Topic: How To Invest

Q: What do you think of investing in Alexion Pharmaceutical? Thank you.

Article Excerpt

A: Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc., $123.13, symbol ALXN on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 218.8 million; Market cap: $26.7 billion; www.alexion.com), is a drug company that specializes in the development of treatments for rare, life-threatening medical conditions. Its main drug, Soliris, helps people who are anemic maintain their red blood cell counts. New York-based activist investor Elliott Management first pushed for change at the biotech firm in 2017. In December 2019, it concluded that Alexion should put itself up for sale. However, the company’s management and board disagreed. Instead of seeking a buyer, Alexion’s plans included the $1.4-billion purchase of Portola Pharmaceuticals (symbol PTLA on Nasdaq) earlier this year. Portola’s only drug is Andexxa. That drug helps prevent bleeding in patients who are taking Xarelto or Eliquis for the treatment of blood clots. On May 12, 2020, Elliott sent a public letter to the chairman of Alexion’s board of directors, again suggesting it should put itself up for sale. The activist investor still believes Alexion should explore…