Actelion’s Opsumit demonstrates efficacy in newly-published study

Actelion has announced that positive data from a pivotal study of its pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) therapy Opsumit has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Results from the phase III Seraphim trial showed that the drug significantly reduced risk of morbidity/mortality events among PAH sufferers, thus meeting the primary efficacy endpoint of the 742-patient trial.

This study was the largest-ever trial for PAH and is expected to set a new standard in how the evidence for therapies for this disease is evaluated.

Currently, Opsumit is under review by global health regulators, with data from the Seraphim trial to support Actelion's various applications.

Dr Jean-Paul Clozel, chief executive officer of Actelion, said: "We will continue to work with the health authorities to help bring this potentially important treatment for PAH to patients as soon as possible."

Earlier this week, the company announced the appointment of Andre Muller as its new chief financial officer, succeeding Andrew Oakley.