Actelion to launch phase III trial of ponesimod

Actelion has announced plans to go ahead with a phase III trial of ponesimod, its selective S1P1 receptor agonist for multiple sclerosis patients.

The treatment reached its primary endpoint in a phase IIb study by reducing the number of new inflammatory lesions on the brains of the 464 participants, thereby prompting Actelion to proceed to the final stage of clinical development.

Ponesimod has been shown to significantly lower the average lymphocyte counts in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Guy Braunstein, head of clinical development at Actelion, said the Swiss firm has indentified a "clear dose response relationship" in patients who were administered with the treatment.

He added: "This gives us confidence that we can identify the appropriate dosing regimen for the upcoming phase III programme."

The development was welcomed by chief executive Jean-Paul Clozel, who said he was pleased the company's efforts have produced "such a promising compound".

In July, Actelion reported product sales growth of ten percent in local currencies for the first six months of 2011.