Actelion outlines plans for next phase of growth

Actelion has outlined its objectives for the coming months and years as it aims to continue the strong growth it has experienced since its inception in 1997.

The firm, which has become the largest European biopharmaceutical company, is now entering a transitional period following its initial rapid development, according to chief executive officer Jean-Paul Clozel.

He observed that business conditions in the immediate future are likely to be more challenging due to the weak economy, but stated that long-term progress will be supported by new innovations in the field of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

New products in this area include important treatments such as macitentan and selexipag, while the company will also be aiming to diversify its disease portfolio into areas such as immunology, asthma and allergy.

"We are now getting ready for the next growth phase and we do so with a commitment to optimising the earning power of the business," said Mr Clozel.

In November 2011, the firm augmented its leadership expertise by appointing Professor Dr Peter Gruss, president of the Max Planck Society, as a new member of its board of directors.