Actelion wins prestigious Prix Hermes award

Actelion is to be presented with a Prix Hermes de l'Innovation award by the European Institute for Creative Strategies and Innovation later this month.

The pharmaceutical company has won the award in the category honouring achievements that improve the conditions of human life, based on its extensive healthcare research work.

Specifically, the accolade is being presented to Actelion in recognition of its studies of rare diseases among children, particularly in the field of treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension such as Tracleer.

Marc Giget, founder and scientific director of the institute, said the award honours the company for having "remained true to its corporate philosophy" since its foundation.

Martine Clozel, chief scientific officer of Actelion, added: "We are honoured to be awarded this prize, which acknowledges the commitment of Actelion to innovative research for the benefit of patients with rare diseases."

This comes after Actelion's senior management team won a number of accolades at the 2011 Institutional Investor All-Europe Awards last month, being named as the second most honoured company overall.