Alexion gets EU green light for a pair of rare disease drugs

European regulators are recommending approval for two rare disease treatments from Alexion ($ALXN), a victory for the biotech as it works to expand its stable of commercialized drugs. The European Medicines Agency has adopted positive opinions on asfotase alfa, a treatment for the rare pediatric-onset hypophosphatasia, and sebelipase alfa, which targets lysosomal acid lipase deficiency. A nod from the EMA's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use is usually followed by a full continental approval in about three months. Asfotase alfa, which Alexion plans to market as Strensiq, is an in-house product, while sebelipase alfa, trade name Kanuma, came in through the company's $8.4 billion acquisition of Synageva last month. More