Alexion Pharmaceuticals is the original developer and distributor of Soliris, a drug used to treat the rare disorders atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
The company is also involved in research with regards to the immune system and how it can be stopped from attacking healthy tissue (done by inhibiting terminal complements).
Soliris, the company’s sole marketed drug, has been approved for use in the EU and Japan however availability in other places such as the USA and Canada is limited due to marketing restrictions and lack of ensured access (in Canada access to the drug is mostly through private clinics though groups like the Canadian Association of PNH Patients are lobbying to change that).
In 2013 36% of sales originated in the US down from 37%, with 33% coming from Europe down from 35%; Japan accounts for just over 10%. In 2013 revenue was impacted by higher unit volumes for Soliris (up 40%), and a negative price impact (-2%) related to rebates in Europe; acquisition related costs fell significantly from $22 million to just $5 million. In 2011 50% of the increase in assets came from cash and cash equivalents, the value of which has since gone down since part of it was spent on acquiring Enobia. In the last quarter, R&D spending was higher due to expansion of development programs while net sales of Soliris increased 45% to $227.6 million on account of new international patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. By September 2013 quarterly sales of Soliris topped $400 million.
In Our Communities
In addition to serving patients and patient communities struggling with severe and life-threatening rare diseases, Alexion is committed to supporting our communities through community service, corporate philanthropy and environmental responsibility.
Giving Back
Alexion strives to be a good corporate citizen and active member of the communities in which we work. Our local programs focus on community development, education, the arts, and health and wellness in Connecticut and New England.
Over the past five years, Alexion has helped more than 100 students attend college by providing scholarships to those in need from the Waterbury, Connecticut area.
We are proud to sponsor the Alexion Toolkit for Interdisciplinary Learning through a partnership with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. This is an effective tool for integrating music into the general curriculum, which fosters creativity and provides access to music education in underserved communities.
Annually, a team of Alexion employees participates in a building restoration project for HomeFront, a volunteer-driven organization which provides free renovation and repairs services to homes and schools. Alexion Pharmaceuticals Serves Under 501c3.
Beyond our local efforts, we also realize that communities are not regionally defined, and we lend a hand in times of great need. We have repeatedly donated to Americare’s Disaster Relief Fund, most recently toward Superstorm Sandy relief efforts, as well as to re-establishing medical and healthcare facilities in areas devastated by the 2011 earthquake in Japan.
Alexion supports several other worthy organizations and causes, including The Governor’s Prevention Partnership, Junior Achievement of Southwest New England, the CT Science Fair Association, and many more. These include:
- American Red Cross
- Computer donations to local schools
- Gateway Community College
- Local Emergency Responders
- Local food drives
- New Haven Public Library
- Petit Family Foundation
A Commitment to the Environment
Alexion is committed to protecting our environment through responsible and innovative business practices. We design our facility operations and construction projects at our CT headquarters to adhere to high standards of environmental responsibility.
We have earned two Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification awards and the 2010 Connecticut Green Building Council (CTGBC) Green Advocate Award for our global headquarters and research facilities in Cheshire, Connecticut. The gold-standard LEED certifications, awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council, recognize Alexion for constructing, operating and maintaining interiors that meet the highest green building and performance measures. The CTGBC Green Advocate Award recognizes an organization that has done the most by way of education, example, outreach, and leadership to promote environmental stewardship through sustainable practices within Connecticut. Alexion is proud to have been recognized for actively participating in green building and sustainable practices.
