Actelion’s efforts in drug discovery have focused on developing platforms of expertise based on its core capabilities. This focus allows high productivity in the generation of innovative compounds potentially addressing a wide range of highly unmet medical needs.

The first focus is the design, synthesis and optimization of low molecular weight drug-like molecules. The productivity of Actelion’s drug discovery endeavors is demonstrated by the more than 2,500 pending patent applications and/or granted patents currently in Actelion’s portfolio.

Actelion also focuses on the choice of its molecular target families. Initially, the company looked solely at G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and a specific enzyme family known as aspartic proteinases. As the company’s capabilities have expanded, so too have the target platforms to include anti-infectives, ion channels and a broad range of soluble enzymes.