Alexion Appoints Ludwig Hantson, Ph.D., as Chief Executive Officer
March 27 2017 - 06:30AM
Business Wire
Biopharmaceutical Veteran Brings Extensive
Experience Leading Global Organizations, Building Innovative and
Diverse Pipelines, and Delivering New Products to Market
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALXN) today announced that
its Board of Directors has appointed Ludwig N. Hantson, Ph.D., as
Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors,
effective immediately. Dr. Hantson most recently served as
President and CEO of Baxalta, a successful spin-off as a public
company from Baxter, and a global leader in the development of
therapies for orphan and underserved diseases in hematology,
immunology and oncology. Dr. Hantson brings to Alexion a strong
record of developing diverse rare disease pipelines and
commercializing innovative and life-transformative therapies at
industry-leading companies.
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Ludwig N. Hantson, Ph.D. (Photo: Business
Wire)
He succeeds David R. Brennan, who has led the company as Interim
CEO since December 2016. Mr. Brennan will remain on the Board of
Directors and, as the company previously announced, the Board
expects to appoint Mr. Brennan as Chairman at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders scheduled for May 10.
As CEO of Baxalta, Dr. Hantson led the creation of a successful
biopharmaceutical company that delivered shareholder value through
significant revenue growth, an innovative research and development
center with a pipeline of 20 new product candidates, and several
new product launches globally. Prior to Baxalta, Dr. Hantson was
President of Baxter BioScience, a $6 billion global business unit
of Baxter where he drove significant value into its pipeline by
adding 25 New Molecular Entities and Biologics License
Applications, and launching 13 new products.
“I am honored and proud to join Alexion, an innovator and
pioneer in rare diseases and a company that shares my commitment to
serving patients and families,” said Dr. Hantson. “I believe
Alexion is in a strong position to continue to advance the science
and build upon its global capabilities to serve even more patients
with devastating and rare diseases in over 50 markets. Alexion is
on-track to achieving its near-term priorities, including: growing
its complement and metabolic franchises; obtaining approval of
Soliris in refractory gMG; and advancing its pipeline programs
including ALXN1210 and eculizumab in relapsing NMOSD. I also look
forward to building our future R&D and commercial growth
strategies which will be guided by the Company’s long-standing goal
of transforming lives.”
R. Douglas Norby, Alexion’s Lead Independent Director, said,
“After a comprehensive search process, the Board is very pleased to
appoint Ludwig, a seasoned executive and inspirational leader who
will help us advance our pipeline and commercial growth initiatives
while maintaining Alexion’s mission to serve patients with
life-transforming therapies.” Mr. Norby added, “Ludwig is a
results-oriented leader with a strong R&D and commercial track
record based on his ability to implement sound business strategies
grounded in scientific, commercial and financial analyses. He
understands the complexities of leading a large biotechnology
company, and his commitment to ethics, excellence and execution
will drive the next phase of growth and innovation for Alexion, and
create value for all stakeholders.”
Mr. Norby continued, “In addition, on behalf of the entire Board
of Directors, we would like to thank David Brennan for his
dedicated leadership as Interim CEO. His deep knowledge of
Alexion’s business and culture was instrumental in guiding our
company during this period of transition, as well as helping to
identify a leader who shares our dedication and commitment to
serving patients and families with devastating and rare
diseases.”
Prior to his roles at Baxalta and Baxter BioScience, Dr. Hantson
held several leadership roles during his decade-long tenure at
Novartis from 2001-2010, including CEO of Novartis Pharma North
America, CEO of Novartis Europe, and President of Novartis Pharma
Canada. He began his career at Smith & Nephew and subsequently
served in increasing roles of responsibility in marketing, and
research and development at Johnson & Johnson from 1988-2001.
Dr. Hantson received his Ph.D. in motor rehabilitation and physical
therapy, Master’s degree in physical education, and a certification
in high secondary education, all from the University of Louvain in
Belgium.
About Alexion
Alexion is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on
developing and delivering life-transforming therapies for patients
with devastating and rare disorders. Alexion is the global leader
in complement inhibition and has developed and commercializes the
first and only approved complement inhibitor to treat patients with
paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic
uremic syndrome (aHUS), two life-threatening ultra-rare disorders.
In addition, Alexion’s metabolic franchise includes two highly
innovative enzyme replacement therapies for patients with
life-threatening and ultra-rare disorders, hypophosphatasia (HPP)
and lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LALD). Alexion is advancing
its rare disease pipeline with highly innovative product candidates
in multiple therapeutic areas. This press release and further
information about Alexion can be found at: www.alexion.com.
[ALXN-G]
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. These forward-looking statements often include words such
as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "will," or similar
expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to factors that
may cause Alexion's results and plans to differ from those
expected, including for example, risks related to potential
disruptions to our business as a result of leadership changes, and
a variety of other risks set forth from time to time in Alexion's
filings with the U.S. 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, 2016 and in our
other filings with the U.S. 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.
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version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170327005316/en/
AlexionMediaStephanie
Fagan, 475-230-3777Senior Vice President, Corporate
CommunicationsorKim Diamond, 475-230-3775Executive Director,
Corporate CommunicationsorInvestorsElena Ridloff, CFA,
475-230-3601Vice President, Investor Relations
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