Actelion accelerates late-stage trials for hypertension drug

Switzerland's Actelion says that positive mid-stage data on its experimental therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension has spurred the developer to accelerate plans for late-stage clinical trials. Actelion says it will launch a Phase III trial of PGI2 by the end of the year.

"This efficacy with good tolerability makes us determined to accelerate our development program," Chief Executive Jean-Paul Clozel said.

Actelion's PAH program has earned some positive remarks from analysts. PGI2 "is a very interesting compound and could significantly expand the treatment options Actelion offers to PAH patients," said Vontobel analyst Andrew Weiss.

- check out the story from Dow Jones

Related Articles:
GSK and Actelion - Top 10 deals of 2008
GSK inks $3.25B insomnia pact with Actelion