Actelion Ltd. (ALIOF) recently announced the presentation of new data on pipeline candidate, Opsumit, from a pivotal phase III study, SERAPHIN (Study with an Endothelin Receptor Antagonist in Pulmonary arterial Hypertension to Improve cliNical outcome), at the European Society of Cardiology.
We note that Actelion is looking to get Opsumit approved for the treatment of patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Opsumit is currently under review in the U.S., EU and other countries.
Results from the SERAPHIN study (n=742) showed that the risk of a morbidity/mortality event was cut by 45% in patients who were administered Opsumit compared to those on placebo.
Over a period of 12 months, Opsumit showed sustained long-term improvements in 6MWD (6-minute walk distance) versus placebo. Data reflected no connection between changes in exercise capacity and long-term outcomes.
Opsumit treated PAH patients in the SERAPHIN study showed improved hemodynamics parameters. Additionally, consistent improvements were seen in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and cardiac index (CI) irrespective of background PAH therapy or baseline WHO functional class.
Apart from PAH, Opsumit is also being evaluated in a pivotal phase III program in patients suffering from digital ulcers associated with systemic sclerosis. Results from this study are expected in 2014. In addition, Opsumit is being evaluated for the treatment of glioblastoma (phase I).
Actelion currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Other stocks that look attractive in the pharma space include Biogen Idec Inc. (BIIB), GileadSciences Inc. (GILD) and Affymetrix Inc. (AFFX). All three carry a Zacks Rank #1.
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