Actelion's research focuses on the design and synthesis of novel low molecular weight drug-like molecules. Experience has shown that small molecules generally lend themselves to easier formulation, have a broader array of dosage forms, have greater potential for bioavailability, in particular after oral administration, and are more efficiently manufactured.

While Actelion’s medicinal chemistry and high-throughput chemistry groups synthesize smaller quantities of structurally diverse molecules, process research chemists prepare the quantities of selected compounds needed for further studies.

• Orally available
• Targeting newly discovered mechanisms involved in chronic diseases
• Highly target specific to:
      o Maximize efficacy
      o Minimize side-effect profile