Actelion advances clinical development of ponesimod

Switzerland-based Actelion (SIX: ATLN) says it 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.

Specifically, Actelion, Europe’s largest biotech firm, has initiated Phase III development with ponesimod, its lead compound, in patients suffering from relapsing multiple sclerosis, with patient enrollment expected imminently.

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.