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Alexion forms subsidiary as European headquarters, hires Patrice Coissac as president
By E. Janene Geiss
Philadelphia, Nov. 8 - Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced Tuesday that is has formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Alexion Europe SAS, which will serve as the company's European headquarters and manage all late-stage development, regulatory and commercial operations throughout Europe.
Company officials said the establishment of the European subsidiary, which will be based in Paris, is an important step as it focuses on commercialization of its first product, eculizumab to treat Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria.
Alexion Europe will be led by Patrice Coissac, former president of Pharmacia SAS, who was appointed general manager and president of the new subsidiary.
Coissac, 57, has successfully launched and marketed pharmaceutical products throughout Europe, Leonard Bell, Alexion's chief executive officer, said in a company news release.
Most recently, Coissac headed BioPharmaConsult, an international pharmaceutical consulting firm. Previously, he was president of Pharmacia SAS in France from 1999 through 2003 when the company was acquired by Pfizer.
"Commercializing eculizumab in Europe independently provides Alexion with the opportunity to retain the full value and maximize the potential of this first-in-class product candidate," David W. Keiser, Alexion's president and chief operating officer, said in the release.
"We are delighted to have someone with Patrice's outstanding qualifications and track record join us to lead this effort," Keiser added.
The new subsidiary will employ regulatory, marketing and commercial professionals. The number of Alexion Europe employees is expected to expand significantly if and when eculizumab is approved for marketing in Europe, officials said.
Cheshire, Conn.-based Alexion is a drug discovery company focused on development of therapeutic products for hematologic and cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune diseases and cancer.
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