Actelion completes acquisition of Ceptaris Therapeutics

Actelion has announced the completion of its previously-agreed takeover of Ceptaris Therapeutics, which has been valued at around $250 million (155.57 million pounds).

The acquisition gives Actelion access to Ceptaris' entire product portfolio, including the important and promising new therapy Valchor, which was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

It is indicated for the topical treatment of stage IA and IB mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in patients who have received prior skin-directed therapy and has demonstrated its safety and efficacy in a pivotal clinical trial.

Actelion believes the drug will meet a significant unmet demand for topical mechlorethamine products available for prescription when it makes its US market debut in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Dr Jean-Paul Clozel, chief executive officer of Actelion, said: "This new standardised product represents a clinically relevant improvement for patients suffering from mycosis fungoides."

The company will be able to leverage its expertise in orphan and ultra-orphan indications to appropriately commercialise the new product.