Cheshire-based Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. posted better-than-expected quarterly earnings as revenue from its genetic-disorder drug Soliris jumped 78 percent, according to Reuters.
The pharmaceutical company derives all of its revenue from Soliris, which treats paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The rare genetic disorder can lead to anemia, fatigue, pain and difficulty in breathing.
For the first quarter, the company posted a profit of $14.5 million, or 16 cents a share, compared with a loss of $4.2 million, or 6 cents a share, a year ago.
Revenue rose 78 percent to $81.3 million, helped by higher sales of Soliris in the United States and Europe.
The company reiterated its fiscal 2009 earnings forecast of $1.00 to $1.05 a share, excluding items, on sales of $360 million to $375 million.
