Actelion Begins Phase III Study of Pivlaz

Swiss drugmaker Actelion has started CONSCIOUS-2, a Phase III trial of the endothelin receptor antagonist Pivlaz.

The study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Pivlaz (clazosentan), which in earlier studies was associated with up to 65 percent reduction in the contraction of blood vessels in the brain, Actelion said.

CONSCIOUS-2 will include a minimum of 765 patients who will receive either 5 mg/h of Pivlaz or placebo. Study results may become available as early as the second half of 2009, Actelion said.