ALLSCHWIL, Switzerland, May 23, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Actelion Ltd (SWX:ATLN) announced today that preliminary efficacy data generated in the proof-of-concept program testing its urotensin-II receptor antagonist palosuran in the indication diabetic nephropathy, do not support the initiation of a full-fledged clinical development program at this point in time. The company will now fully analyze the data generated in three individual studies involving close to 100 patients and discuss the detailed findings with key medical experts in the field.
There were no safety findings that would preclude further development. Together with the scientific community, Actelion will therefore continue to advance the general understanding of the role of urotensin-II in man. In case of newly developing information, Actelion may re-initiate clinical development for palosuran, the first urotensin-II receptor antagonist tested in man.
Actelion Ltd
Actelion Ltd is a biopharmaceutical company with its corporate headquarter in Allschwil/Basel, Switzerland. Actelion's first drug Tracleer(r), an orally available dual endothelin receptor antagonist, has been approved as a therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Actelion markets Tracleer(r) through its own subsidiaries in key markets worldwide, including the United States (based in South San Francisco), the European Union as well as Canada, Australia and Switzerland. Actelion, founded in late 1997, is a leading player in innovative science related to the endothelium -- the single layer of cells separating every blood vessel from the blood stream. Actelion focuses on the discovery, development and marketing of innovative drugs for significant unmet medical needs. Actelion shares are traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: ATLN).