CHESHIRE, Conn., Apr 24, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- -- Continued Steady Growth in PNH ---- aHUS Launch Progresses with Steady Addition ofNew Patients --

-- Guidance Revised Upward for 2012 Revenues and Non-GAAP EPS --

--First Quarter 2012 Financial Highlights:

--Q1 2012 net product sales increased 47 percent to $244.7 million, compared to $166.1 million in Q1 2011.

--Q1 2012 GAAP net income increased 69 percent to $45.4 million, or $0.23 per share, compared to Q1 2011 GAAP net income of $26.8 million, or $0.14 per share.

--Q1 2012 non-GAAP net income increased 57 percent to $88.1 million, or $0.45 per share, compared to Q1 2011 non-GAAP net income of $56.3 million, or $0.29 per share.

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. /quotes/zigman/59581/quotes/nls/alxn ALXN +0.20% today announced financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The Company reported net product sales of Soliris(R) (eculizumab) of $244.7 million, an increase of 47 percent from the same period in 2011. Revenue performance for the quarter reflects steady additions of new patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in Alexion's core territories of the US, Western Europe, Japan and in other countries, augmented by a steady increase in new patients with atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS).

Soliris is approved for patients with PNH in the US (2007), European Union (2007), Japan (2010) and other territories as the first and only treatment indicated for this ultra-rare, debilitating and life-threatening blood disease. Soliris is also approved as the first and only treatment for patients with aHUS, an ultra-rare, life-threatening, genetic disease, in the US (September 2011) and in the European Union (November 2011).

Alexion's non-GAAP operating results are equal to GAAP operating results adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation, taxes that are not payable in cash (non-cash tax adjustment), amortization of acquired intangible assets, and costs associated with acquisitions. The non-cash tax adjustment represents the reduction in cash taxes attributable to the utilization of US net operating losses. The following summary table is provided for investors' convenience:

        (in thousands, except per share amounts)
        (unaudited)
                                                         Three months ended
                                                              March 31
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                         2012           2011
                                                     ------------   ------------
        Total revenues                                 $ 244,733      $ 166,126
                                                     --- -------    --- -------
        GAAP net income                                $  45,413      $  26,830
           Share-based compensation                       13,318         11,331
           Acquisition-related costs                      13,673          9,928
           Amortization of purchased intangibles             104             69
                                                          15,553          8,110
           Non-cash tax adjustment
        Non-GAAP net income                            $  88,061      $  56,268
                                                     === =======    === =======
        Shares used in computing diluted earnings        194,560        190,366
        per share (GAAP)
        Shares used in computing diluted earnings        195,895        192,164
        per share (non-GAAP)
        GAAP earnings per share - diluted              $    0.23      $    0.14
                                                     === =======    === =======
        Non-GAAP earnings per share - diluted          $    0.45      $    0.29
                                                     === =======    === =======
        

First Quarter 2012 Non-GAAP Financial Results:

The Company reported non-GAAP net income of $88.1 million, or $0.45 per share, in the first quarter of 2012, compared to non-GAAP net income of $56.3 million, or $0.29 per share, in the first quarter of 2011.

Alexion's non-GAAP operating expenses for Q1 2012 were $119.9 million, compared to $85.9 million for Q1 2011. Non-GAAP research and development (R&D) expenses for Q1 2012 were $42.1 million, compared to $28.1 million for Q1 2011. Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for Q1 2012 were $77.9 million, compared to $57.8 million for Q1 2011.

First Quarter 2012 GAAP Financial Results:

Alexion reported GAAP net income of $45.4 million, or $0.23 per share, in the first quarter of 2012, compared to GAAP net income of $26.8 million, or $0.14 per share, in the first quarter of 2011.

On a GAAP basis, operating expenses for Q1 2012 were $146.4 million, compared to $106.7 million for Q1 2011. GAAP operating expenses included $12.4 million of costs related to the acquisition of Enobia Pharma Corp. (Enobia), which closed during the quarter. GAAP R&D expenses for Q1 2012 were $45.4 million, compared to $30.8 million for Q1 2011. GAAP SG&A expenses were $87.2 million for Q1 2012, compared to $65.9 million for Q1 2011.

Balance Sheet:

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had $359 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities compared to $541 million at the end of 2011. This change reflects positive cash flow from operations during the quarter and acquisition-related debt, offset by outflows for the purchase of Enobia.

"In the early months of 2012, we achieved steady growth in serving more patients with PNH and were also pleased to see a steady addition of new patients with aHUS starting on Soliris therapy," said Leonard Bell, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Alexion. "As we look ahead to serving more patients with PNH and aHUS, we will simultaneously drive forward each of our eight lead development programs in which we are now investigating five highly innovative biologics as treatments for patients with severe and ultra-rare disorders."

Global Commercial Operations:

PNH

During Q1 2012, Alexion achieved steady quarter-on-quarter growth due to new patients with PNH who were started on Soliris therapy in the Company's core territories of the US, Western Europe and Japan, as well as new patients from a number of other countries where the Company is growing its presence.

aHUS

In the second full quarter of the US launch of Soliris for aHUS, a steady increase of new patients with aHUS commenced treatment with Soliris. Following approval by the European Commission in November 2011, Alexion expects to begin serving aHUS patients in initial European countries later in 2012.

Research and Development Progress:

Alexion currently has lead development programs underway with five highly innovative therapeutics, including eculizumab (Soliris), being investigated across eight severe and ultra-rare disorders beyond PNH and aHUS.

Ultra-Rare Disease Programs With Eculizumab

-- Nephrology: STEC-HUS and Acute Humoral Kidney Rejection (AHR): The Company has completed dosing in its open-label study of eculizumab in patients with Shiga toxin E. Coli related Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (STEC-HUS), a severe, ultra-rare, and life-threatening inflammatory disorder. Separately, enrollment continues in a Company-sponsored multi-national living-donor kidney transplant trial in patients at elevated risk of antibody mediated rejection.

-- Neurology: NMO and MG: Data from the investigator-initiated Phase 2 clinical trial of eculizumab in severe and refractory neuromyelitis optica (NMO) are expected to be presented in the second half of 2012. Additional data from the Company's Phase 2 study in Myasthenia Gravis (MG) will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting, being held April 21 to 28.

Ultra-Rare Disease Programs With Highly Innovative Therapeutics Beyond Eculizumab

-- Asfotase Alfa: During Q1, Phase 2 data with asfotase alfa, the Company's highly innovative targeted enzyme replacement therapy in late-stage development for patients with the ultra-rare, inherited, and life-threatening metabolic disease hypophosphatasia (HPP), were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The data showed that all patients treated with asfotase alfa had an objective response to therapy, with statistically significant decreases in enzyme substrates. The data also showed substantial skeletal healing in 90 percent of infants and young children treated with asfotase alfa. Key secondary endpoints, including improvement in cognitive development and motor and pulmonary function, were also achieved. Also in Q1, data in juvenile patients were presented at the Sanford Burnham Rare Disease Day Symposium, showing that all patients treated with asfotase alfa had an objective response to therapy, with statistically significant decreases in enzyme substrates. In addition, during Q1, a separate Phase 2 study of adult and adolescent patients presented at the American College of Medical Genetics meeting, showed that all patients who were treated with asfotase alfa had an objective response to therapy, with statistically significant decreases in enzyme substrates.

-- cPMP Replacement Therapy: The Company has commenced pre-IND toxicology studies with its cPMP replacement therapy for the treatment of patients with the severe, ultra-rare, and genetic fatal metabolic disorder Molybdenum Cofactor Deficiency Type A.

-- ALXN1102 (formerly TT30): Enrollment continues in a Phase I study to characterize the mechanism of action and develop initial safety data for ALXN1102. ALXN1102 is a unique inhibitor of the alternative complement pathway with a mechanism of action different from Soliris.

-- ALXN1007: Enrollment continues in a Phase I study of ALXN1007, a novel anti-inflammatory antibody, to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of this compound in healthy volunteers.

2012 Financial Guidance:

Alexion today announced that it is raising its 2012 revenue guidance from the previous range of $1.04 to $1.07 billion now to the higher and narrower range of $1.065 to $1.085 billion. The upward revision reflects continued global growth of Soliris in PNH and initial growth in aHUS.

With this increased revenue forecast, combined with control of expenses within previously guided ranges, the Company is also raising its guidance for 2012 non-GAAP earnings per share, from the previous range of $1.60 to $1.70 per share now to the higher range of $1.65 to $1.75 per share for the year. All other items of the 2012 financial guidance provided in the Company's press release of February 9, 2012 are being reiterated at this time.

Conference Call/Web Cast Information:

Alexion will host a conference call/audio web cast to discuss matters mentioned in this release. The call is scheduled for today, April 24, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time. To participate in this call, dial 800-299-9630 (USA) or 617-786-2904 (International), passcode 87393357, shortly before 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time. A replay of the call will be available for a limited period following the call, beginning at 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The replay number is 888-286-8010 (USA) or 617-801-6888 (International), passcode 38815409. The audio webcast can be accessed at www.alexionpharma.com .

About Soliris:

Soliris is a first-in-class terminal complement inhibitor developed from the laboratory through regulatory approval and commercialization by Alexion. Soliris is approved in the US, European Union, Japan and other countries as the first and only treatment for patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a debilitating, ultra-rare and life-threatening blood disorder, characterized by complement-mediated hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). Soliris is also approved in the US and the European Union as the first and only treatment for patients with atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), a debilitating, ultra-rare and life-threatening genetic disorder characterized by complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy, or TMA (blood clots in small vessels). Soliris is indicated to inhibit complement-mediated TMA. The effectiveness of Soliris in aHUS is based on the effects on TMA and renal function. Prospective clinical trials in additional patients are ongoing to confirm the benefit of Soliris in patients with aHUS. Soliris is not indicated for the treatment of patients with Shiga toxin E. coli related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS). Alexion's breakthrough approach in complement inhibition has received the pharmaceutical industry's highest honors: the 2008 Prix Galien USA Award for Best Biotechnology Product with broad implications for future biomedical research and the 2009 Prix Galien France Award in the category of Drugs for Rare Diseases. More information including the full prescribing information on Soliris is available at www.soliris.net .

About Alexion:

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on serving patients with severe and ultra-rare disorders through the innovation, development and commercialization of life-transforming therapeutic products. Alexion is the global leader in complement inhibition and has developed and markets Soliris(R) (eculizumab) as a treatment for patients with PNH and aHUS, two debilitating, ultra-rare and life-threatening disorders caused by chronic uncontrolled complement activation. Soliris is currently approved in more than 40 countries for the treatment of PNH, and in the United States and the European Union for the treatment of aHUS. Alexion is evaluating other potential indications for Soliris and is developing four other highly innovative biotechnology product candidates. This press release and further information about Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. can be found at: www.alexionpharma.com .

[ALXN-E]

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements related to guidance regarding anticipated financial results for 2012, assessment of the Company's financial position and commercialization efforts, medical benefits and commercial potential for Soliris for PNH and aHUS and other potential indications, plans to pursue reimbursement approvals in the European Union, expansion of clinical and commercial operations to additional countries, medical and commercial potential of Alexion's complement-inhibition technology and other technologies, plans for clinical programs for each of our product candidates, progress in developing commercial infrastructure, and interest and acceptance regarding Soliris in the patient, physician and payor communities. Forward-looking statements are subject to factors that may cause Alexion's results and plans to differ from those expected, including for example, decisions of regulatory authorities regarding marketing approval or material limitations on the marketing of Soliris for PNH and aHUS and other potential indications, delays in arranging satisfactory manufacturing capabilities and establishing commercial infrastructure, the possibility that results of clinical trials are not predictive of safety and efficacy results of Soliris in broader patient populations in the disease studied or other diseases, the risk that recent acquisitions will not result in short-term or long-term benefits, the possibility that current results of commercialization are not predictive of future rates of adoption of Soliris in PNH, aHUS or other diseases, the risk that third parties will not agree to license any necessary intellectual property to Alexion on reasonable terms or at all, the risk that third party payors (including governmental agencies) will not reimburse for the use of Soliris at acceptable rates or at all, the risk that estimates regarding the number of patients with PNH, aHUS or other disorders are inaccurate, and a variety of other risks set forth from time to time in Alexion's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the risks discussed in Alexion's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2011 and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Alexion does not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except when a duty arises under law.

        
                               ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                         (in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                        (unaudited)
                                                         Three months ended
                                                              March 31
                                                   -------------------------------
                                                         2012             2011
                                                   ----------------   ------------
        Net product sales                            $ 244,733          $ 166,126
        Cost of sales (1)                               28,268             19,228
        Operating expenses:
        Research and development (1)                    45,408             30,810
        Selling, general and administrative (1)         87,242             65,858
        Acquisition-related costs (2)                   13,673              9,928
        Amortization of purchased intangibles              104                 69
           Total operating expenses                    146,427            106,665
                                                       -------            -------
           Operating income                             70,038             40,233
        Other income (expense)                          (2,229)              593
                                                       ------- ---        -------
           Income before income taxes                   67,809             40,826
        Income tax provision                            22,396             13,996
        Net income                                   $  45,413          $  26,830
                                                   === =======        === =======
        Earnings per common share
           Basic                                     $    0.24          $    0.15
                                                   === =======        === =======
           Diluted                                   $    0.23          $    0.14
                                                   === =======        === =======
        Shares used in computing earnings per
        common share
           Basic                                       185,682            181,724
                                                       =======            =======
           Diluted                                     194,560            190,366
                                                       =======            =======
        

        (1)  The following table summarizes the share-based compensation expense
             included in the respective captions of the condensed consolidated
             statements of operations above:
        

                                                    Three months ended
                                                         March 31
                                                  -----------------------
                                                     2012         2011
                                                  ----------   ----------
        Share-based compensation expense:
           Cost of sales                           $    603     $    545
           Research and development                   3,349        2,733
           Selling, general and administrative        9,366        8,053
                                                     ------       ------
                                                   $ 13,318     $ 11,331
                                                  == ======    == ======
        

        (2)  Acquisition-related costs of $13,673 during the quarter ended
             March 31, 2012 include transaction and separation costs of $10,765
             and adjustments to the fair value of contingent consideration of
             $1,636 for the Enobia acquisition closed during the quarter. The
             remaining $1,272 represents adjustments to the fair value of
             contingent consideration for previous acquisitions.
             Acquisition-related costs of $9,928 during the quarter ended March
             31, 2011 represent costs incurred related to the Taligen
             Therapeutics and Orphatec Pharmaceuticals acquisitions.
        

        
                                  ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
                              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                         (in thousands)
                                           (unaudited)
                                                          March 31,         December31,
                                                            2012               2011
                                                       ---------------   ----------------
        Cash,cashequivalentsandmarketablesecurities       $   359,388        $   540,865
        Trade accounts receivable, net                        267,397            244,288
        Inventories, net                                       92,906             81,386
        Deferred tax assets, current                           19,048             19,132
        Other current assets                                   73,195             55,599
        Property, plant and equipment, net                    165,763            165,852
        Deferred tax assets, noncurrent                        80,553            103,868
        Intangibles assets, net                               677,200             91,604
        Goodwill                                              264,118             79,639
        Other noncurrent assets                                17,896             12,518
                                                            ---------          ---------
           Total assets                                   $ 2,017,464        $ 1,394,751
                                                       ==== =========    ===== =========
        Accounts payable and accrued expenses             $   222,886        $   202,093
        Other current liabilities                             130,791             28,132
        Long term debt                                        247,000                  -
        Contingent consideration                              138,028             18,120
        Other noncurrent liabilities                           65,479             11,914
                                                            ---------          ---------
           Total liabilities                                  804,184            260,259
                                                            ---------          ---------
        Total stockholders' equity                          1,213,280          1,134,492
                                                            ---------          ---------
        Total liabilities and stockholders' equity        $ 2,017,464        $ 1,394,751
                                                       ==== =========    ===== =========
        

SOURCE: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

        
        Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 
        Irving Adler, (203) 271-8210 
        Sr. Director, Corporate Communications 
        or 
        Kim Diamond, (203) 439-9600 (Media) 
        Director, Corporate Communications 
        or 
        Rx Communications (Investors) 
        Rhonda Chiger, (917) 322-2569
        

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