Actelion reports Phase II data for cenerimod in SLE

Actelion Ltd. (SIX:ATLN) reported data from a double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II trial in 67 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) showing that cenerimod dose-dependently reduced lymphocyte count. Cenerimod was well tolerated. Patients received placebo or once-daily 0.5, 1, 2 or 4 mg oral cenerimod for 12 weeks.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) 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, including cenerimod, into newco Idorsia Ltd. (see BioCentury, Jan. 30)...