Actelion's endothelin receptor antagonist reduces blood pressure in Phase II

Actelion Ltd. (SIX:ATLN) said ACT-132577 led to "significant dose-dependent" reductions in diastolic and systolic blood pressure in a double-blind Phase II trial to treat essential hypertension. In 410 evaluable patients in the per protocol (PP) population, once-daily 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg oral ACT-132577 reduced mean diastolic blood pressure from baseline to week 8 by 6.3-12 mmHg vs. 4.9 mmHg for placebo and 8.4 mmHg for lisinopril. Additionally, ACT-132577 reduced mean systolic blood pressure from baseline to week 8 by 10.3-18.5 mmHg vs. 7.7 mmHg for placebo and 12.8 mmHg for lisinopril. ACT-132577 was well tolerated.

Actelion said it will discuss with regulatory authorities the design of a Phase III program for ACT-132577, which will consist of 2 trials...