Actelion drug meets primary endpoint after phase III trial

Actelion announced this week that its treatment almorexant met both primary and secondary endpoints during a recent clinical study into its performance.

The superiority of the dual orexin receptor antagonist compared to placebo was established regarding objective and subjective wake after sleep onset (WASO).

Almorexant was found to be well-tolerated in the treatment of insomnia, but further information is now needed on the safety of the drug, which will be ascertained by further phase III trials.

“Additional studies are being planned to further establish the clinical profile of almorexant. We will explore aspects of sleep quality, absence of addiction and improved next-day performance,” commented Jean-Paul Clozel, managing director and chief executive officer of Actelion.

In other company news, Actelion revealed last month that the Food and Drug Administration has granted priority status to its new drug application for Zavesca (miglustat).