Alexion Pharmaceuticals, of Cheshire, Conn., announced yesterday that Australia has approved the company's lead product, Soliris (eculizumab), for the treatment of all patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Soliris is the only drug specifically indicated for the treatment of the rare, debilitating and life-threatening blood disease and is the first such therapy approved in Australia. Soliris was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is currently being used in more than 18 countries.

Panel planned on renewable energy

A group of small-business professionals will hold a free public panel discussion on the state's renewable-energy businesses Wednesday, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wolcott Eco-office, 28 Wolcott Ave., Providence. Robert Chew, president of residential business at Alteris; Fred Unger, president of Heartwood Group; Karina Lutz, deputy director of People's Power & Light; and Julian Dash, director of the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund, will discuss how legislation, the federal stimulus package, and economic conditions are affecting energy companies. The session is sponsored by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association. To register, e-mail jo@greenmachinepr.com

Mass. identifies wind-power potential

Public land in Massachusetts could be generating more clean, renewable energy -- from solar panels on the rooftops of state buildings to wind farms on state land. That's the conclusion of a report by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The report found that small-scale wind projects identified for the grounds of state facilities could produce 57 megawatts of power, while planned and potential solar installations could generate 32 megawatts. Hydro and biomass energy could add to the total. That may just be the start. Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles said there is a potential of up to 946 megawatts of wind power on state lands, but not all the potential sites should be developed.

Export of Maine-made products climbs

The Maine International Trade Center says that exports of Maine- made products rose 9.5 percent last year, topping $3 billion for the first time. The trade center said computer and electronic products - - mainly semiconductors -- were the top export product with $896 million in overseas sales. Paper was number two, followed by transportation equipment, seafood products and forestry products. Canada continued to be the state's leading export market, buying $936 million of Maine products. Trade center president Janine Bisaillon-Cary said much of the export growth occurred early in the year, when Maine companies were benefiting from the weak U.S. dollar.