AstraZeneca plans to acquire Alexion for nearly $39bn

AstraZeneca has recently announced that they plan to acquire Alexion for nearly thirty-nine billion dollars.

Alexion’s collection of rare disease medicines include an anti-complement component five monoclonal antibody, Soliris, for the treatment of patients with atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and generalized myasthenia gravis. Moreover, Alexion launched a 2nd generation C5 monoclonal antibody, Ultomiris.

AstraZeneca hopes that by combining Alexion’s specialist rare disease knowledge and its expertise in precision medicine, it can develop a portfolio of drugs addressing a range of rare diseases.

Chief Executive Officer, Alexion, Ludwig Hantson, stated: “We bring to AstraZeneca a strong portfolio, innovative rare disease pipeline, a talented global workforce and strong manufacturing capabilities in biologics. We remain committed to continuing to serve the patients who rely on our medicines and firmly believe the combined organisation will be well-positioned to accelerate innovation and deliver enhanced value for our shareholders, patients and the rare disease communities.”

Chief Executive Officer, AstraZeneca, Pascal Soriot, stated: “Alexion has established itself as a leader in complement biology bringing life-changing benefits to patients with rare diseases. This acquisition allows us to enhance our presence in immunology. We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues at Alexion so that we can together build on our combined expertise in immunology and precision medicines to drive innovation that delivers life-changing medicines for more patients.”