Actelion to receive milestone payment from Roche

Actelion has announced that trials into its selective S1P1 receptor agonist ACT-128800/ RG3477 have reached an integral clinical stage and will result in a payment from Roche.

The firm’s first-in-class selective S1P1 (Sphingosine-1-phosphate) receptor agonist is undergoing dose-finding studies in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS).

Under the terms of a joint agreement regarding the product, Roche will now pay Actelion $20 million (12.4 million pounds).

According to Guy Braunstein, head of clinical development at Actelion, the beginning of the dose-finding trial in MS patients marks an “important” advancement.

“Together with our partner Roche, we are committed to the rapid development of our selective S1P1 receptor agonist for patients suffering from autoimmune disorders,” he added.

In August, Actelion’s supplemental new drug application for Tracleer (bosetan), which is used to treat those with mildly symptomatic WHO Functional Class II pulmonary arterial hypertension, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration.