Actelion says PAH drug Opsumit now available in USA

Swiss biotech firm Actelion (SIX: ATLN)has confirmed that Opsumit (macitentan) 10mg, an oral, dual endothelin receptor antagonist for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), became available in the USA yesterday (November 4).

It follows the US Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Opsumit in October. It is indicated to delay disease PAH progression, including death, initiation of intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous prostanoids, or clinical worsening of PAH (decreased 6-minute walk distance, worsened PAH symptoms and need for additional PAH treatment). Opsumit also reduced hospitalization for PAH.

Bill Fairey, president of Actelion Pharmaceuticals, said: “The availability of Opsumit in the US marks a significant milestone for physicians and patients. They now have a treatment option available that is shown to improve both short-term physical functioning and long-term PAH outcomes. Actelion is committed to bringing this important treatment to patients suffering from PAH and has therefore established a patient support program to provide access to OPSUMIT.”