Bayer HealthCare’s new CTEPH therapy proves efficacy

Bayer HealthCare has announced data from a clinical trial that showcases the benefits of its groundbreaking chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) therapy riociguat.

Results from the phase III study Chest-1 showed that the drug was able to deliver significant benefits and a strong safety profile among patients with inoperable CTEPH or with persistent or recurrent pulmonary hypertension after surgery.

In meeting its primary efficacy endpoints in this trial, riociguat becomes the first drug to demonstrate efficacy against this life-threatening condition, which is currently only treatable through surgical means.

Since the compound has also demonstrated promise as a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension, it could prove an important and versatile new therapy.

Kemal Malik, member of the Bayer HealthCare executive committee and head of global development, said: "We plan to submit an application for marketing authorisation during the first half of 2013 with the hope of bringing this new treatment option to patients as quickly as possible."

Riociguat is the first member of a novel class of compounds that is able to stimulate an enzyme called soluble guanylate cyclise in a way that results in a dual mode of action.