Actelion (ALIOF) Uptravi Approved for PAH in Switzerland

Zacks Equity Research
Updated

Actelion Ltd. ALIOF announced that Swissmedic, the Agency for Therapeutic Products in Switzerland, has approved Uptravi for treatment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Uptravi is indicated for the treatment of PAH in patients with advanced functional limitation (NYHA-functional class III/IV) to delay disease progression.

We note that in Dec 2015, Uptravi was approved in the U.S., for the treatment of PAH (WHO Group I) to delay disease progression and reduce the risk of hospitalization for PAH.

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We remind investors that in 2008, Actelion had inked an exclusive worldwide alliance with Nippon Shinyaku for Uptravi for the treatment of patients with PAH. As per the terms of the agreement, Actelion has rights to globally develop and commercialize the product outside Japan, while both companies will co-develop and co-commercialize the product in Japan. Nippon Shinyaku is eligible to receive milestones based on development and sales. In addition, Nippon Shinyaku will receive royalties on product sales.

The PAH market is already crowded with drugs like Adcirca, Revatio, Tyvaso and Veletri among others.

Meanwhile, several other companies are also looking to bring their own PAH treatments to market. Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ARNA is currently evaluating its PAH candidate, ralinepag, in a phase II study. Results from the study are expected in mid 2017. Ralinepag enjoys Orphan Drug status in the U.S.

Actelion currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). A couple of other equally ranked stocks in the health care sector are Anika Therapeutics Inc. ANIK and ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ANIP.

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