Alexion Pharmaceuticals
(
ALXN
) recently presented new data on patients with atypical hemolytic
uremic syndrome (aHUS).
The retrospective analysis conducted on 30 patients showed that
most patients suffered severe complications of the disease across
multiple organs in spite of getting supportive care including
plasma infusion. The data laid emphasis on the risk of sudden and
potentially fatal systemic complications associated with aHUS.
Another analysis, conducted with 19 pediatric subjects with
aHUS, revealed that patients treated with Soliris experienced a
reduction in thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). This resulted in an
improvement in kidney function thereby reducing the use of dialysis
in patients who required it earlier.
Alexion also presented data indicating the need for testing
patients at high risk for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
(PNH). Alexion presented these data at the European Hematology
Association (EHA).
Soliris, Alexion's only marketed product, is available for the
treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare
genetic blood disorder and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
(aHUS), an ultra-rare genetic disorder. The company intends to
start launching Soliris in European countries for the aHUS
indication this year. Alexion reported Soliris revenues of $244.7
million at the first quarter earnings of 2012, an increase of 47%
from the prior year quarter.
Alexion is also working on several other indications of the drug
including acute humoral rejection (AHR). Alexion is studying
Soliris in patients undergoing kidney transplantation, having a
high risk of organ rejection. The company also expects to commence
a deceased donor study this summer.
Alexion is also running a phase II trial to evaluate patients
with Shiga-toxin producing E. coli hemolytic uremic syndrome
(STEC-HUS) in Germany. The company expects results from this study
by the end of 2012.
Soliris is also being studied in investigator-initiated studies
for dry form of age related macular degeneration (AMD) and
neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Results from phase II
investigator-initiated trials of NMO are expected to be presented
by the second half of this year at a scientific meeting.
Currently, we have a Neutral recommendation on Alexion. The
stock carries a Zacks #3 Rank (Hold rating) in the short run.
ALEXION PHARMA (ALXN): Free Stock Analysis
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