 M equity investment in the company. The deal will help fund costly Phase III development of Portola’s anticoagulant betrixaban.