Actelion initiates Phase III development of ponesimod for patients with relapsing MS
Posted: 16 April 2015 |
Actelion has initiated Phase III development with ponesimod, its lead compound, in patients suffering from relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS)…
Actelion is accelerating its clinical development efforts in the field of immunological disorders, following a broad scientific, medical and commercial evaluation of a series of its selective S1P1 receptor modulators, discovered in-house.
Actelion has initiated Phase III development with ponesimod, its lead compound, in patients suffering from relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), with patient enrollment expected imminently. Ponesimod is an orally active, selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) immunomodulator. Ponesimod prevents lymphocytes from leaving lymph nodes, thereby reducing circulating blood lymphocyte counts and preventing infiltration of lymphocytes into target tissues. The Phase III study aims to determine whether ponesimod is more efficacious than teriflunomide in reducing relapses.
Actelion to initiate Phase II study with ponesimod in patients suffering from chronic graft-versus-host disease
In parallel, Actelion will also initiate a Phase II study with ponesimod in patients suffering from chronic graft-versus-host disease. In addition, a second selective S1P1 receptor modulator will advance into Phase II clinical development in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Jean-Paul Clozel, M.D. and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our efforts in the field of immunology have reached the necessary maturity to warrant fully-fledged clinical investigation. We have a thorough understanding of what selective S1P1 receptor modulators can bring to the clinic and have matched our compounds with the appropriate indication. We have carried out extensive groundwork and benefited from Health Authority input to design the optimal clinical program, which balances clinical risk, investment, medical need and commercial opportunity.”
Dr Clozel continued, “Our ongoing success in the field of PAH is enabling us to pursue the second element of our strategy and take action now to build an additional specialty franchise in the field of immunology. Our confidence in our portfolio means we can take this step while maintaining our commitment to optimise profitability.”
For more information about Actelion, please visit www.actelion.com.
