Alexion Initiates Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Certain Lots of Soliris® (eculizumab) Concentrated Solution for Intravenous Infusion Due to the Presence of Visible Particulate Matter in a Single Lot

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ALXN today announced that it is initiating a voluntary recall of certain lots of Soliris® (eculizumab) 300 mg/30 mL concentrated solution for intravenous infusion that were manufactured using a process component during vial filling identified in the November 2013 recall to the hospital/user level. As previously stated, Alexion believes that it has identified the process component that resulted in the presence of the visible particles and implemented a change to the process. Alexion does not anticipate any interruption to patient supply. This recall has been initiated due to the presence of visible proteinaceous particles detected in a single lot during periodic stability testing for Soliris. This lot was distributed only in the U.S. No safety risks to patients who have received Soliris have been identified. There is no financial impact from the voluntary recall announced today. The single affected Soliris lot is #10007A. Although these lots currently remain in specification, Alexion is including the following remaining lots, which were produced with the same process component during vial filling, within the scope of the U.S. recall: 10002-1, 00006-1, 10003A, 10004A, 10005A, 10005AR, 10006A and 10008A. Following this voluntary recall, there will no longer be Soliris in the U.S. manufactured using the previously identified process component that Alexion believes resulted in the stability failure. The administration of particulate, if present in a parenteral drug, poses a potential safety risk to patients in two general areas: immune reaction and blood clots. Particulates could cause blockage of flow of blood in vessels, which could be life-threatening. To date, there have been no product complaints of particulates, or identifiable safety concerns attributed to the product consumed from the affected lots. As product from the affected lot was last shipped on October 29, 2013, Alexion believes there is little, if any, inventory currently being held at the hospital or user level. Soliris is approved as a treatment for patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), two ultra-rare and life-threatening disorders. Alexion and its distributors typically ship Soliris to healthcare providers in small quantities, which are timed to individual patient infusions, with the product being consumed before more is shipped. As product from the identified lots was last shipped on October 30, 2013, there is anticipated to be little, if any, material from these lots still remaining in commercial distribution. The following table lists the lots that are being recalled, which were distributed in the U.S. to wholesalers, hospitals and pharmacies: Product Lot Expiration Date First Ship Date Last Ship Date Soliris®(eculizumab) 300 mg/30 mL Concentrated solution for intravenous infusion only NDC 25682-001-01 10007A July 2015 June 17, 2013 Oct. 29, 2013 10002-1 Aug. 2014 Sept. 6, 2012 Sept. 9, 2013 00006-1 Aug. 2014 Oct. 12, 2012 May 15, 2013 10003A Nov. 2014 March 28, 2013 Oct. 3, 2013 10004A Feb. 2015 Feb. 4, 2013 Sept. 24, 2013 10005A July 2015 May 15, 2013 Oct. 28, 2013 10005AR July 2015 Sept. 23, 2013 Sept. 26, 2013 10006A July 2015 July 8, 2013 Oct. 24, 2013 10008A Aug. 2015 Aug. 16, 2013 Oct. 30, 2013 Alexion is notifying its distributors and customers by letter being sent via Federal Express and is arranging for replacement of all recalled products. Any person in possession of vials of Soliris from these lots should stop use and arrange for return of the product to Alexion immediately by calling 1-888-SOLIRIS (888-765-4747), Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Unaffected lot numbers can continue to be used according to the instructions for use. Healthcare professionals and pharmacists with questions regarding this recall can contact Alexion at 1-888-765-4747, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. Patients should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product. Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax. Complete and submit the report online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm Regular mail or fax: Download form to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178. This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. About Soliris® (eculizumab) Soliris® (eculizumab) is a first-in-class terminal complement inhibitor developed from the laboratory through regulatory approval and commercialization by Alexion. Soliris is approved in the U.S. (2007), European Union (2007), Japan (2010) and other countries as the first and only treatment for patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a debilitating, ultra-rare and life-threatening blood disorder, characterized by complement-mediated hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). Soliris is indicated to reduce hemolysis in PNH patients. Soliris is also approved in the U.S. (2011), the European Union (2011), Japan (2013) and other countries as the first and only treatment for patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), a debilitating, ultra-rare and life-threatening genetic disorder characterized by complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy, or TMA (blood clots in small vessels). The effectiveness of Soliris in aHUS is based on the effects on TMA and renal function. Soliris is not indicated for the treatment of patients with Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS). More information, including the full prescribing information on Soliris, is available at www.soliris.net. Important Safety Information The U.S. product label for Soliris includes a boxed warning: "Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in patients treated with Soliris. Meningococcal infection may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Comply with the most current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for meningococcal vaccination in patients with complement deficiencies. Immunize patients with a meningococcal vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to administering the first dose of Soliris, unless the risks of delaying Soliris therapy outweigh the risk of developing a meningococcal infection [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) for additional guidance on the management of the risk of meningococcal infection]. Monitor patients for early signs of meningococcal infections and evaluate immediately if infection is suspected. Soliris is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Under the Soliris REMS, prescribers must enroll in the program [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Enrollment in the Soliris REMS program and additional information are available by telephone: 1-888-SOLIRIS (1-888-765-4747)." In patients with PNH, the most frequently reported adverse events observed with Soliris treatment in clinical studies were headache, nasopharyngitis (runny nose), back pain and nausea. Soliris treatment of patients with PNH should not alter anticoagulant management because the effect of withdrawal of anticoagulant therapy during Soliris treatment has not been established. In patients with aHUS, the most frequently reported adverse events observed with Soliris treatment in clinical studies were headache, diarrhea, hypertension, upper respiratory infection, abdominal pain, vomiting, nasopharyngitis, anemia, cough, peripheral edema, nausea, urinary tract infections, pyrexia. Soliris is not indicated for the treatment of patients with Shiga toxin E. coli related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS). Please see full prescribing information for Soliris, including boxed WARNING regarding risk of serious meningococcal infection. http://soliris.net/sites/default/files/assets/soliris_pi.pdf