Alexion beats Street, raises guidance

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ALXN) reported 3Q10 diluted non-GAAP EPS of $0.50, beating by $0.06 the Street's estimate of $0.44 and up from $0.37 in 3Q09. Third quarter sales of Soliris eculizumab for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) were $141.6 million, up 38% from $102.6 million in 3Q09. The Street was expecting sales of $137.1 million. Alexion raised its 2010 guidance for worldwide Soliris sales to a range of $536-$538 million from $515-$530 million. The company also raised its full-year non-GAAP diluted EPS estimate to $1.73-$1.75 from $1.63-$1.68. The Street was expecting sales of $530.1 million and EPS of $1.70. Alexion gained $0.34 to $68.41 on Thursday. ...