Alexion Pharma France and Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALXN) today received the 2009 Prix Galien France for Soliris^® (eculizumab) in the category of medicines for rare diseases. The award recognizes the scientific innovation represented by the complement-inhibition technology of Soliris, and the impact the drug is having on the lives of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), an ultra-rare, debilitating and life-threatening blood disorder.

Soliris is a first-in-class terminal complement inhibitor that selectively blocks the formation of terminal complement, a component of the normal immune system. Patients with PNH lack naturally occurring proteins that ordinarily prevent terminal complement from causing the red blood cell destruction (hemolysis) that is central to the serious morbidities and mortality associated with PNH. The French award follows receipt last year by Alexion of the 2008 Prix Galien USA Award for Soliris as the Best Biotechnology Product with broad implications for future biomedical research.

“Alexion’s employees in France and throughout Europe are gratified by this award and by the opportunity we have to improve the lives of patients with PNH,” said Patrice Coissac, Senior Vice President of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and President of Alexion International Sàrl. “Alexion is committed to the objective that every patient with PNH who can benefit from Soliris will have access to Soliris, and each day, we are working with physicians and national healthcare authorities in Europe toward this goal.”

About the Prix Galien

The Prix Galien (http://www.prixgalien.com/) was established in France in 1970 by French pharmacist Roland Mehl to recognize and promote significant advances in pharmaceutical research. The award is among the industry’s highest accolades. The French award committee includes 17 eminent members from the scientific, medical, and academic communities of France.

Since its debut in France, the Prix Galien has been introduced in other countries of Europe, as well as in the U.S. and Canada. As in France, a prominent and independent panel of judges selects the winner, based on the innovative aspects and therapeutic advantages of the recipients. In addition, an International Prix Galien is selected from winners of the country awards every two years.

"We deeply appreciate this honor, which recognizes more than 15 years of basic and clinical research in the field of complement inhibition," said Leonard Bell, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Alexion. "We are building on the success of Soliris by increasing our understanding of PNH and by evaluating the promise of complement inhibition for the treatment of patients with other ultra-rare and life-threatening disorders."

About PNH

Patients with PNH suffer from hemolysis (red blood cell destruction) which leads to thromboses (blood clots), disabling fatigue, anemia, impaired quality of life, pulmonary hypertension, shortness of breath, recurrent pain, kidney disease and intermittent episodes of dark-colored urine (hemoglobinuria).