A breakthrough in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been announced by Actelion Ltd. The Swiss biopharmaceutical company has released the results of its Phase-III study, Griphon, which tested Selexipag on 1,156 patients suffering from PAH. The study showed that Selexipag reduced the risk of morbidity and mortality events by 39% compared to a placebo. The drug was tested on patients with WHO functional classes II-IV and was administered orally. The study lasted 4.3 years and the drug was well-tolerated. Actelion is now preparing to submit Selexipag for regulatory approval.
PAH is a chronic and life-threatening disease characterised by high blood pressure in the arteries between the lungs and the heart. Symptoms can include shortness of breath and can lead to right heart failure. The disease can be caused by a range of factors, including congenital heart disease, connective tissue disorders and HIV infection. Selexipag was discovered by Nippon Shinyaku and is a selective prostacyclin IP receptor agonist that binds to receptors and activates prostacyclin, which dilates blood vessels and prevents the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the vessels. The drug is unique in its selective binding to IP receptors, which has been shown to increase efficacy and reduce side effects.
The Griphon study has been hailed as a significant step forward in the treatment of PAH. The drug has been shown to be effective across a range of patient subgroups and has been well-tolerated. The study has also provided a better understanding of the disease and has paved the way for further clinical trials. PAH was first discovered in 1891 and has been classified by the World Health Organisation into several categories. Selexipag offers hope to patients suffering from this debilitating disease and represents a significant advance in the treatment of PAH.
