Actelion’s Zavesca receives EU approval

Actelion’s Zavesca has received approval from the European Union (EU), it has emerged.

The drug – used as a treatment for progressive neurological manifestations as a result of Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC) – is the first to be endorsed for the condition.

The company notes the product may additionally be used in patients who suffer from type 1 Gaucher disease, if enzyme replacement therapy is deemed unsuitable.

Commenting on the approval, chief executive officer of Actelion Jean-Paul Clozel said he was “very proud” of the organisation and the scientific community was able to demonstrate the role Zavesca had in reducing the progression of NPC symptoms.

He added: “Actelion will continue to support the rare disease community in its efforts to advance science and medicine for the patient”.

Last month, the product received positive opinion from the EU’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use.

Actelion was incorporated in 1997 and has marketing sales subsidiaries in over 20 countries.