Alexion Pharmaceuticals

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  Alexion Pharmaceuticals

Alexion Pharmaceuticals

Alexion Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the development and commercialization of life-changing therapies for patients with rare diseases. Founded in 1992, Alexion is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, and has operations in multiple countries around the world.

History

Alexion Pharmaceuticals was established in 1992 by Dr. Leonard Bell, a physician and scientist, with the aim of developing innovative therapies for patients with severe and life-threatening rare disorders. The company initially focused on complement system research, which led to the development of its first product, eculizumab, marketed under the brand name Soliris.

Products

Alexion's flagship product, Soliris (eculizumab), is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the complement protein C5. It is used to treat several rare diseases, including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), and generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). Soliris was first approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007 for the treatment of PNH.

In addition to Soliris, Alexion has developed other therapies such as ravulizumab, marketed as Ultomiris, which is a long-acting C5 inhibitor used for similar indications as Soliris. The company also markets asfotase alfa (Strensiq) for hypophosphatasia, and sebelipase alfa (Kanuma) for lysosomal acid lipase deficiency.

Research and Development

Alexion Pharmaceuticals invests significantly in research and development to expand its portfolio of treatments for rare diseases. The company focuses on complement biology, metabolic disorders, and other areas of unmet medical need. Alexion's R&D efforts aim to discover and develop new therapies that can transform the lives of patients with rare and devastating conditions.

Acquisitions and Partnerships

Over the years, Alexion has engaged in strategic acquisitions and partnerships to enhance its capabilities and expand its product offerings. Notably, in 2015, Alexion acquired Synageva BioPharma, a company specializing in rare disease biologics, which added Kanuma and Strensiq to its portfolio.

In 2021, Alexion was acquired by AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical company, in a deal valued at $39 billion. This acquisition was aimed at strengthening AstraZeneca's position in the rare disease market and leveraging Alexion's expertise in complement biology.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Alexion Pharmaceuticals is committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability. The company focuses on improving patient access to its therapies, supporting communities, and minimizing its environmental impact. Alexion also engages in various philanthropic activities and partnerships to support patients and healthcare systems globally.

Related pages

• Biopharmaceutical
• Rare disease
• Monoclonal antibody
• Complement system
• AstraZeneca