Actelion states it is pleased to acquire PAH treatment

Actelion is pleased to acquire an innovative product that could play a major part in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), it has been claimed.

The firm has entered into an agreement with GeneralMedix, which specialises in injectable products, to obtain an improved formulation of epoprostenol sodium to manage the life-threatening disorder.

Based in Switzerland, the biopharmaceutical company will now be responsible for the global development, registration and commercialisation of the medication.

Jean-Paul Clozel, managing director and chief executive officer of Actelion, commented: “Actelion has always led the drive for improving the lives of PAH patients and we believe this new improved formulation could potentially play a significant role.”

Unlike other treatments approved for the illness, this particular drug is stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and can be used without frozen gel packs, meaning there is scope for less drug wastage, he added.

Mr Clozel concluded the treatment could give patients of the disease – which affects around 100,000 people in Europe and North America – improved convenience and freedom.

The company markets and sells its products in more than 20 countries.