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AstraZeneca’s $39 Billion Purchase of Alexion Cleared by UK Regulator

July 16, 2021

AstraZeneca’s acquisition of Boston-based Alexion Pharmaceuticals has been cleared by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority — passing the final hurdle that will allow the $39 billion deal to close next week.

Previously cleared by U.S. and the EU regulators, the deal will significantly expand AstraZeneca’s rare disease immunology portfolio, giving it access to Alexion’s novel immunology drugs Soliris (eculizumab) and Ultomiris (ravulizumab).

Soliris is a monoclonal antibody that is approved in the U.S. for treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), generalized myasthenia gravis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Ultomiris is another monoclonal antibody approved in the U.S. for PNH and to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy in aHUS patients.

AstraZeneca plans to set up a dedicated rare disease unit based in Boston.

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