Amid launch troubles, Portola commercial chief Fu resigns

With its stock price near its 52-week low amid a disappointing launch of anticoagulant Bevyxxa betrixaban, Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:PTLA) said EVP and Chief Commercial and Business Officer Tao Fu is resigning to pursue other opportunities, effective Sept. 21. The change occurs while Portola continues to search for a successor to CEO Bill Lis, who retired Aug. 1 as planned.

Portola said it is working with an executive search firm to find Fu's successor in parallel with Lis'. Interim Co-President and CFO Mardi Dier is leading Portola's commercial operations, while Fu will serve as a consultant until March 1, 2019...