Pfizer has announced its acquisition of the Australian distribution rights for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) drug Thelin (sitaxentan sodium).
Thelin is an oral, once-daily, highly selective endothelin receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of PAH in patients with NYHA/WHO Function Class III symptoms to improve exercise ability.
The drug’s efficacy has been shown in primary PAH and in PAH associated with connective tissue disease.
Previously distributed in Australia by CSL, Pfizer’s acquisition of Encysive Pharmaceuticals in February 2008 allowed the company to acquire the global rights to Thelin, as well as Encysive’s other pipeline candidates.
According to Brad Edwards, head of Pfizer’s Specialty Care Business in Australia, the introduction of Thelin further expands Pfizer’s portfolio of specialty products and will increase the company’s presence in the pulmonary hypertension area.
“The addition of Thelin will complement Revatio (sildenafil citrate), a PAH treatment discovered and developed by Pfizer researchers, cementing the company’s commitment to furthering research and providing quality treatment for sufferers of this severe and often fatal disease”, Mr Edwards said.