Alexion announces makeover plans
On Sept. 12, Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ALXN) announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining costs while expanding its pipeline. The plan includes headcount reductions, facility closures, and the relocation of its headquarters to Boston, Mass. from New Haven, Conn.
Under the plan, Alexion will reduce global headcount by 600 (20%) over the next 12 months. The cuts will come from R&D, general and administrative staff, and manufacturing site closures. At the same time, Alexion plans to increase staff in the U.S., Germany and Japan in anticipation of expanded approvals for Soliris eculizumab to treat refractory generalized myasthenia gravis. Soliris was approved in the EU for the indication in August. Alexion expects an approval in Japan early next year; the application has an Oct. 23 PDUFA date in the U.S. The humanized mAb targeting complement 5 (C5) is approved in the U.S., EU and Japan to treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) (see BioCentury, Aug. 28)...