Cotherix

CoTherix was a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapies for orphan diseases, particularly in the cardiovascular and respiratory sectors. The company's lead product was Ventavis (iloprost), an inhaled formulation of a prostacyclin analogue used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Ventavis was approved by the FDA in 2004, providing a less invasive alternative to continuous intravenous prostacyclin infusions. CoTherix was originally founded in 2000 as Exhale Therapeutics before rebranding and going public on the NASDAQ under the symbol CTRX. In 2007, the company was acquired by Actelion Pharmaceuticals for approximately $420 million in cash, strengthening Actelion's position as a leader in the PAH market.