Dive Brief:
- As David Hallal comes on board as CEO at Alexion, based in Cheshire, the departing CEO, Dr. Leonard Bell, will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors.
- Alexion develops biologic drugs for ultra-rare diseases.
- Its number-one selling (and only) drug, Soliris (eculizumab), costs more than $400,000 per year and is considered one of the most expensive drugs in the world.
Dive Insight:
As Hallal moves into the CEO position at Alexion, the company is moving into a period of fast growth in which Alexion is aiming for seven new indications or product approvals in the next three years.
This year, Alexion will start selling its second drug, Asfostase Alfa, in the U.S. and Germany in the first two quarters and in Japan later in the year. Hallal, who is well vetted, has a great deal of work in front of him and a strong team under his command.