Encysive launches Thelin for hypertension in Spain

US-based Encysive Pharmaceuticals has launched Thelin (sitaxentan) 100 mg tablets in Spain for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Encysive won EU marketing authorisation for the product from the EU Commission in August 2006.

Thelin is the first marketed selective endothelin A receptor antagonist, and the first once-daily oral treatment available for patients with PAH. Encysive will sell the product through its Spanish marketing partner, Praxis Pharmaceutical.

Thelin is indicated for improving exercise capacity in PAH patients classified as World Health Organisation (WHO) functional class III. Efficacy has been shown in primary pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary hypertension associated with connective tissue disease (CTD).

Encysive will successively launch Thelin in all 27 member states of the EU, as local government approval for reimbursement is obtained, says the firm.

George Cole, Encysive's CEO, said: "Through our marketing partnership with Praxis, we are able to immediately begin selling THELIN in Spain without the need to invest in a dedicated sales and marketing infrastructure."