Alexion Pharmaceuticals has purchased the former Dow manufacturing facility in Smithfield, Rhode Island.

The biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility will be used primarily to produce Soliris (eculizumab), the company's lead product candidate, for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), an acquired genetic blood disorder, an Alexion release said.

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Securing a manufacturing facility is an important element of our commercial planning for the post-launch growth of Soliris and will enable us to meet world-wide demand for the product," said David Keiser, President and CEO of Alexion. "For the past ten years, Rhode Island has built an expertise in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, which is one of the reasons; this site was particularly appealing to us. The facility is highly suitable to our needs. Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation has worked closely with us."

The facility will be designed to meet both the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) and European Medical Agency (EMEA) good manufacturing practices. Alexion currently has a manufacturing agreement with Lonza Biologics and expects to continue to source supply from Lonza after the new facility is in operation.

"Alexion's new manufacturing facility in Smithfield will provide an immediate impact on the Rhode Island economy," said Rhode Island Governor, Donald L. Carcieri. "By employing approximately 80 people for their initial commercial supply efforts, Alexion will also help. Rhode Island achieves my goal of growing jobs and expanding our economy. The company's decision is to choose the former Dow plant and provides them with a world-class facility that will meet Alexion's needs for years to come. My administration has been continues, committed to strengthening our efforts in the life sciences sector, and attracting companies of this calibre to our state. We welcome Alexion and their staff to Rhode Island, and look forward to establishing a strong relationship between the company and the state."

"Alexion's decision to choose Rhode Island as the site of their next expansion reinforces the company's commitment to strengthening its roots within the New England region," said Saul Kaplan, Executive Director of Rhode Island economic development corporation (EDC). "Alexion has demonstrated its expertise in novel drug development, and Rhode Island is pleased to have been chosen as the site of their next operational expansion."