Contact | Print version | PDF version | Send article | RSS feed

Encysive Pharmaceuticals Announces Launch of Thelin in Germany

20 Dec 2006 - Encysive Pharmaceuticals announced that THELIN(r) (sitaxentan sodium 100 mg tablets are now commercially available in Germany for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The Company received European Union marketing authorization for THELIN from the European Commission in August 2006. According to the company, THELIN is the first selective endothelin A receptor antagonist and the first once-daily oral treatment available for patients with PAH.
 
THELIN is indicated for improving exercise capacity in PAH patients classified as World Health Organization (WHO) functional class III. Efficacy has been shown in primary pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary hypertension associated with connective tissue disease (CTD).
 
The European Commission's centralized licensing procedure permits Encysive to market THELIN in all 25 member states of the EU. THELIN will be launched in successive EU member states as local government approval for reimbursement is obtained.
 
THELIN is an endothelin A receptor antagonist, a small molecule that blocks the action of endothelin, a potent mediator of blood vessel constriction and growth of smooth muscle in vascular walls. Endothelin receptor antagonists may prove to be effective in the treatment of a variety of diseases where the regulation of vascular constriction is important. According to the company, THELIN is 6,500-fold selective in the targeting of the endothelin A receptor versus the endothelin B receptor. Highly selective endothelin A receptor antagonism has been shown to increase blood flow and reverse vasoconstriction in human clinical pharmacology studies.