BioCentury
ARTICLE | Finance

Achillion’s journey to $1 billion

Achillion's 21-year evolution from an antiviral play into a complement pathway company

October 19, 2019 2:43 AM UTC
Updated on Oct 19, 2019 at 3:13 AM UTC

Alexion’s proposed takeout of Achillion would complete a 21-year journey that saw the latter evolve from an antiviral play into a complement pathway company. For Alexion, it represents the next step in its quest to build its pipeline beyond Soliris.

The takeout, announced Oct. 16, would see Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ALXN) acquire Achillion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHN) for $6.30 per share in cash, and give Alexion two complement inhibitors to supplement its leading position in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)...