Actelion reports hypertension data amid Idorsia spinout
In a pipeline update outlining candidates it plans to spin out into newco Idorsia Ltd., Actelion Ltd. (SIX:ATLN) said ACT-132577 led to "statistically significant dose-dependent" reductions in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure in a Phase II study to treat essential hypertension. The Janssen Biotech Inc. unit of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) holds an option to share the candidate's rights.
J&J is acquiring Actelion for about $30 billion in a deal expected to close this quarter. Actelion intends to spin out its drug discovery operations and a basket of clinical programs into Idorsia. The newco is to be guided by Actelion's current scientific team, and Actelion expects Idorsia to be listed on Switzerland’s SIX exchange (see BioCentury, Feb. 3). ...