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Alexion Pharmaceuticals

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FY2016 Annual Report · Alexion Pharmaceuticals
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2 0 1 6   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

Living
in front of the 
science.

1

 
2

25 years ago, 
 we had an idea to help 
a group of people. People who 
were hidden in the shadows. 
People who were suffering  
with little hope for the future. 
Today, we’re bringing these  
individuals out of the shadows 
and into view. Our people  
and our science stand  
solidly behind them to  
give them a voice, a future,  
and a legacy. 

3

TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:

A quarter of a century ago, Alexion was founded  

continuing to enhance our disease education efforts  

on the ambitious and long-sought goal of tackling  

to identify and serve more patients. 

devastating diseases caused by defects in the body’s 

complement system. Our founders’ vision—to transform 

patients’ lives through the highest levels of medical 

innovation—remains the singular focus of  

our company.

I am pleased to report that in 2016 we delivered 

another year of solid financial performance, with total 

revenues of $3.084 billion. This represents 18 percent 

revenue growth and 22 percent volume growth from 

2015. While it was a year of great change for our  

Today I am proud to reflect not only on a successful  

company, our mission is unchanged and our  

year but also on 25 years of seeing the unseen. 

fundamentals are strong. We remain focused on  

Throughout our history, Alexion has demonstrated  

serving patients and shouldering challenges for  

an unwavering commitment to patients who live in the 

them and their families that no other company is  

shadows with rare and complex diseases that are often 

willing to take on. 

overlooked. Serving these patients and their families  

is in the DNA of our company and motivates our  

employees every day.

I am committed to maintaining our global leadership 

in rare diseases and achieving our next level of growth 

by serving more patients with our three life-transform-

In 2016, we continued to build our global leadership 

ing therapies, advancing our R&D pipeline, and  

in complement biology by serving an increasing  

building a strong infrastructure to deliver long-term 

number of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal  

value for our shareholders. We will do all of this with 

hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic 
syndrome (aHUS) with Soliris® (eculizumab) in the 50 

countries in which we operate. We’ve set a high bar 

with Soliris over the past decade, and our goal is to 

deliver continued innovation and more options for  

patients through our ALXN1210 clinical program, 

which will have five studies running this year.  

Additionally, in early 2017, we announced regulatory 

filings in the U.S. and EU for Soliris for patients with 

quality, integrity, and accountability. 

In closing, I would like to recognize everyone who 

has made Alexion the successful company it is today.  

Without our patients and their families, our employees,  

clinical trial investigators, physicians, and you—our 

shareholders—we would not be able to push the 

boundaries of science and deliver hope to the people 

who need it the most. 

refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG).  

Sincerely,

David Brennan

DIRECTOR, ALEXION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

This is a debilitating, complement-mediated  

neuromuscular disease in which a small subset  

of patients experience severe morbidities despite 

currently available therapies.

We also are applying our rare disease expertise to 

further expand our metabolic portfolio. Alexion’s two 

highly innovative enzyme replacement therapies,  
Strensiq® (asfotase alfa) and Kanuma® (sebelipase alfa), 

are now launched in the United States, Germany, and 

Japan as the first and only approved treatments for 

patients with hypophosphatasia (HPP) and lysosomal 

acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D), respectively. We are 

now focused on expanding patient access to Strensiq 

and Kanuma in additional European countries, while 

4

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I GHTS

NET PRODUCT SALES
($ IN MILLIONS)

NET INCOME
($ IN MILLIONS)

EARNINGS PER  
SHARE-DILUTED

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND 
MARKETABLE SECURITIES
($ IN MILLIONS)

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

1100

1000

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

6.00

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

0

2000

1500

1000

500

0

2016

2015

2014*

2016

2015

2014

2016

2015

2014

2016

2015

2014

UNITED STATES
ASIA PACIFIC

EUROPE

REST OF WORLD

NON-GAAP

GAAP

NON-GAAP

GAAP

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

MARKETABLE SECURITIES

* Included in Europe revenues for 2014 is a reimbursement of $87.83 million for shipments made prior to 2014 as a result of an agreement with the French government.

R E C O N C I L I A T I O N   O F   G A A P   T O   N O N - G A A P   F I N A N C I A L   R E S U L T S
IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS

GAAP net income

     Share-based compensation

     Fair value adjustment in inventory acquired 

     Upfront and milestone payments related to licenses and collaborations

      Amortization of purchased intangible assets 

      Change in fair value of contingent consideration

      Acquisition-related costs 

      Restructuring expenses

      Impairment of intangible assets 

      Adjustments to income tax expense 

Non-GAAP net income

GAAP earnings per share – diluted

Non-GAAP earnings per share – diluted

5

2016

 $399 

 192 

11

 10 

 322 

 36 

 2 

 3 

 85 

 (6)

2015

 $144 

 227 

–

 130 

 117 

 64 

 39 

 42 

 –

2014

 $657 

 115 

–

 110 

–

 20 

–   

 15 

 12 

 251 

 137 

 $1,054 

 $1,014 

 $1,066 

$1.76

$4.62

$0.67

$4.65

$3.26

$5.21

6

O M M E M O R A T I V E   A N N I V E R SARY REPORT

C

7

8

It started with a trip to the grocery store. Lenny Bell and his 
friend Steve Squinto ran out to buy some ice cream during 
a family gathering, and by the time they returned, Bell, then 
a physician and fellow at Yale University, had convinced 
Squinto, a successful scientist at a biotech company, to join 
him in starting their own venture. The stakes were high—Bell  
had three small children, both men had stable careers, and 
biotech funding was hard to come by. But the two friends 
were convinced they could find a way to unlock the science 
of the complement system—a part of the body’s immune 
system—which, they believed, could lead to the treatment 
of devastating illnesses. With all hopes hinging on this 
premise, Alexion was founded in 1992.

The stakes were high... 
but the two friends were  
convinced they could find a way 
to unlock the science of  
the complement system...

9

10

After sifting through tens of thousands of potential research 
candidates, Alexion began studying a complement-blocking 
antibody—a technology no other company was pursuing and 
many believed wouldn’t work. Indeed, Alexion’s start was 
not promising; initial studies of the antibody in rheumatoid  
arthritis, psoriasis, and kidney disease all failed.

Then Alexion set a new course for itself. Working with a  
hematologist based in Leeds, England—Professor Peter 
Hillmen—Alexion scientists tested the antibody eculizumab  
in  patients  with  paroxysmal  nocturnal  hemoglobinuria 
(PNH), an ultra-rare blood disorder in which uncontrolled  
complement activation leads to hemolysis, or the destruction  
of red blood cells. At the time, there was no approved  
treatment for PNH, and 35 percent of patients died within 
five years of diagnosis. Despite hurdles, including whether 
a development program in PNH was even feasible, Alexion 
began a pilot clinical study of eculizumab in 11 patients at 
the hospital where Hillmen worked. 

At the time, there was no  
approved treatment for PNH, 
and 35 percent of patients  
died within five years  
of diagnosis.

11

soliris bottles to come

12

With the 11-patient pilot study yielding positive results, Alexion  
embarked on two Phase 3 studies, TRIUMPH and SHEPHERD, 
to generate safety and efficacy data for a broader population 
of patients with PNH. Both trials met their primary endpoints. 
The  Company  began  to  prepare  for  regulatory  approvals  to 
make the drug, now known as Soliris®, available to patients  
with  PNH  around  the  world.  This  included  opening  a  EU 
headquarters,  an  important  step  in  what  would  become  
Alexion’s 50-country operating platform. 

In 2007, Alexion received approval of Soliris for the treatment 
of PNH under Priority Review in the U.S. and Accelerated  
Assessment in the EU—a milestone for patients and a major  
turning point for Alexion. Patients now had an approved  
therapy for this devastating disease and Alexion had finally  
made the vision of a complement inhibitor therapy a reality.  
Soliris also had the distinction of being discovered, developed,  
and commercialized by Alexion every step of the way.  

In 2007, Alexion  
received approval of Soliris  
for the treatment  
of patients with PNH.

13

14

The  first  patient  treated  with  eculizumab  in  clinical  trials 
was a young man with PNH whom I had looked after for more 
than 10 years. When the trial began in 2002, he was very sick 
and needed regular blood transfusions. Within a few days of 
Soliris treatment, he was walking up the stairs to our depart-
ment, and we were able to stop the transfusions. He was just 
one  patient,  but  seeing  his  progress  gave  us  hope.  Fifteen 
years later, he’s still on therapy. 

The 2007 regulatory approvals in the U.S. and Europe were  
a victory for the whole patient community, who now had the 
opportunity to benefit from what we’d seen in clinical trials. 
Twenty years ago, a therapy like this was unthinkable. Now 
we are treating patients effectively and looking ahead to what 
more we can do.  My hope is for greater convenience in dosing 
and perhaps, one day, even a treatment that cures PNH.

Peter Hillmen 

PROFESSOR OF EXPERIMENTAL HEMATOLOGY  
AND HONORARY CONSULTANT HEMATOLOGIST AT 
LEEDS TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS TRUST (UK)

15

Bill | new york, usa

L I V I N G   W I T H   P N H

16

“I was diagnosed with PNH more than 30 years ago. I had every 
symptom the disease could throw at you—kidney pain, stomach 
pain, difficulty swallowing to the point where I couldn’t eat, extreme 
fatigue, thrombosis. I was transfusion-dependent for nine years 
while working a 24/7 job, and I would use vacation days to get 
blood transfusions. I was able to enroll in a clinical trial for Soliris at a 
time when my body felt like it was shutting down. I’ve been on treat-
ment for over a decade now. I’ve always said, ‘I’ve got one life to live 
and I’m going to live it to the fullest.’”

17

E

Y

A R S   O F   C O M P L E M E N T  LEADERSHIP

5

2

For  Alexion,  the  approval  of  Soliris  for  patients  with  PNH  was  just 
the  beginning.  Its  proven  ability  to  block  complement  raised  the 
possibility that patients suffering from other severe and devastating  
complement-mediated disorders could also benefit from this innovative  
treatment approach. 

In 2008, with Soliris now available in the U.S. and EU, independent  
investigators in Germany, Austria, France, and the United States began  
using  Soliris  in  patients  with  atypical  hemolytic  uremic  syndrome 
(aHUS)—a  devastating,  ultra-rare  complement-mediated  disease. 
Without treatment, more than half of patients with aHUS die, progress 
to end-stage renal disease, or have permanent renal damage within 
one year of disease onset. In 2009, Alexion initiated two prospective 
clinical trials in adult and adolescent patients with the disease. Two 
years later, in 2011, Soliris was approved in both the U.S. and EU for the 
treatment of children and adults with aHUS.

Today Alexion is the global leader in complement biology, serving  
patients with PNH and aHUS in more than 50 countries, while also  
advancing a pipeline of additional complement inhibitor product  
candidates. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary as a company and 
the 10th anniversary of the approval of Soliris, we continue to work 
with physicians around the world to identify new patients with PNH and 
aHUS and to initiate appropriate treatment.   

As we look to the future, the underlying strength of our core Soliris 
business, coupled with our complement inhibitor pipeline, will enable 
us to transform the lives of many more patients for years to come.

P N H

a H U S

18

 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 

In our core territories, Alexion has broad intellectual property protec-
tion for Soliris that extends into the next decade. This includes patents 
and regulatory protections such as orphan drug exclusivity and data 
exclusivity. We also have a strong global patent position for ALXN1210, 
including a composition of matter patent in effect to 2035. 

ALXN1210

REFRACTORY gMG 

Alexion is focused on bringing 
continued innovation and more 
options to patients with both 
PNH and aHUS. We are evaluat-
ing ALXN1210, a longer-acting 
anti-C5 antibody, including four 
Phase 3 trials in patients with PNH 
and aHUS with dosing once every 
eight weeks. This dosing  
schedule would reduce the  
number of infusions per year 
from 26 with Soliris to six with 
ALXN1210. Alexion is also  
developing a subcutaneous 
formulation of ALXN1210, which 
is being evaluated in a Phase 1 
clinical study.

19

Alexion has filed for regulatory  
approval for Soliris with the FDA 
and EMA as a potential treatment 
for patients with refractory  
generalized myasthenia gravis 
(gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine  
receptor antibody-positive.  
Patients with refractory gMG,  
an ultra-rare segment of the  
total MG population, continue to 
experience disease progression  
and debilitating symptoms  
despite existing therapies. Alex-
ion is focused on addressing the 
significant unmet needs of these 
patients. If approved, Soliris would 
be the first and only complement 
inhibitor for the treatment of  
patients with refractory gMG.

Brandy | utah, usa

L I V I N G   W I T H   a H U S

“After  my  ninth  child  was  born,  I  became  very  sick.  I  was  lethargic 
and couldn’t eat. I thought it was the flu. I finally went to the hospital,  
where  I  started  hemodialysis  and  was  eventually  diagnosed  with 
aHUS. The two weeks I was hospitalized are a blur. The hardest part 
was being away from my family and knowing my husband and older 
children had to step in and care for the younger ones. I came home 
on  Christmas  Eve,  and  being  reunited  with  my  family  was  the  best 
present I could have asked for. When I started Soliris therapy, I felt 
hopeful and excited. The turning point came when my kidney func-
tion recovered enough to stop dialysis. I am so grateful to be here 
today for my children—they mean the world to me.”

20

Brandy places a  
marker on Alexion’s  
Life and Legacy Wall, 
an art installation  
at our global  
headquarters  
in New Haven,  
Connecticut, that  
celebrates our  
commitment to,  
and connection 
with, patients and  
their families.

21

Camille L. Bedrosian, MD 

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND 
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

22

        When I look back on Alexion’s 25-year history, I see a unique ability  
to rally from failure. For the initial 15 years, we made valiant attempts 
at various projects that ultimately were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, we 
learned from those disappointments, always striving to better serve  
patients  suffering  from  devastating  diseases.  We  saw  opportunities 
others didn’t see—in the science and in the patients themselves who 
so badly needed treatments for devastating and complicated diseases. 

We’ve also helped physicians see the unseen. For most hematologists,  
PNH was nothing more than a question on their board exams. Few 
thought they’d ever see an actual patient. But now, through our  
disease education efforts, more doctors know what to look for and  
they know who is at risk for PNH.

Ten years ago, after Soliris was approved and became available in the 
U.S. and EU, the PNH patient community experienced a sea change 
in  possibilities  for  managing  their  disease.  And  the  very  fact  that 
a  complement-mediated  disease  could  be  managed  effectively  had 
major implications for patients with other such diseases, most notably  
aHUS. I’m incredibly proud that Alexion has paved the way for an entire 
new area of medicine.

23

  G R O W I N G   M E T A B O L I C  FRANCHISE

R

U

O

As Alexion solidified its expertise in complement biology, the Company  
applied its playbook to building a leading metabolic franchise. Strensiq®  
(asfotase  alfa)  and  Kanuma®  (sebelipase  alfa)  were  both  approved  in 
2015 as the first and only treatments for patients with HPP and LAL-D,  
respectively, marking a new era for the Company as a global leader in 
rare diseases. 

HPP  is  an  ultra-rare,  genetic,  chronic  metabolic  disease  characterized  
by  defective  bone  mineralization  that  can  lead  to  debilitating  or 
life-threatening complications. Without treatment, just 42 percent of  
infants with HPP survive to one year. 

Similarly, LAL-D is a genetic and progressive ultra-rare metabolic disease  
associated with multi-organ damage and premature death. Without treat-
ment, infants with LAL-D have a median survival rate of just 3.7 months, 
and half of children and adults with the disease progress to fibrosis,  
cirrhosis, or liver transplant within just three years of disease onset. 

As the first therapies to address the underlying causes of the diseases they  
treat, Strensiq and Kanuma represent significant scientific innovation. As 
we expand their global launches, we are building a growing body of data 
that supports the long-term benefits of both therapies. We also continue  
to enhance our disease education efforts to identify more patients with 
HPP  and  LAL-D,  with  a  particular  focus  on  extending  our  diagnostic  
education programs for LAL-D to a greater number of physicians. These 
efforts will help ensure that appropriate patients are able to commence 
much-needed therapy. 

H P P

L A L - D

24

Alexion was proud to accept the 2016 German Prix Galien Award for  
Kanuma in the Orphan Product category for its innovation in treating  
patients with LAL-D. The Prix Galien Award honors outstanding achievement 
in the development of new medicines  and is widely considered the  
highest accolade for pharmaceutical research and development.

25

“We found out Aira had HPP when 
I was 8 months pregnant and the 
doctor saw no sign of develop-
ment in either her hands or feet. 
After she was born, we had no 
idea if she would pull through. I 
felt so helpless knowing her lungs 
could give out at any time. At  
first we were told there were no 
available treatments, but then  
we learned about Strensiq. Aira 
started treatment and by the time 
she was 4 months old she had 
begun to stabilize. She was still 
hooked up to a respirator, but with 
the help of several nurses, I could 
hold her. We brought Aira home 
when she was nearly 10 months 
old. Her development has been 
delayed but seeing her improve, 
slowly but surely, brings us so 
much joy.”

26

Aira | osaka, japan

L I V I N G   W I T H   H P P

27

Albie | kent, uk

L I V I N G   W I T H   L A L - D

28

“When Albie was born, he was  
absolutely fine for about two 
weeks. When he started to have 
intestinal problems, the doctor 
thought it was lactose intolerance. 
But by 2 months, he had gained 
only one pound. His arms and  
legs were tiny, but his belly  
was enlarged. It took multiple 
specialists, hospital visits, and 
tests to determine he had LAL-D. 
We learned about a clinical trial in 
Manchester for sebelipase alfa. 
After several weeks of treatment, 
Albie began to put on weight and  
improve. He’s 4 years old now, 
and we still go for weekly 
treatments. When Albie started 
pre-school, I burst into tears—not 
because I was leaving him, but 
because I thought I’d never see 
the day.”

29

M A N U F A C T U R I N G

Shortly after the Company’s founding, Alexion established its 
first pilot manufacturing facility in New Haven, Connecticut. As it  
grew from a fledgling start-up to a global biopharmaceutical  
company  equipped  to  serve  patients  around  the  world,  
Alexion steadily increased its investment in manufacturing 
to match its size and scale. In 2006, in anticipation of FDA  
approval of Soliris, the Company acquired a biomanufacturing  
facility in Smithfield, Rhode Island, to support commercial- 
scale production. The facility received approval to supply Soliris  
in the EU in 2009 and in the U.S. in 2010. 

Alexion established operations in Ireland in 2013 and embarked  
on the multiphase development of a new global supply chain and  
operations headquarters in Blanchardstown, Dublin. The site, 
which will be home to a large scale biologics manufacturing  
facility, is also used to house packaging and testing operations 
in support of our Global Manufacturing network. The Company  
also has a fill-finish facility in Athlone, Ireland. 

In line with sound supply chain practices, Alexion also works 
with third-party providers for additional manufacturing, product 
filling, packaging, and labeling. We are committed to ensuring  
uninterrupted worldwide supply of our medicines as well  
as supporting our clinical development programs through 
manufacturing. 

30

In 2006, Alexion acquired a biomanufacturing facility in Smithfield, Rhode 
Island, to support commercial-scale production of Soliris.

In 2013, Alexion began developing a new global supply chain and  
operations headquarters in Blanchardstown, Dublin.

31

I N G  

V

I

R

D

I N N O V A T I O N   T H R O U GH RESEARCH 

PRECLINICAL

EARLY CLINICAL  
DEVELOPMENT

ADVANCED CLINICAL  
DEVELOPMENT

Complement

ALXN1210
Subcutaneous

Metabolic

SBC-103  
MPS IIIB

mRNA Therapies

Other

Samalizumab
(ALXN6000) 
Solid Tumors

Samalizumab 
(ALXN6000)  
AML

Eculizumab  
Relapsing 
NMOSD

Eculizumab  
AMR

ALXN1210  
PNH

ALXN1210  
aHUS

ALXN1101  
MoCD Type A

32

REGISTRATION

MARKETED

Soliris  
Refractory  
gMG

Soliris  
PNH

Soliris  
aHUS

Strensiq  
HPP

Kanuma  
LAL-D

For a quarter of a century, 
Alexion has held itself ac-
countable for finding  
the most elusive answers  
to complex scientific  
questions. The journey  
has not always been easy, 
but we have followed the  
science and never lost 
sight that patients are 
our guiding light at every 
turn. Every research and 
development program we 
pursue is a new opportuni-
ty to transform the lives of 
patients who are suffering 
in the absence of  
effective treatments.

COMPLEMENT

METABOLIC

IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY

OTHER

33

E T H I C S   A N D   C O M P L IANCE 

Alexion  is  committed  to  conducting  all  aspects  of  our  
business in a compliant, accountable, and ethical manner.  
This is a commitment we uphold at all levels and functional  
areas  across  the  Company.  We  don’t  believe  in  shortcuts. 
We  know  the  only  way  to  pursue  our  mission  is  to  always 
act  in  full  compliance  with  all  applicable  laws,  regulations, 
and industry guidelines. We are proud of our Code of Ethics  
and Business Conduct, which defines what we stand for. It 
guides our mission as we continue to develop and deliver 
transformative therapies for patients.

34

 “Serving patients with rare and 
devastating diseases requires every  
Alexion employee—as well as  
business partners working on  
our behalf—to be personally  
responsible and accountable for 
acting in accordance with Alexion’s  
high ethical standards.”  

– ED MILLER, CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER

35

R

U

O

C O M M I T M E N T   T O   R E S PONSIBILITY 

As we pursue our mission to transform the lives of patients 
with devastating and rare diseases, Alexion is dedicated to 
being a responsible corporate citizen. In line with our three 
Company values—find answers, change the world, and create a  
legacy—our efforts are focused on enhancing the communities  
in which we live and work, supporting initiatives that benefit  
our patients and enable medical research, and ensuring access  
to our medicines.

ACCESS TO MEDICATIONS
Alexion is committed to ensuring that every patient who can benefit  
from our therapies has access to them. We work with private and public 
payers, policymakers, and governments around the world to help make  
this happen. We also support compassionate use and expanded access pro-
grams that enable eligible patients to receive our approved  
and investigational therapies in settings where they may otherwise  
be unavailable. 

36

 
GLOBAL DAY OF SERVICE

In 2016, Alexion held its first 
Global Day of Service. More 
than 1,500 employees— 
representing half of our full- 
time workforce—volunteered 
simultaneously to address 
some of our local communities’ 
most pressing needs. Activities 
included beautifying local high 
schools, homeless shelters,  
and a school for the disabled; 
winterizing a local hospice  
center; and preparing meals  
for families with a child in  
the hospital.

37

O U R   V A L U E S

FIND ANSWERS  We hold ourselves accountable for finding the most 
elusive answers to transform patients’ lives. We have the courage to ask 
daunting questions and the stamina to overcome failure. We champion  
our patients and each other, providing solutions when others cannot. To-
gether, we can achieve the impossible. 

CHANGE THE WORLD  

CREATE A LEGACY  

We deliver nothing less than trans-
formation so that, together with 
our patients, we change the world. 
We engineer our own path be-
cause the scientific challenges we 
choose to tackle require it.  
We generate novel ideas and dare 
to turn no into yes. We power  
innovation to such a degree that 
we redefine the future.

Our pursuit to help the families 
affected by rare and devastating 
diseases pushes the boundaries  
of what science can offer.  
Transformation is enduring, so  
we go beyond the incremental 
and persevere to create lasting  
impact. Our legacy will be  
measured in the families we  
serve today and the generations 
that follow, leaving no  
one behind. 

38

3  
4
~3,000
50
5
3
25   

39

DRUGS APPROVED FOR  
PATIENTS WITH DEVASTATING,  
RARE DISEASES

ULTRA-RARE DISEASES TREATED

EMPLOYEES WORLDWIDE

COUNTRIES WITH  
ALEXION OPERATIONS

CONSECUTIVE YEARS  
AS ONE OF FORBES’ MOST  
INNOVATIVE COMPANIES

PRIX GALIEN AWARDS RECEIVED

YEARS OF SEEING THE UNSEEN

H A R E H O L D E R   I N F O R M A T I ON

S

EXECUTIVE  MANAGEMENT

Ludwig Hantson, PhD 
Chief Executive Officer 

David J. Anderson
Executive Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer

Clare Carmichael
Executive Vice President,
Chief Human Resources 
Officer

Martin Mackay, PhD
Executive Vice President,
Head of Research &  
Development

DIRECTORS

*
Leonard Bell, MD 
Chairman of the Board,  
Principal Founder and Former 
Chief Executive Officer

R. Douglas Norby1,2,3
Lead Independent Director
Former Senior Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer,  
Tessera Technologies, Inc.

Felix J. Baker, PhD4,5,6
Co-Managing Member,  
Baker Brothers Advisors LP

David R. Brennan4,5,6
Former Chief Executive  
Officer, AstraZeneca PLC

John B. Moriarty, Jr., JD
Executive Vice President, 
General Counsel

Edward Miller, JD
Senior Vice President,
Chief Compliance Officer

Julie O’Neill
Executive Vice President, 
Global Operations

Heidi L. Wagner, JD
Senior Vice President,  
Global Government Affairs

Carsten Thiel, PhD
Executive Vice President, 
Chief Commercial Officer

Anne Kennedy
Senior Vice President,  
Chief Transformation Officer

M. Michele Burns2,3,6
Former Chief Executive Offi-
cer, Retirement Policy Center, 
Marsh & McLennan Compa-
nies, Inc.

Christopher J. Coughlin1,3,4
Former Executive Vice  
President and  
Chief Financial Officer, Tyco

Ludwig Hantson, PhD
Chief Executive Officer

John T. Mollen1,2,3
Former Executive Vice  
President, Human Resources, 
EMC Corporation

Alvin S. Parven1,2,3
Former Vice President,  
Aetna Health Plans

Andreas Rummelt, PhD4,5,6
CEO, InterPharmaLink AG
Former Group Head, Quality 
Assurance and Technical  
Operations, Novartis

Ann M. Veneman, JD3,4,6
Former Executive Director  
of UNICEF
Former Secretary of U.S.  
Department of Agriculture

40

ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

To be held on May 10, 2017, 5:30 p.m. 

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

The Study at Yale 

100 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510 

1157 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511 

tel 475.230.2596  fax 203.271.8198

tel 203.503.3900

alexion.com

OTHER INFORMATION

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
250 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
100 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510

tel 475.230.3602 FAX 203.271.8198
email InvestorRelations@alexion.com

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Hartford, CT

TRADING SYMBOL
Listing for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,  
is found on the NASDAQ stock market 
under the symbol ALXN.

1 Member of the Audit and Finance Committee   
2 Member of the Leadership and Compensation Committee   
3 Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee   
4 Member of the Quality Compliance Committee   
5 Member of the Science and Innovation Committee   
6 Member of the Strategy and Risk Committee

*Dr. Bell is not standing for reelection at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

© 2017 Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ALEXION, KANUMA, SOLIRIS, STRENSIQ, and the Alexion  
logo are trademarks of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., registered in the United States and in other  
countries worldwide.

41

Ruthie | south carolina, usa

L I V I N G   W I T H   P N H

“When I was first diagnosed with PNH, there was no treatment, nothing. 
When you’re told you have a disease like that, you don’t even know what 
tomorrow will bring. I remember hearing about a new drug in clinical  
trials, and then one day my doctor told me it was approved. I now had 
hope that things would look up. That was nearly a decade ago. Today 
I work in our family business and I’m a mom to three busy kids.”

alexion.com

42

43

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

or

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number: 0-27756

ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

13-3648318
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

100 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

475-230-2596
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $0.0001

Name of each exchange on which registered:    The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:    None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 

Act.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and 
(2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive 

Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  

   No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not 
contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated 
by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller 
reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the 
Exchange Act. Check One:

Large accelerated filer  
Smaller reporting company  

   Accelerated filer  

    Non-accelerated filer  

 (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  

    No  

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the last sale price of the Common 

Stock reported on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC on June 30, 2016, was $25,314,108,813.(1)

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 13, 2017 was 224,613,750.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be used in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on 

May 10, 2017, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Excludes 7,417,897 shares of common stock held by directors and executive officers at June 30, 2016. Exclusion of shares held by 
any person should not be construed to indicate that such person possesses the power, directly or indirectly, to direct or cause the direction of 
the management or policies of the registrant, or that such person is controlled by or under common control with the registrant.

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

Exhibit 32.2 

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year 

ended December 31, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, David J. Anderson, 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted 
pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: 

(1) 

(2) 

the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934; and

the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and 
results of operations of the Company.

Dated: February 16, 2017

/s/    DAVID J. ANDERSON        

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be 

retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. 

 
 
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.

Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures

PART II
Market For Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 5.
Selected Financial Data
Item 6.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 7.A
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 8.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Item 9A(T). Controls and Procedures
Item 9B.

Other Information

PART III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.

PART IV
Item 15.
Item 16.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principle Accounting Fees and Services

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Form 10-K Summary

SIGNATURES

Page

4
26
44
44
45
45

46
49
50
74
75
75
75
76
77

78
78
78
78
78

79
81

82

3

 
Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to “Alexion”, the “Company”, “we”, “our” or “us” refer to 

PART I

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that have been made pursuant to the provisions 

of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, 
estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs, and certain assumptions made by our management, and 
may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the potential benefits and commercial potential of Soliris®, Strensiq® 
and Kanuma® for approved indications and any expanded uses, timing and effect of sales of our products in various markets 
worldwide, pricing for our products, level of insurance coverage and reimbursement for our products, level of future product 
sales and collections, timing regarding development and regulatory approvals for additional indications or in additional 
territories, the medical and commercial potential of additional indications for Soliris, failure to satisfactorily address the issues 
raised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the March 2013 Warning Letter and Form 483s issued by the FDA, 
costs, expenses and capital requirements, cash outflows, cash from operations, status of reimbursement, price approval and 
funding processes in various countries worldwide, progress in developing interest about our products and our product 
candidates in the patient, physician and payer communities, the safety and efficacy of our products and our product candidates, 
estimates of the potential markets and estimated commercialization dates for our products and our product candidates around 
the world, sales and marketing plans, any changes in the current or anticipated market demand or medical need for our products 
or our product candidates, status of our ongoing clinical trials for eculizumab, asfotase alfa, sebelipase alfa and our other 
product candidates, commencement dates for new clinical trials, clinical trial results, evaluation of our clinical trial results by 
regulatory agencies, the adequacy of our pharmacovigilance and drug safety reporting processes, prospects for regulatory 
approval of our products and our product candidates, need for additional research and testing, the uncertainties involved in the 
drug development process and manufacturing, performance and reliance on third party service providers, our future research 
and development activities, plans for acquired programs, our ability to develop and commercialize products with our 
collaborators, assessment of competitors and potential competitors, the outcome of challenges and opposition proceedings to 
our intellectual property, assertion or potential assertion by third parties that the manufacture, use or sale of our products 
infringes their intellectual property, estimates of the capacity of manufacturing and other service facilities to support our 
products and our product candidates, potential costs resulting from product liability or other third party claims, the sufficiency 
of our existing capital resources and projected cash needs, the possibility that expected tax benefits will not be realized, 
assessment of impact of recent accounting pronouncements, declines in sovereign credit ratings or sovereign defaults in 
countries where we sell our products, delay of collection or reduction in reimbursement due to adverse economic conditions or 
changes in government and private insurer regulations and approaches to reimbursement, uncertainties surrounding legal 
proceedings, company investigations and government investigations, including our Securities and Exchange Commission 
(SEC) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigations, the securities fraud class action litigation filed in December 2016, 
the investigation by our Audit and Finance Committee announced November 2016 (the Audit Committee Investigation), and 
the inquiry by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts requesting documents relating generally to our 
support of patient assistance programs, risks related to potential disruptions to our business as a result of the leadership changes 
and transition announced in December 2016, the risk that hiring a new CEO may take longer than anticipated, the short and 
long-term effects of other government healthcare measures, and the effect of shifting foreign exchange rates.  Words such as 
“anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions 
are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying 
words.  These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and 
assumptions that are difficult to predict; therefore, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in any 
such forward-looking statements.  Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed later in this 
report under the section entitled “Risk Factors”.  Unless required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any 
forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.  However, readers should 
carefully review the risk factors set forth in this and other reports or documents we file from time to time with the SEC.

Item 1. 

Overview

BUSINESS. 
(dollars and shares in millions)

We are a biopharmaceutical company focused on serving patients with devastating and ultra-rare disorders through the 

innovation, development and commercialization of life-transforming therapeutic products.

4

In our complement franchise, Soliris® is the first and only therapeutic approved for patients with either paroxysmal 

nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a life-threatening and ultra-rare genetic blood disorder, or atypical hemolytic uremic 
syndrome (aHUS), a life-threatening and ultra-rare genetic disease. PNH and aHUS result from chronic uncontrolled activation 
of the complement component of the immune system.

  In our metabolic franchise, we commercialize Strensiq® for the treatment of patients with Hypophosphatasia (HPP) and 

Kanuma® for the treatment of patients with Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency (LAL-D). HPP is an ultra-rare genetic disease 
characterized by defective bone mineralization that can lead to deformity of bones and other skeletal abnormalities. LAL-D is a 
serious, life threatening ultra-rare disease in which genetic mutations result in decreased activity of the Lysosomal Acid Lipase 
(LAL) enzyme leading to marked accumulation of lipids in vital organs, blood vessels and other tissues.

We are also evaluating additional potential indications for eculizumab in other severe and devastating diseases in which 

uncontrolled complement activation is the underlying mechanism, and we are progressing in various stages of development 
with additional product candidates as potential treatments for patients with devastating and ultra-rare disorders.  

We were incorporated in 1992. In June 2015, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Synageva 
BioPharma Corp. (Synageva), a publicly-held clinical-stage biotechnology company. The acquisition furthered our objective to 
develop and commercialize life-transforming therapies for patients with devastating and ultra-rare diseases.

Products and Development Programs

We focus our product development programs on life-transforming therapeutics for devastating and ultra-rare diseases for 

which current treatments are either non-existent or inadequate.

Marketed Products

Our marketed products include the following:

Product

Development Area

Indication

Soliris (eculizumab)

Hematology

Hematology/Nephrology

Paroxysmal Nocturnal
Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
(aHUS)

Strensiq (asfotase alfa)

Metabolic Disorders

Hypophosphatasia (HPP)

Kanuma (sebelipase alfa)

Metabolic Disorders

Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency (LAL-D)

Soliris (eculizumab)

Soliris is designed to inhibit a specific aspect of the complement component of the immune system and thereby treat 
inflammation associated with chronic disorders in several therapeutic areas, including hematology, nephrology, neurology and 
transplant rejection. Soliris is a humanized monoclonal antibody that effectively blocks terminal complement activity at the 
doses currently prescribed. The initial indication for which we received approval for Soliris is PNH.

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

PNH is a debilitating and life-threatening, ultra-rare genetic blood disorder defined by chronic uncontrolled complement 

activation leading to the destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis). The chronic hemolysis in patients with PNH may be 
associated with life-threatening thromboses, recurrent pain, kidney disease, disabling fatigue, impaired quality of life, severe 
anemia, pulmonary hypertension, shortness of breath and intermittent episodes of dark-colored urine (hemoglobinuria). We 
continue to work with researchers to expand the base of knowledge in PNH and the utility of Soliris to treat patients with PNH.  
Soliris is approved for the treatment of PNH in the United States (U.S.), Europe, Japan and in several other territories. We are 
sponsoring a multinational registry to gather information regarding the natural history of patients with PNH and the longer term 
outcomes during Soliris treatment. In addition, Soliris has been granted orphan drug designation for the treatment of PNH in the 
U.S., Europe, Japan and several other territories. 

Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS)

aHUS is a severe and life-threatening, ultra-rare genetic disease characterized by chronic uncontrolled complement 
activation and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), the formation of blood clots in small blood vessels throughout the body, 
causing a reduction in platelet count (thrombocytopenia) and life-threatening damage to the kidney, brain, heart and other vital 

5

organs. Soliris is approved for the treatment of pediatric and adult patients with aHUS in the U.S., Europe and Japan.  We are 
sponsoring a multinational registry to gather information regarding the natural history of patients with aHUS and the longer 
term outcomes during Soliris treatment. In addition, the FDA and European Commission (EC) have granted Soliris orphan drug 
designation for the treatment of patients with aHUS.

Strensiq (asfotase alfa)

Hypophosphatasia (HPP)

HPP is an ultra-rare genetic and progressive metabolic disease in which patients experience devastating effects on multiple 

systems of the body, leading to debilitating or life-threatening complications. HPP is characterized by defective bone 
mineralization that can lead to deformity of bones and other skeletal abnormalities, as well as systemic complications such as 
profound muscle weakness, seizures, pain, and respiratory failure leading to premature death in infants.

Strensiq, a targeted enzyme replacement therapy, is the first and only approved therapy for patients with HPP, and is 
designed to directly address underlying causes of HPP by aiming to restore the genetically defective metabolic process, thereby 
preventing or reversing the severe and potentially life-threatening complications in patients with HPP.  In 2015, the FDA 
approved Strensiq for patients with perinatal-, infantile- and juvenile-onset HPP, the EC granted marketing authorization for 
Strensiq for the treatment of patients with pediatric-onset HPP, and Japan’s Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare (MHLW) 
approved Strensiq for the treatment of patients with HPP. We are sponsoring a multinational registry to gather information 
regarding the natural history of patients with HPP and the longer-term outcomes during Strensiq treatment.

Kanuma (sebelipase alfa)

Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency (LAL Deficiency or LAL-D)

LAL-D is a serious, life-threatening ultra-rare disease associated with premature mortality and significant morbidity. 

LAL-D is a chronic disease in which genetic mutations result in decreased activity of the LAL enzyme that leads to marked 
accumulation of lipids in vital organs, blood vessels, and other tissues, resulting in progressive and systemic organ damage 
including hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, accelerated atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and other devastating 
consequences. 

Kanuma, a recombinant form of the human LAL enzyme, is the only enzyme-replacement therapy that is approved for the 

treatment for patients with LAL-D. In 2015, the FDA approved Kanuma for the treatment of patients with LAL-D and the EC 
granted marketing authorization of Kanuma for long-term enzyme replacement therapy in patients of all ages with LAL-D. On 
March 28, 2016, we announced that the MHLW approved Kanuma for the treatment of patients of all ages in Japan with LAL-
D. We are sponsoring a multinational registry to gather information regarding the natural history of patients with LAL-D and 
the longer term outcomes during Kanuma treatment.

6

Clinical Development Programs

Our programs, including investigator sponsored clinical programs, include the following:

Product

Development Area

Soliris (eculizumab)

Neurology

Transplant

cPMP (ALXN1101)

Metabolic Disorders

SBC-103

Metabolic Disorders

ALXN1210 (IV)

Next Generation
Complement Inhibitor

ALXN1210
(Subcutaneous)

Next Generation
Complement Inhibitor

Soliris (eculizumab)

Neurology

Refractory Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG)

Indication
Refractory Generalized Myasthenia
Gravis (gMG)

Relapsing Neuromyelitis Optica 
Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)

Antibody Mediated Rejection
(AMR) Presensitized Renal
Transplant - Deceased Donor

Molybdenum Cofactor Deficiency
(MoCD )Type A

Mucopolysaccharidoses IIIB 
(MPS IIIB)

Paroxysmal Nocturnal
Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic
Syndrome (aHUS)

Development Stage

Phase III

Phase III

Phase II

Phase II / III

Phase I / II

Phase III

Phase III

Phase I

Refractory gMG is an ultra-rare segment of Myasthenia Gravis, a debilitating, complement-mediated neuromuscular 

disease in which patients suffer profound muscle weakness throughout the body, resulting in slurred speech, impaired 
swallowing and choking, double vision, upper and lower extremity weakness, disabling fatigue, shortness of breath due to 
respiratory muscle weakness and episodes of respiratory failure. The FDA, EC and MHLW have granted orphan drug 
designation for eculizumab as a treatment for patients with refractory gMG. 

In June 2016, we announced topline results of the Phase III REGAIN trial of eculizumab for the treatment of refractory 

gMG. The primary efficacy endpoint of change from baseline in Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living Profile (MG-
ADL) total score, a patient-reported assessment, at week 26, did not reach statistical significance (p=0.0698) as measured by a 
worst-rank analysis. The totality of data reviewed to date, including the first three secondary endpoints and a series of 
prospectively defined sensitivity analyses, shows early and sustained substantial improvements over 26 weeks for patients 
treated with eculizumab compared to placebo. The safety of eculizumab in this study was consistent with the Soliris labels. 
Additional data from the Phase III study was presented in July 2016. The data showed that 18 of 22 pre-defined endpoints and 
pre-specified analyses in the study, based on the primary and five secondary endpoints, achieved p-values below 0.05. 

In January 2017, we announced that we filed for regulatory approval for eculizumab in refractory gMG in both the U.S. 

and Europe. These marketing applications were based on the comprehensive data from the Phase III REGAIN trial.

Relapsing Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)

Relapsing NMOSD is a severe and ultra-rare autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that primarily 

affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. The disease leads to severe weakness, paralysis, respiratory failure, loss of bowel and 
bladder function, blindness and premature death. Enrollment and dosing are ongoing in a global, randomized, double-blind, 
placebo-controlled trial to evaluate eculizumab as a treatment for patients with relapsing NMOSD. The FDA, EC, and MHLW 
have each granted orphan designation for eculizumab as a treatment for patients with relapsing NMOSD.

7

 
Transplant

Antibody Mediated Rejection (AMR) in Presensitized Kidney Transplant Patients

AMR is the term used to describe a type of transplant rejection that occurs when the recipient has antibodies to the donor 

organ. Enrollment in a multi-national, multi-center controlled clinical trial of eculizumab in presensitized kidney transplant 
patients at elevated risk for AMR who received kidneys from deceased organ donors was completed in March 2013 and patient 
follow-up in the trial is continuing. In September 2013, researchers presented positive preliminary data from the eculizumab 
deceased-donor AMR kidney transplant study. In May 2015, new data from the Phase II single-arm deceased-donor transplant 
trial of eculizumab in prevention of acute AMR was presented and was consistent with previous positive reports.

cPMP (ALXN1101)

Molybdenum Cofactor Deficiency (MoCD) Disease Type A (MoCD Type A)

MoCD Type A is an ultra-rare metabolic disorder characterized by severe and rapidly progressive neurologic damage and 
death in newborns. MoCD Type A results from a genetic deficiency in cyclic Pyranopterin Monophosphate (cPMP), a molecule 
that enables the function of certain enzymes and the absence of which allows neurotoxic sulfite to accumulate in the brain. To 
date, there is no approved therapy available for MoCD Type A. There has been some early clinical experience with the 
recombinant cPMP replacement therapy in a small number of children with MoCD Type A, and we have completed enrollment 
in a natural history study in patients with MoCD Type A. cPMP received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for 
the treatment of patients with MoCD Type A. Evaluation of our synthetic form of cPMP replacement therapy in a Phase I 
healthy volunteer study is complete. In addition, we completed enrollment in a multi-center, multinational open-label clinical 
trial of synthetic cPMP in patients with MoCD Type A switched from treatment with recombinant cPMP. Enrollment is ongoing 
in the Phase II/III pivotal open-label, single-arm trial of ALXN1101 for treatment-naïve neonates with MoCD Type A.

SBC-103 

Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB (MPS IIIB)

MPS IIIB is an ultra-rare, devastating and life-threatening disease which typically presents in children during the first few 

years of life. Genetic mutations result in decreased activity of the alpha-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAGLU) enzyme, which 
leads to a buildup of abnormal amounts of heparan sulfate (HS) in the brain and throughout the body. Over time, this 
unrelenting systemic accumulation of HS causes progressive and severe cognitive decline, behavioral problems, speech loss, 
increasing loss of mobility, and premature death. Current treatments are palliative for the behavioral problems, sleep 
disturbances, seizures, and other complications, and these treatments do not address the root cause of MPS IIIB or stop disease 
progression.

SBC-103, a recombinant form of natural human NAGLU is designed to replace the missing (or deficient) NAGLU 
enzyme. SBC-103 was granted orphan drug designation by the FDA and by the EC. It received Fast Track designation by the 
FDA. The first-in-human trial of patients with MPS IIIB is ongoing. In March 2016, researchers presented 24-week results from 
this study that showed a 26.2 percent mean reduction in heparan sulfate in cerebrospinal fluid at the highest dose studied (3mg/
kg every other week) in a Phase I/II study at six months. In July 2016, researchers presented preliminary results on brain MRI 
and neurocognitive assessments performed after 24 weeks of dosing suggesting preliminary evidence of potential for dose-
dependent disease stabilization in patients treated with 0.3, 1, or 3mg/kg every other week of doses of SBC-103. Planned dose 
escalation of SBC-103 is now ongoing in this trial. In February 2017, the Board of Directors of Alexion made the decision to 
reduce our investment in SBC-103.  The current Phase I/II clinical trial will not be expanded and no new patients will be added 
to the trial.  Patients currently enrolled in the trial will continue to receive therapy.

ALXN1210

ALXN1210 is a highly innovative, longer-acting anti-C5 antibody discovered and developed by Alexion that inhibits 

terminal complement. In early studies, ALXN1210 demonstrated rapid, complete, and sustained reduction of free C5 
levels. Alexion has completed enrollment in two ongoing clinical studies of ALXN1210 in patients with PNH-a Phase 1/2 dose-
escalating study and an open-label, multi-dose Phase II study that is also evaluating longer dosing intervals beyond 8 weeks.

8

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

In June 2016, we announced interim data from a Phase I/II study in patients with PNH showing that once-monthly dosing 

of ALXN1210 achieved rapid and sustained reductions in hemolysis, as measured by mean levels of lactate dehydrogenase 
(LDH), in 100 percent of treated patients. Chronic hemolysis in patients with PNH may be associated with life-threatening 
thromboses, recurrent pain, kidney disease, disabling fatigue, impaired quality of life, severe anemia, pulmonary hypertension, 
shortness of breath and intermittent episodes of dark-colored urine (hemoglobinuria). Researchers also reported that, at the time 
of analysis, 80 percent of patients who required at least 1 blood transfusion in the 12 months prior to treatment with ALXN1210 
did not require transfusions while on treatment with ALXN1210. Furthermore, in December 2016, we reported new data from 
this same ongoing study that showed rapid and sustained reductions LDH in patients with PNH treated with once-monthly 
dosing. Patients also had improvements in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue score from 
baseline, with patients in the higher-dose cohort achieving a two-fold greater improvement compared with the lower-dose 
cohort. In addition, we have completed enrollment and treatment is ongoing in an open-label, multi-dose Phase II study of 
ALXN1210 in patients with PNH designed to measure reductions in hemolysis and safety in several dosing cohorts and 
intervals evaluating monthly and longer dosing intervals. We have initiated a Phase III open-label, multinational, active-
controlled study of ALXN1210 compared to eculizumab (Soliris) in adult patients with PNH who have never been treated with 
a complement inhibitor. The study is evaluating ALXN1210 administered intravenously every eight weeks. Patient enrollment 
is ongoing in this trial.

In June 2016 and January 2017, the EC and the FDA, respectively, granted orphan drug designation to ALXN1210, for the 

treatment of patients with PNH.

Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS)

We initiated a Phase III open-label, single arm, multicenter study of ALXN1210 in adolescent and adult patients with 

aHUS who have never been treated with a complement inhibitor. In patients with aHUS, complement-mediated TMA leads to 
life-threatening damage to the kidney, brain, heart and other vital organs. The study will evaluate ALXN1210 administered 
intravenously every eight weeks. Patient recruitment will initiate in 2017 on this trial. 

Subcutaneous (SC) Delivery

We have completed enrollment in a Phase I study in healthy volunteers to evaluate ALXN1210 delivered subcutaneously.

 Manufacturing

We currently rely on internal manufacturing facilities and third party contract manufacturers, including Lonza Group AG 
and its affiliates (Lonza), to supply clinical and commercial quantities of our commercial products and product candidates. Our 
internal manufacturing facilities include our Ireland manufacturing facilities, our Rhode Island manufacturing facility 
(ARIMF), and facilities in Massachusetts and Georgia. We also utilize third party contract manufacturers for other 
manufacturing services including purification, product filling, finishing, packaging, and labeling.

We have various agreements with Lonza through 2028, with remaining total non-cancellable commitments of 
approximately $1,148. If we terminate certain supply agreements with Lonza without cause, we will be required to pay for 
product scheduled for manufacture under our arrangements. Under an existing arrangement with Lonza, we also pay Lonza a 
royalty on sales of Soliris manufactured at ARIMF and a payment with respect to sales of Soliris manufactured at Lonza 
facilities. During 2015, we entered into a new supply agreement with Lonza whereby Lonza will construct a new manufacturing 
facility dedicated to Alexion manufacturing at one of its existing facilities.  

In addition, we have non-cancellable commitments of approximately $27 through 2019 with other third party 

manufacturers.

In March 2013, we received a Warning Letter (Warning Letter) from the FDA regarding compliance with current Good 

Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) at ARIMF. The Warning Letter followed receipt of a Form 483 Inspectional Observations by 
the FDA in connection with an FDA inspection that concluded in August 2012. The observations relate to commercial and 
clinical manufacture of Soliris at ARIMF. We responded to the Warning Letter in a letter to the FDA dated in April 2013. As 
previously disclosed, the FDA issued Form 483s in August 2014 and August 2015 relating to observations at ARIMF and the 
inspectional observations from the August 2014 and 2015 Form 483s have since been closed out by the FDA. During July 2016, 
the FDA completed a routine inspection at ARIMF and have since confirmed receipt of our responses to the inspectional 
observations included in the Form 483 received during that inspection. We continue to manufacture products, including Soliris, 
at ARIMF, and we anticipate that the supply of Soliris to patients will not be interrupted as a result of the inspectional 
observations. While the resolution of the issues raised in the Warning Letter is difficult to predict, we do not currently believe a 

9

loss related to this matter is probable or that the potential magnitude of such loss or range of loss, if any, can be reasonably 
estimated.

In April 2014, we purchased a fill/finish facility in Athlone, Ireland. After regulatory approvals, the facility will become 

our first company-owned fill/finish facility for our commercial and clinical products. In July 2016, we announced plans to 
construct a new biologics manufacturing facility at this site, which is expected to be completed by 2018. 

In May 2015, we announced plans to construct a new biologics manufacturing facility on our existing property in Dublin, 

Ireland, which is expected to be completed by 2020.

Sales and Marketing

We have established a commercial organization to support current and future sales of our products in the U.S., Europe, 

Japan, Asia Pacific countries, and other territories. Our sales force is small compared to that of other drugs with similar 
revenues; however, we believe that a relatively smaller sales force is appropriate to effectively market our products due to the 
incidence and prevalence of rare diseases. If we receive regulatory approval in new territories or for new products or 
indications, we may expand our own commercial organizations in such territories and market and sell our products through our 
own sales force in these territories. However, we evaluate each jurisdiction on a country-by-country basis, and, in certain 
territories, we promote our products in collaboration with marketing partners or rely on relationships with one or more 
companies with established distribution systems and direct sales forces in certain countries.

Customers

Our customers are primarily comprised of distributors, pharmacies, hospitals, hospital buying groups, and other 

healthcare providers. In some cases, we may also sell our products to governments and government agencies. 

During 2016 and 2015, sales to our largest customer accounted for 16% and 18% respectively, of net product sales. 

Because of factors such as the pricing of our products, the limited number of patients, the short period from product sale 

to patient use and the lack of contractual return rights, customers often carry limited inventory. We also monitor inventory 
within our sales channels to determine whether deferrals are appropriate based on factors such as inventory levels compared to 
demand, contractual terms, financial strength of distributors and our ability to estimate returns. 

Please also see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Net Product Sales,” and Note 18 of the Consolidated Financial 

Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for financial information about geographic areas.

Intellectual Property Rights and Market Exclusivity

Patents and other intellectual property rights are important to our business. We own or license a number of patents in the 

U.S. and foreign countries that cover our products and investigational compounds. We also file and prosecute patent 
applications covering new technologies and inventions that are meaningful to our business. In addition to patents, we rely on 
trade secrets, know-how, trademarks, regulatory exclusivity and other forms of intellectual property. Our intellectual property 
rights have material value and we act to protect them.

In the biopharmaceutical industry, two forms of intellectual property generally determine the period of a product’s market 

exclusivity: patent rights and regulatory forms of exclusivity. During the period of market exclusivity an innovative product 
generally realizes most of its commercial value.

Patents provide the owner with a right to exclude others from practicing an invention. In our business, patents may cover 

the active ingredients, uses, formulations, doses, administrations, delivery mechanisms, manufacturing processes and other 
aspects of a product. The period of patent protection for any given product may depend on the expiration date of various patents 
and may differ from country to country according to the type of patents, the scope of coverage and the remedies for 
infringement available in a country.

Most of our products and investigational compounds are protected by patents with varying terms that depend on the type 

of patent and its filing date. However, a significant portion of a product’s patent life can elapse during the time it takes to 
develop and obtain regulatory approval of the product. As compensation for such delay certain countries will extend a patent’s 
term, subject to a number of factors and caps.

Regulatory forms of exclusivity are another source of valuable rights that can contribute toward market exclusivity for an 
innovative biopharmaceutical product. Many developed countries provide such non-patent incentives to develop medicines. In 
the U.S., Europe and Japan, for instance, regulatory intellectual property rights provide incentives to develop medicines for rare 
diseases, or orphan drugs, and medicines for pediatric patients. Those countries and others also provide data protection for a 

10

period of time after the approval of a new drug, during which regulatory agencies may not rely on the innovator’s data to 
approve a biosimilar or generic copy. Regulatory forms of exclusivity can work in conjunction with patents to strengthen 
market exclusivity, and in countries where patent protection has expired or does not exist, regulatory forms of exclusivity can 
extend a product’s market exclusivity period.

Soliris Exclusivity

With respect to Soliris, we own an issued U.S. patent that covers the eculizumab composition of matter and will expire in 

2021, taking into account patent term extension. Soliris is also protected in the U.S. by regulatory data exclusivity until 2019 
and by orphan drug exclusivity for treating aHUS until 2018. In Europe we have supplementary protection certificates that 
extend rights associated with a composition of matter patent until 2020 in certain countries. Soliris is also protected in Europe 
by orphan drug exclusivity until 2019 for PNH and until 2023 for aHUS. In addition to the foregoing patent and regulatory 
protections, we own other patents and pending patent applications that are directed to various aspects of eculizumab and which 
may provide additional protection for Soliris.

Strensiq Exclusivity

With respect to Strensiq, we own an issued U.S. patent that covers the asfotase alfa composition of matter and will expire 

in 2026. We have applied for an extension of the U.S. patent term. Strensiq is also protected in the U.S. by orphan drug 
exclusivity until 2022 and by regulatory data exclusivity until 2027. In Europe, we own two issued patents that cover the 
asfotase alfa composition of matter and will expire in 2025 and 2028. We have applied for supplementary protection certificates 
in the European countries. Strensiq is also protected in Europe by orphan drug exclusivity and regulatory data exclusivity until 
2025. In other countries we own corresponding patents that will expire between 2025 and 2028, not including possible 
extensions.  

Kanuma Exclusivity

With respect to Kanuma, we own issued patents in the U.S., Europe and other countries that cover methods of using the 

product to treat LAL-D and will expire in 2031. The European patent is under challenge in an administrative opposition 
proceeding. An exclusively licensed composition of matter patent also protects Kanuma in certain European countries until it 
expires in 2021, though we also applied for supplementary protection certificates in those countries. In the U.S. Kanuma also is 
protected by orphan drug exclusivity until 2022 and by regulatory data exclusivity until 2027. In Europe it is protected by 
orphan drug exclusivity and regulatory data exclusivity until 2025.

Soliris, Strensiq, and Kanuma Regulatory Protection 

As noted above, for each of Soliris, Strensiq and Kanuma we rely on regulatory forms of exclusivity such as data 

protection and orphan drug protection to support the product’s market exclusivity. Specific aspects of the laws governing 
regulatory exclusivity vary by country, but most forms of regulatory exclusivity do not prevent competitive products from 
gaining regulatory approval on the basis of the competitor’s own safety and efficacy data, even when the competitive product is 
a biosimilar or generic copy. In certain countries, however, orphan drugs can obtain a period of exclusivity during which no 
competitive product containing the same drug may be approved for the same orphan indication.

We also own U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications that protect our investigational compounds and product 

candidates. At present, it is not known whether any such investigational compound or product candidate will be approved for 
human use and sale.

License and Collaboration Agreements

From time to time, we enter into arrangements with third parties, including collaboration and licensing arrangements, for 

the development, manufacture and commercialization of products and product candidates. These strategic alliances are intended 
to strengthen and advance our R&D capabilities and diversify our product pipeline to support the growth of our marketed 
product base. The arrangements, which generally provide Alexion with rights to specialized technology and intellectual 
property for the development of potential product candidates, often require non-refundable, upfront license fees, development, 
regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as royalty payments on commercial sales.  

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Government Regulation

Drug Development and Approval in the United States 

The preclinical studies and clinical testing, manufacture, labeling, storage, record keeping, advertising, promotion, export, 

and marketing, among other things, of our products and product candidates , including Soliris, Strensiq and Kanuma, are 
subject to extensive regulation by governmental authorities in the US, the European Union (EU) and other territories. In the 
U.S., pharmaceutical products are regulated by the FDA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and other laws, 
including, in the case of biologics, the Public Health Service Act. Our three approved products are regulated by the FDA as 
biologics. Biologics require the submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) and approval by the FDA prior to being 
marketed in the U.S. In the case of Kanuma, which is derived from egg whites from select hens, we also submitted a New 
Animal Drug Application (NADA) for approval by the FDA. Manufacturers of biologics and drugs derived from animal origin 
may also be subject to state regulation. Failure to comply with FDA requirements, both before and after product approval, may 
subject us and/or our partners, contract manufacturers, and suppliers to administrative or judicial sanctions, including FDA 
refusal to approve applications, warning letters, product recalls, product seizures, total or partial suspension of production or 
distribution, fines and/or criminal prosecution.

The process for obtaining regulatory approval to market a biologic is expensive, often takes many years, and can vary 

substantially based on the type, complexity, and novelty of the product candidates involved. The steps required before a 
biologic may be approved for marketing of an indication in the U.S. generally include:

(1) preclinical laboratory tests and animal tests;

(2) submission to the FDA of an investigational new drug (IND) application for human clinical testing, which must 
become effective before human clinical trials may commence;

(3) adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials to establish the safety and efficacy of the product for its 
intended use;

(4) submission to the FDA of a BLA or supplemental BLA;

(5) FDA pre-approval inspection of the manufacturing sites identified in the BLA; and

(6) FDA review and approval of the BLA or supplemental BLA. 

Preclinical studies include laboratory evaluation of product chemistry and formulation, as well as toxicological and 
pharmacological animal studies to assess the potential safety and efficacy of the product candidate. Preclinical safety tests 
intended for submission to FDA must be conducted in compliance with FDA’s Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations and 
the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Welfare Act. The results of the preclinical tests, together with manufacturing 
information and analytical data, are submitted to the FDA as part of an IND application which must become effective before 
human clinical trials may be commenced. The IND will automatically become effective 30 days after receipt by the FDA, 
unless the FDA before that time raises concerns about the drug candidate or the conduct of the trials as outlined in the IND. The 
IND sponsor and the FDA must resolve any outstanding concerns before clinical trials can proceed. We cannot assure you that 
submission of an IND will result in FDA authorization to commence clinical trials or that once commenced, other concerns will 
not arise. FDA may stop the clinical trials by placing them on “clinical hold” because of concerns about the safety of the 
product being tested, or for other reasons.

Clinical trials involve the administration of the investigational product to healthy volunteers or to patients, under the 

supervision of qualified principal investigators. The conduct of clinical trials is subject to extensive regulation, including 
compliance with the FDA’s bioresearch monitoring regulations and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements, which establish 
standards for conducting, recording data from, and reporting the results of clinical trials, and are intended to assure that the data 
and reported results are credible and accurate, and that the rights, safety, and well-being of study participants are protected. 
Clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with protocols that detail the objectives of the study, the criteria for determining 
subject eligibility, the dosing plan, patient monitoring requirements, timely reporting of adverse events, and other elements 
necessary to ensure patient safety, and any efficacy criteria to be evaluated. Each protocol must be submitted to FDA as part of 
the IND; further, each clinical study at each clinical site must be reviewed and approved by an independent institutional review 
board, prior to the recruitment of subjects. The institutional review board’s role is to protect the rights and welfare of human 
subjects involved in clinical studies by evaluating, among other things, the potential risks and benefits to subjects, processes for 
obtaining informed consent, monitoring of data to ensure subject safety, and provisions to protect the subjects’ privacy. Foreign 
studies conducted under an IND application must meet the same requirements that apply to studies being conducted in the U.S. 
Data from a foreign study not conducted under an IND may be submitted in support of a BLA if the study was conducted in 
accordance with GCP and FDA is able to validate the data.

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Clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases, but the phases may overlap and different trials may be 

initiated with the same drug candidate within the same phase of development in similar or differing patient populations. Phase I 
studies may be conducted in a limited number of patients, but are usually conducted in healthy volunteer subjects. The drug is 
usually tested for safety and, as appropriate, for absorption, metabolism, distribution, excretion, pharmaco-dynamics and 
pharmaco-kinetics. Phase II usually involves studies in a larger, but still limited patient population to evaluate preliminarily the 
efficacy of the drug candidate for specific, targeted indications; to determine dosage tolerance and optimal dosage; and to 
identify possible short-term adverse effects and safety risks.

Phase III trials are undertaken to gather additional information to evaluate the product’s overall risk-benefit profile, and to 
provide a basis for physician labeling. Phase III trials evaluate clinical efficacy of a specific endpoint and test further for safety 
within an expanded patient population at geographically dispersed clinical study sites. Phase I, Phase II or Phase III testing 
might not be completed successfully within any specific time period, if at all, with respect to any of our product candidates. 
Results from one trial are not necessarily predictive of results from later trials. Furthermore, the FDA, sponsor or institutional 
review board may suspend clinical trials at any time on various grounds, including a finding that the subjects or patients are 
being exposed to an unacceptable health risk.

We must register each controlled clinical trial, other than Phase I trials, on a website administered by National Institutes 
of Health (NIH) (http://clinicaltrials.gov). Registration must occur not later than 21 days after the first patient is enrolled, and 
the submission must include descriptive information (e.g., a summary in lay terms of the study design, type and desired 
outcome), recruitment information (e.g., target number of participants and whether healthy volunteers are accepted), location 
and contact information, and other administrative data (e.g., FDA identification numbers). Within one year of a trial’s 
completion, information about the trial including characteristics of the patient sample, primary and secondary outcomes, trial 
results written in lay and technical terms, and the full trial protocol must be submitted to the FDA. The results information is 
posted to the website unless the drug has not yet been approved, in which case the FDA posts the information shortly after 
approval. A BLA, BLA supplement, and certain other submissions to the FDA require certification of compliance with these 
clinical trials database requirements. There are proposals to expand these registration requirements to additional studies.

The results of the preclinical studies and clinical trials, together with other detailed information, including information on 

the manufacture and composition of the product and proposed labeling for the product, are submitted to the FDA as part of a 
BLA requesting approval to market the product candidate for a proposed indication. Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, 
as amended, the fees payable to the FDA for reviewing a BLA, as well as annual fees for commercial manufacturing 
establishments and for approved products, can be substantial. The BLA review fee alone can exceed $2 subject to certain 
limited deferrals, waivers and reductions that may be available. Each BLA submitted to the FDA for approval is typically 
reviewed for administrative completeness and reviewability within sixty days following submission of the application. If the 
FDA finds the BLA sufficiently complete, the FDA will “file” the BLA, thus triggering a full review of the application. The 
FDA may refuse to file any BLA that it deems incomplete or not properly reviewable at the time of submission. FDA 
performance goals provide for action on an application within 12 months of submission. The FDA, however, may not approve a 
drug within these established goals and its review goals are subject to change from time to time because the review process is 
often significantly extended by FDA requests for additional information or clarification. As part of its review, the FDA may 
refer the BLA to an advisory committee composed of outside experts for evaluation and a recommendation as to whether the 
application should be approved. Although the FDA is not bound by the recommendation of an advisory committee, the agency 
usually has followed such recommendations.

Further, the outcome of the review, even if generally favorable, may not be an actual approval but instead a “complete 
response letter” communicating the FDA’s decision not to approve the application, outlining the deficiencies in the BLA, and 
identifying what information and/or data (including additional pre-clinical or clinical data) is required before the application 
can be approved. Even if such additional information and data are submitted, the FDA may decide that the BLA still does not 
meet the standards for approval. Data from clinical trials are not always conclusive and the FDA may interpret data differently 
than we do.

Before approving a BLA, the FDA typically will inspect the facilities at which the product is manufactured and will not 

approve the product unless the facilities comply with the FDA’s cGMP requirements. The FDA may deny approval of a BLA if 
applicable statutory or regulatory criteria are not satisfied, or may require additional testing or information, which can delay the 
approval process. FDA approval of any application may include many delays or never be granted. If a product is approved, the 
approval will impose limitations on the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed, may require that warning 
statements be included in the product labeling, and may require that additional studies be conducted following approval as a 
condition of the approval. FDA also may impose restrictions and conditions on product distribution, prescribing or dispensing 
in the form of a Risk Evaluation Mitigation Strategies (REMS), or otherwise limit the scope of any approval. A REMS may 

13

include various elements, ranging from a medication guide to limitations on who may prescribe or dispense the drug, depending 
on what the FDA considers necessary for the safe use of the drug. To market a product for other indicated uses, or to make 
certain manufacturing or other changes, requires FDA review and approval of a BLA Supplement or new BLA and the payment 
of applicable review fees. Further post-marketing testing and surveillance to monitor the safety or efficacy of a product may be 
required. In addition, new government requirements may be established that could delay or prevent regulatory approval of our 
product candidates under development.

In 2010, the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) was enacted, creating a statutory pathway for 
licensure, or approval, of biological products that are biosimilar to, and possibly interchangeable with, reference biological 
products licensed under the Public Health Service Act. The objectives of the BPCIA are conceptually similar to those of the 
Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, commonly referred to as the “Hatch-Waxman Act”, which 
established abbreviated pathways for the approval of small molecule drug products. Under the BPCIA, innovator manufacturers 
of original reference biological products are granted 12 years of exclusive use before biosimilar versions of such products can 
be licensed for marketing in the U.S. This means that the FDA may not approve an application for a biosimilar version of a 
reference biological product until 12 years after the date of approval of the reference biological product (with a potential six-
month extension of exclusivity if certain pediatric studies are conducted and the results reported to FDA), although a biosimilar 
application may be submitted four years after the date of licensure of the reference biological product. Additionally, the BPCIA 
establishes procedures by which the biosimilar applicant must provide information about its application and product to the 
reference product sponsor, and by which information about potentially relevant patents is shared and litigation over patents may 
proceed in advance of approval. The BPCIA also provides a period of exclusivity for the first biosimilar to be determined by the 
FDA to be interchangeable with the reference product.

FDA has released numerous guidance documents interpreting the BPCIA in recent years. These guidance documents, 

among other things, elaborate on the definition of a biosimilar as a biological product that is highly similar to an already 
approved biological product, notwithstanding minor differences in clinically inactive components, and for which there are no 
clinically meaningful differences between the biosimilar and the approved biological product in terms of the safety, purity, and 
potency. More recently, FDA has released guidance on the assignment of nonproprietary, clearly distinguishable product names 
for both biologic and biosimilar products and interchangeability. 

The FDA approved the first biosimilar product under the BPCIA in 2015, and the agency continues to refine the 
procedures and standards it will apply in implementing this approval pathway. We anticipate that contours of the BPCIA will 
continue to be defined as the statute is implemented over a period of years. This likely will be accomplished by a variety of 
means, including FDA issuance of guidance documents, proposed regulations, and decisions in the course of considering 
specific applications. The approval of a biologic product biosimilar to one of our products could have a material impact on our 
business because it may be significantly less costly to bring to market and may be priced significantly lower than our products.

Both before and after the FDA approves a product, the manufacturer and the holder or holders of the BLA, and in the case 

of Kanuma, the NADA, for the product are subject to comprehensive regulatory oversight. If ongoing regulatory requirements 
are not satisfied or if safety problems occur after the product reaches the market, the FDA may at any time withdraw its 
approval or take actions that would suspend marketing. For example, quality control and manufacturing procedures must 
conform, on an ongoing basis, to cGMP requirements, and the FDA periodically subjects manufacturing facilities to 
unannounced inspections to assess compliance with cGMP. Failure to comply with applicable cGMP requirements and other 
conditions of product approval may lead the FDA to take regulatory action, including fines, recalls, civil penalties, injunctions, 
suspension of manufacturing operations, operating restrictions, withdrawal of FDA approval, seizure or recall of products, and 
criminal prosecution. Accordingly, manufacturers must continue to spend time, money, and effort to maintain cGMP 
compliance.

The FDA and other federal regulatory agencies also closely regulate the promotion of drugs and biologics through, among 

other things, standards and regulations for direct-to-consumer advertising, communications regarding unapproved uses, 
industry-sponsored scientific and educational activities, and promotional activities involving the Internet and social media. A 
product cannot be commercially promoted before it is approved. After approval, product promotion can include only those 
claims relating to safety and effectiveness that are consistent with the labeling approved by the FDA. Healthcare providers are 
permitted to prescribe drugs and biologics for “uses not approved by the FDA and therefore not described in the product’s 
labeling - because the FDA does not regulate the practice of medicine. However, FDA regulations impose stringent restrictions 
on manufacturers’ communications regarding such uses. Broadly speaking, a manufacturer may not promote a drug or biologic 
for unapproved use, but may engage in non-promotional, balanced communication regarding such uses under certain 
conditions. Failure to comply with applicable FDA requirements and restrictions in this area may subject a company to adverse 
publicity and enforcement action by the FDA, the Department of Justice, or the Office of the Inspector General of the 

14

Department of Health and Human Services, as well as state authorities. Noncompliance could subject a company to a range of 
penalties that could have a significant commercial impact, including civil and criminal fines and agreements that materially 
restrict the manner in which a company promotes or distributes drug or biologic products.

Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S., the EU and Other Foreign Jurisdictions

Under the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may grant orphan drug designation to drugs and biological products intended to 

treat a “rare disease or condition,” which generally is a disease or condition that affects fewer than two hundred thousand 
individuals in the U.S. Orphan drug designation must be requested before submitting a BLA or supplemental BLA. After the 
FDA grants orphan drug designation, the generic identity of the therapeutic agent and its potential orphan use are publicly 
disclosed by the FDA. Orphan drug designation does not convey any advantage in, or shorten the duration of, the regulatory 
review and approval process. If a product which has an orphan drug designation subsequently receives the first FDA approval 
for that drug or biologic for the indication for which it has such designation, the product is entitled to an orphan exclusivity 
period, in which the FDA may not approve any other applications to market the same drug or biologic for the same indication 
for seven years, except in limited circumstances, such as where the sponsor of a different version of the product is able to 
demonstrate that its product is clinically superior to the approved orphan drug product. This exclusivity does not prevent a 
competitor from obtaining approval to market a different product that treats the same disease or condition or the same product 
to treat a different disease or condition. The FDA can revoke a product’s orphan drug exclusivity under certain circumstances, 
including when the holder of the approved orphan drug application is unable to assure the availability of sufficient quantities of 
the drug to meet patient needs. A sponsor of a product application that has received an orphan drug designation is also granted 
tax incentives for clinical research undertaken to support the application. In addition, the FDA will typically coordinate with the 
sponsor on research study design for an orphan drug and may exercise its discretion to grant marketing approval on the basis of 
more limited product safety and efficacy data than would ordinarily be required.

Medicinal products: (a) that are used to treat or prevent life-threatening or chronically debilitating conditions that affect 

no more than five in ten thousand people in the EU; or (b) that are used to treat or prevent life-threatening or chronically 
debilitating conditions and that, for economic reasons, would be unlikely to be developed without incentives; and (c) where no 
satisfactory method of diagnosis, prevention or treatment of the condition concerned exists, or, if such a method exists, the 
medicinal product would be of significant benefit to those affected by the condition, may be granted an orphan designation in 
the EU. The application for orphan designation must be submitted to the EMA and approved before an application is made for 
marketing authorization for the product. Once authorized, orphan medicinal products are entitled to ten years of market 
exclusivity. During this ten year period, with a limited number of exceptions, neither the competent authorities of the EU 
member states, the EMA, or the EC are permitted to accept applications or grant marketing authorization for other similar 
medicinal products with the same therapeutic indication. However, marketing authorization may be granted to a similar 
medicinal product with the same orphan indication during the ten year period with the consent of the marketing authorization 
holder for the original orphan medicinal product or if the manufacturer of the original orphan medicinal product is unable to 
supply sufficient quantities. Marketing authorization may also be granted to a similar medicinal product with the same orphan 
indication if this latter product is safer, more effective or otherwise clinically superior to the original orphan medicinal product. 
The period of market exclusivity may, in addition, be reduced to six years if it can be demonstrated on the basis of available 
evidence that the original orphan medicinal product is sufficiently profitable not to justify maintenance of market exclusivity.

Soliris has received orphan drug designation for (a) the treatment of PNH and aHUS in the U.S., the EU, and in several 

other territories; (b) the prevention of delayed graft function in renal transplant patients in the U.S.; (c) the treatment of patients 
with myasthenia gravis in the U.S., Japan, and the EU; and (d) the prevention of graft rejection and delayed graft rejection 
following solid organ transplantation in the EU. In 2008, Strensiq received orphan drug designation for the treatment of patients 
with HPP in the U.S. and the EU, and in Japan in November 2014. Furthermore, in 2010, Kanuma received orphan drug 
designation for the treatment of LAL-D in the U.S. and the EU. Orphan drug designation provides certain regulatory and filing 
fee advantages, including market exclusivity, except in limited circumstances, for several years after approval. 

Breakthrough Designation in the U.S.

Congress has created the Breakthrough Therapy designation program under which may grant Breakthrough Therapy 
status to a drug intended for the treatment of a serious condition when preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug may 
demonstrate substantial improvement on a clinically significant endpoint over existing therapies. The Breakthrough Therapy 
designation, which may be requested by a sponsor when filing or amending an IND, is intended to facilitate and expedite the 
development and FDA review of a product candidate. Specifically, the Breakthrough Therapy designation may entitle the 
sponsor to more frequent meetings with FDA during drug development, intensive guidance on clinical trial design, and 
expedited FDA review by a cross-disciplinary team comprised of senior managers. The designation does not guarantee a faster 

15

development or review time as compared to other drugs, however, nor does it assure that the drug will obtain ultimate 
marketing approval by the FDA. Once granted, the FDA may withdraw this designation at any time. We have received 
Breakthrough Therapy designations for Strensiq for HPP in perinatal-, infant-, and juvenile-onset patients; for Kanuma in the 
treatment of LAL-D presenting in infants; and for cyclic Pyranopterin Monophosphate, intended to treat Molybdenum Cofactor 
Deficiency Type A. Because the Breakthrough Therapy designation program is relatively new, it is difficult for us to predict the 
impact that these designations will have on the development and FDA review of our products.

21st Century Cures Act (the Cures Act)

In December 2016, Congress passed the Cures Act which included a number of provisions designed to speed development 

of innovative therapies, provide funding authorization to the NIH, and provide funding for certain oncology-directed research. 
Because the Cures Act has only recently been enacted, its potential affect on our business remains unclear with the exception of 
a provision requiring that we post our policies on the availability of expanded access programs for individuals. In addition, the 
Cures Act includes requiring the FDA to assess and publish guidance on the use of novel clinical trial designs, the use of real 
world evidence in applications, the availability of summary level review for supplemental applications for certain indications, 
and the qualification of drug development tools. Because these provisions allow FDA to spend several years developing these 
policies, the effect on us could be delayed.  

The Cures Act also authorizes $1,800 in funding for “cancer moonshot” initiative (the Initiative) to be run by the NIH. 

The Cancer Moonshot Initiative’s strategic goals encourage inter-agency cooperation and fund research and innovation to 
catalyze new scientific breakthroughs, bring new therapies to patients, and strengthen prevention and diagnosis. The Initiative 
aims to stimulate drug development through the creation of a public-private partnership with 20 to 30 pharmaceutical and 
biotechnology companies to expedite cancer researchers’ access to investigational agents and approved drugs. This partnership 
is designed to permit researchers to obtain drugs and other technologies from a preapproved “formulary” list without having to 
negotiate with each company for individual research projects. We will monitor these developments but cannot currently assess 
how the Initiative may impact our business

Foreign Regulation of Drug Development and Approval

In addition to regulations in the U.S., we are subject to a variety of foreign regulatory requirements including governing 

human clinical trials, marketing approval, and post-marketing regulation for drugs. The foreign regulatory approval process 
includes all of the risks associated with FDA approval set forth above, as well as additional country-specific regulations. 
Whether or not we obtain FDA approval for a product, we must obtain approval of a product by the comparable regulatory 
authorities of foreign countries before we can commence clinical trials or marketing of the product in those countries. Approval 
by one regulatory authority does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other jurisdictions. The approval process 
varies from country to country, can involve additional testing beyond that required by FDA, and may be longer or shorter than 
that required for FDA approval. The requirements governing the conduct of clinical trials, product licensing, pricing, and 
reimbursement vary greatly from country to country.

Under the EU regulatory system, we may submit applications for marketing authorizations either under a centralized, 

decentralized, or mutual recognition marketing authorization procedure. The centralized procedure provides for the grant of a 
single marketing authorization for a medicinal product by the EC on the basis of a positive opinion by the EMA. A centralized 
marketing authorization is valid for all EU member states and three of the four EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and 
Norway). The decentralized procedure and the mutual recognition procedure apply between EU member states. The 
decentralized marketing authorization procedure involves the submission of an application for marketing authorization to the 
competent authority of all EU member states in which the product is to be marketed. One national competent authority, selected 
by the applicant, assesses the application for marketing authorization. The competent authorities of the other EU member states 
are subsequently required to grant marketing authorization for their territory on the basis of this assessment, except where 
grounds of potential serious risk to public health require this authorization to be refused. The mutual recognition procedure 
provides for mutual recognition of marketing authorizations delivered by the national competent authorities of EU member 
states by the competent authorities of other EU member states. The holder of a national marketing authorization may submit an 
application to the competent authority of a EU member state requesting that this authority recognize the marketing 
authorization delivered by the competent authority of another EU member state for the same medicinal product.

Similarly to the U.S., both marketing authorization holders and manufacturers of medicinal products are subject to 
comprehensive regulatory oversight by the EMA and the competent authorities of the individual EU member states both before 
and after grant of the manufacturing and marketing authorizations. This includes control of compliance by the entities with EU 
cGMP rules, which govern quality control of the manufacturing process and require documentation policies and procedures. We 

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and our third party manufacturers are required to ensure that all of our processes, methods, and equipment are compliant with 
cGMP.

Failure by us or by any of our third party partners, including suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to comply with EU 

laws and the related national laws of individual EU member states governing the conduct of clinical trials, manufacturing 
approval, marketing authorization of medicinal products, both before and after grant of marketing authorization, and marketing 
of such products following grant of authorization may result in administrative, civil, or criminal penalties. These penalties could 
include delays in or refusal to authorize the conduct of clinical trials or to grant marketing authorization, product withdrawals 
and recalls, product seizures, suspension, or variation of the marketing authorization, total or partial suspension of production, 
distribution, manufacturing, or clinical trials, operating restrictions, injunctions, suspension of licenses, fines, and criminal 
penalties.

The EU has had an established regulatory pathway for biosimilars since 2005 and has approved several biosimilar 
products. In addition, in February 2017 the EMA will launch a pilot project with the aim of providing scientific advice to 
companies for the development of new biosimilar products.

The approval of a biosimilar of one of our products marketed in the EU could have a material impact on our business. The 

biosimilar may be less costly to bring to market, may be priced significantly lower than our products, and result in a reduction 
in the pricing and reimbursement of our products.

Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement

Sales of pharmaceutical products depend in significant part on the extent of coverage and reimbursement from 
government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid in the U.S., and other third party payers. Third party payers are 
sensitive to the cost of drugs and are increasingly seeking to implement cost containment measures to control, restrict access to, 
or influence the purchase of drugs, biologicals, and other health care products and services. Governments may regulate 
reimbursement, pricing, and coverage of products in order to control costs or to affect levels of use of certain products. Private 
health insurance plans may restrict coverage of some products, such as by using payer formularies under which only selected 
drugs are covered, variable co-payments that make drugs that are not preferred by the payer more expensive for patients, and by 
employing utilization management controls, such as requirements for prior authorization or prior failure on another type of 
treatment. Payers may especially impose these obstacles to coverage for higher-priced drugs such as those we sell. 
Consequently, all our products may be subject to payer-driven restrictions, rendering patients responsible for a higher 
percentage of the total cost of drugs in the outpatient setting. This can lower the demand for our products if the increased 
patient cost-sharing obligations are more than they can afford.

Medicare is a U.S. federal government insurance program that covers individuals aged 65 years or older, as well as 
individuals of any age with certain disabilities, and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease. The primary Medicare programs 
that may affect reimbursement for Soliris are Medicare Part B, which covers physician services and outpatient care, and 
Medicare Part D, which provides a voluntary outpatient prescription drug benefit. Medicare Part B provides limited coverage of 
certain outpatient drugs and biologicals that are reasonable and necessary for diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury. 
Under Part B, reimbursement for most drugs is based on a fixed percentage above the applicable product’s average sales price 
(ASP). Manufacturers calculate ASP based on a statutory formula and must report ASP information to the Centers for Medicare 
and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that administers Medicare and the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, on a 
quarterly basis. The current reimbursement rate for drugs and biologicals in both the hospital outpatient department setting and 
the physician office setting is ASP + 6%. The rate for the physician clinic setting is set by statute, but CMS has the authority to 
adjust the rate for the hospital outpatient setting on an annual basis. This reimbursement rate may decrease in the future. In both 
settings, the amount of reimbursement is updated quarterly based on the manufacturer’s submission of new ASP information.

Medicare Part D is a prescription drug benefit available to all Medicare beneficiaries. It is a voluntary benefit that is 

implemented through private plans under contractual arrangements with the federal government. Similar to pharmaceutical 
coverage through private health insurance, Part D plans negotiate discounts from drug manufacturers.  Medicare Part D 
coverage is available through private plans, and the list of prescription drugs covered by Part D plans varies by plan. However, 
individual plans are required by statute to cover certain therapeutic categories and classes of drugs or biologicals and to have at 
least two drugs in each unique therapeutic category or class, with certain exceptions.

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital benefits. Hospitals typically receive a single payment for an inpatient stay 
depending on the Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Group (MS-DRG) to which the inpatient stay is assigned. The MS-DRG 
for a hospital inpatient stay varies based on the patient’s condition. Hospitals generally do not receive separate payment for 
drugs and biologicals administered to patients during an inpatient hospital stay. As a result, hospitals may not have a financial 
incentive to utilize our products for inpatients.

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Beginning April 1, 2013, the Budget Control Act of 2011, Pub. L. No. 112-25, as amended by the American Taxpayer 
Relief Act of 2012, Pub. L. 112-240, required Medicare payments for all items and services, including drugs and biologicals, to 
be reduced by 2% under sequestration (i.e., automatic spending reductions). Subsequent legislation extended the 2% reduction, 
on average, to 2025. This 2% reduction in Medicare payments affects all Parts of the Medicare program and could impact sales 
of our products.

Medicaid is a government health insurance program for low-income children, families, pregnant women, and people with 

disabilities. It is jointly funded by the federal and state governments, and it is administered by individual states within 
parameters established by the federal government. Coverage and reimbursement for drugs and biologics thus varies by state. 
Drugs and biologics may be covered under the medical or pharmacy benefit. State Medicaid programs may impose utilization 
management controls, such as prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limits on drugs and biologics. Medicaid also 
includes the Drug Rebate Program, under which we are required to pay a rebate to each state Medicaid program for quantities 
of our products that are dispensed to Medicaid beneficiaries and paid for by a state Medicaid program as a condition of having 
federal funds being made available to the states for our products under Medicaid and Medicare Part B. Those rebates are based 
on pricing data reported by us on a monthly and quarterly basis to CMS. These data include the average manufacturer price and 
the best price for each product we sell. As further described below under “U.S. Healthcare Reform and Other U.S. Healthcare 
Laws,” the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 
2010 (collectively, the PPACA), made significant changes to the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program that could negatively impact 
our results of operations.

Federal law requires that any company that participates in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program also participate in the 
Public Health Service’s 340B drug pricing program in order for federal funds to be available for the manufacturer’s drugs under 
Medicaid and Medicare Part B. The 340B pricing program requires participating manufacturers to agree to charge statutorily-
defined covered entities no more than the 340B “ceiling price” for the manufacturer’s covered outpatient drugs. These 340B 
covered entities include a variety of community health clinics and other entities that receive health services grants from the 
Public Health Service, as well as hospitals that serve a disproportionate share of low-income patients. The 340B ceiling price is 
calculated using a statutory formula, which is based on the average manufacturer price and rebate amount for the covered 
outpatient drug as calculated under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. Changes to the definition of average manufacturer 
price and the Medicaid rebate amount under PPACA and CMS’s issuance of final regulations implementing those changes also 
could affect our 340B ceiling price calculation for our products and could negatively impact our results of operations. As 
described below under “U.S. Healthcare Reform and Other U.S. Healthcare Laws,” PPACA expanded the 340B program to 
include additional types of covered entities but exempts “orphan drugs”-those designated under section 526 of the FDCA, such 
as Soliris from the ceiling price requirements for these newly-eligible entities.

In order to be eligible to have our products paid for with federal funds under the Medicaid and Medicare Part B programs 

and purchased by certain federal agencies and grantees, we participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs Federal Supply 
Schedule, or FSS, pricing program, established by Section 603 of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992. Under this program, 
we are obligated to make our  innovator “covered drugs” available for procurement on an FSS contract and charge a price to 
four federal agencies, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Public Health Service and Coast Guard that is 
no higher than the statutory Federal Ceiling Price, or FCP. The FCP is based on the non-federal average manufacturer price, or 
Non-FAMP, which we calculate and report to the Department of Veterans Affairs on a quarterly and annual basis. We also 
participate in the Tricare Retail Pharmacy program, established by Section 703 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
FY 2008 and related regulations, under which we pay quarterly rebates on utilization of innovator products that are dispensed 
through the Tricare Retail Pharmacy network to Tricare beneficiaries. The rebates are calculated as the difference between 
Annual Non-FAMP and FCP.

Payers also are increasingly considering new metrics as the basis for reimbursement rates, such as ASP, average 

manufacturer price, and actual acquisition cost. The existing data for reimbursement based on these metrics is relatively limited, 
although certain states have begun to survey acquisition cost data for the purpose of setting Medicaid reimbursement rates. 
CMS surveys and publishes retail community pharmacy acquisition cost information in the form of National Average Drug 
Acquisition Cost files to provide state Medicaid agencies with a basis of comparison for their own reimbursement and pricing 
methodologies and rates. It may be difficult to project the impact of these evolving reimbursement mechanics on the 
willingness of payers to cover our products.

Federal law requires that for a company to be eligible to have its products paid for with federal funds under the Medicaid 

and Medicare Part B programs as well as to be purchased by certain federal agencies and grantees, it also must participate in the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) pricing program. To participate, we are required to enter 
into an FSS contract with the VA, under which we must make our innovator “covered drugs” available to the “Big Four” federal 

18

agencies - the VA, the Department of Defense (DoD) the Public Health Service, and the Coast Guard - at pricing that is capped 
pursuant to a statutory federal ceiling price, or FCP, formula set forth in Section 603 of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 
(VHCA). The FCP is based on a weighted average non-federal average manufacturer price (Non-FAMP) which manufacturers 
are required to report on a quarterly and annual basis to the VA. If a company misstates Non-FAMPs or FCPs it must restate 
these figures. Pursuant to the VHCA, knowing provision of false information in connection with a Non-FAMP filing can 
subject a manufacturer to penalties of one hundred seventy eight thousand dollars for each item of false information.

FSS contracts are federal procurement contracts that include standard government terms and conditions, separate pricing 
for each product, and extensive disclosure and certification requirements. All items on FSS contracts are subject to a standard 
FSS contract clause that requires FSS contract price reductions under certain circumstances where pricing is reduced to an 
agreed “tracking customer.” Further, in addition to the “Big Four” agencies, all other federal agencies and some non-federal 
entities are authorized to access FSS contracts. FSS contractors are permitted to charge FSS purchasers other than the Big Four 
agencies “negotiated pricing” for covered drugs that is not capped by the FCP; instead, such pricing is negotiated based on a 
mandatory disclosure of the contractor’s commercial “most favored customer” pricing. We offer dual pricing on our FSS 
contract.

In addition, pursuant to regulations issued by the DoD TRICARE Management Activity, now the Defense Health Agency, 
to implement Section 703 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, each of our covered drugs is listed on 
a Section 703 Agreement under which we have agreed to pay rebates on covered drug prescriptions dispensed to TRICARE 
beneficiaries by TRICARE network retail pharmacies. Companies are required to list their innovator products on Section 703 
Agreements in order for those products to be eligible for DoD formulary inclusion. The formula for determining the rebate is 
established in the regulations and our Section 703 Agreement and is based on the difference between the annual Non-FAMP and 
the FCP (as described above, these price points are required to be calculated by us under the VHCA).

In addition, in some foreign countries, the proposed pricing for a drug must be approved before it may be lawfully 
marketed. Moreover, the requirements governing drug pricing and reimbursement vary widely from country to country. For 
example, in the EU the sole legal instrument at the EU level governing the pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products is 
Council Directive 89/105/EEC (the Price Transparency Directive). The aim of the Price Transparency Directive is to ensure that 
pricing and reimbursement mechanisms established in EU member states are transparent and objective, do not hinder the free 
movement and trade of medicinal products in the EU and do not hinder, prevent or distort competition on the market. The Price 
Transparency Directive does not, however, provide any guidance concerning the specific criteria on the basis of which pricing 
and reimbursement decisions are to be made in individual EU member states. Neither does it have any direct consequence for 
pricing or levels of reimbursement in individual EU member states. The national authorities of the individual EU member states 
are free to restrict the range of medicinal products for which their national health insurance systems provide reimbursement and 
to control the prices and/or reimbursement of medicinal products for human use. Some individual EU member states adopt 
policies according to which a specific price or level of reimbursement is approved for the medicinal product. Other EU member 
states adopt a system of reference pricing, basing the price or reimbursement level in their territory either, on the pricing and 
reimbursement levels in other countries, or on the pricing and reimbursement levels of medicinal products intended for the 
same therapeutic indication. Furthermore, some EU member states impose direct or indirect controls on the profitability of the 
company placing the medicinal product on the market.

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of medicinal products is becoming an increasingly common part of the pricing and 

reimbursement procedures in some EU member states. These countries include the United Kingdom, France, Germany and 
Sweden. The HTA process in the EU member states is governed by the national laws of these countries. HTA is the procedure 
according to which the assessment of the public health impact, therapeutic impact and the economic and societal impact of the 
use of a given medicinal product in the national healthcare systems of the individual country is conducted. HTA generally 
focuses on the clinical efficacy and effectiveness, safety, cost, and cost-effectiveness of individual medicinal products as well as 
their potential implications for the national healthcare system. Those elements of medicinal products are compared with other 
treatment options available on the market.

The outcome of HTA may influence the pricing and reimbursement status for specific medicinal products within 

individual EU member states. The extent to which pricing and reimbursement decisions are influenced by the HTA of a specific 
medicinal product vary between the EU member states.

In 2011, Directive 2011/24/EU was adopted at the EU level. This Directive concerns the application of patients’ rights in 
cross-border healthcare. The Directive is intended to establish rules for facilitating access to safe and high-quality cross-border 
healthcare in the EU. Pursuant to Directive 2011/24/EU, a voluntary network of national authorities or bodies responsible for 
HTA in the individual EU Member States was established.  The purpose of the network is to facilitate and support the exchange 
of scientific information concerning HTAs. This could lead to harmonization of the criteria taken into account in the conduct of 

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HTA between EU member states in pricing and reimbursement decisions and negatively impact price in at least some EU 
member states.

On a continuous basis, we engage with appropriate authorities in individual countries on the operational, reimbursement, 

price approval and funding processes that are separately required in each country.

Fraud and Abuse

Pharmaceutical companies participating in federal healthcare programs like Medicare or Medicaid are subject to various 

U.S. federal and state laws pertaining to healthcare “fraud and abuse,” including anti-kickback and false claims laws. Violations 
of U.S. federal and state fraud and abuse laws may be punishable by criminal, civil and administrative sanctions, including 
fines, damages, civil monetary penalties and exclusion from federal healthcare programs (including Medicare and Medicaid). 
Applicable U.S. statutes, include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  The federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits, among other things, knowingly and willfully soliciting, offering, 

receiving, or paying any remuneration, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, to induce or reward purchasing, 
ordering or arranging for or recommending the purchase or order of any item or service for which payment may be 
made, in whole or in part, under a federal healthcare program such as Medicare and Medicaid. Liability may be 
established without a person or entity having actual knowledge of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute or specific intent 
to violate it. This statute has been interpreted to apply broadly to arrangements between pharmaceutical manufacturers 
on the one hand and prescribers, patients, purchasers and formulary managers on the other. In addition, PPACA 
amended the Social Security Act to provide that the government may assert that a claim including items or services 
resulting from a violation of the federal anti-kickback statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the 
federal civil False Claims Act. A conviction for violation of the Anti-kickback Statute requires mandatory exclusion 
from participation in federal health care programs.  Although there are a number of statutory exemptions and 
regulatory safe harbors protecting certain common activities from prosecution, the exemptions and safe harbors are 
drawn narrowly, and those activities may be subject to scrutiny or penalty if they do not qualify for an exemption or 
safe harbor.

•  The federal civil False Claims Act (FCA) prohibits, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be 

presented claims for payment of government funds that are false or fraudulent, or knowingly making, using or causing 
to be made or used a false record or statement material to such a false or fraudulent claim, or knowingly concealing or 
knowingly and improperly avoiding, decreasing, or concealing an obligation to pay money to the federal government. 
This statute also permits a private individual acting as a “whistleblower” to bring actions on behalf of the federal 
government alleging violations of the FCA and to share in any monetary recovery. False Claims Act liability is 
potentially significant in the healthcare industry because the statute provides for treble damages and mandatory 
penalties of five thousand to eleven thousand dollars per false claim or statement (and ten thousand to twenty thousand 
dollars per false claim or statement for penalties assessed after August 1, 2016 for violations occurring after 
November 2, 2015). Government enforcement agencies and private whistleblowers have investigated pharmaceutical 
companies for or asserted liability under the FCA for a variety of alleged promotional and marketing activities, such as 
providing free product to customers with the expectation that the customers would bill federal programs for the 
product; providing consulting fees and other benefits to physicians to induce them to prescribe products; engaging in 
promotion for “off-label” uses; and submitting inflated best price information to the Medicaid Rebate Program.

•  The federal False Statements Statute prohibits knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing, or covering up a 

material fact or making any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or representation, or making or using 
any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or 
entry, in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items, or services.

•  The federal Civil Monetary Penalties Law authorizes the imposition of substantial civil monetary penalties against an 
entity, such as a pharmaceutical manufacturer, that engages in activities including, among others (1) knowingly 
presenting, or causing to be presented, a claim for services not provided as claimed or that is otherwise false or 
fraudulent in any way; (2) arranging for or contracting with an individual or entity that is excluded from participation 
in federal healthcare programs to provide items or services reimbursable by a federal healthcare program; (3) 
violations of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute; or (4) failing to report and return a known overpayment.

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•  The majority of states also have statutes similar to the federal anti-kickback law and false claims laws that apply to 
items and services reimbursed under Medicaid and other state programs, or, in several states, apply regardless of the 
payer.  

•  The federal Open Payments program requires manufacturers of products for which payment is available under 

Medicare, Medicaid or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, to track and report annually to the federal 
government (for disclosure to the public) certain payments and other transfers of value made to physicians and 
teaching hospitals. In addition, several U.S. states and localities have enacted legislation requiring pharmaceutical 
companies to establish marketing compliance programs, file periodic reports with the state, and/or make periodic 
public disclosures on sales, marketing, pricing, clinical trials, and other activities. Other state laws prohibit certain 
marketing-related activities including the provision of gifts, meals or other items to certain healthcare providers.  
Many of these laws and regulations contain ambiguous requirements that government officials have not yet clarified. 
Given the lack of clarity in the laws and their implementation, our reporting actions could be subject to the penalty 
provisions of the pertinent federal and state laws and regulations.

Sanctions under federal and state fraud and abuse laws may include civil monetary penalties, exclusion of a 

manufacturer’s products from reimbursement under government programs, monetary damages, criminal fines, and 
imprisonment.  

Federal and state authorities are continuing to devote significant attention and resources to enforcement of fraud and abuse 
laws within the pharmaceutical industry, and private individuals have been active in alleging violations of the law and bringing 
suits on behalf of the government under the FCA. For example, federal enforcement agencies recently have investigated certain 
pharmaceutical companies’ product and patient assistance programs, including manufacturer reimbursement support services,  
relationships with specialty pharmacies, and grants to independent charitable foundations. In December 2016, we received a 
subpoena from the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Massachusetts relating generally to our support of 501(c)
(3) organizations that provide financial assistance to Medicare patients, Alexion’s provision of free drug to Medicare patients 
and Alexion’s related compliance policies and training materials.  Some of these investigations have resulted in significant civil 
and criminal settlements.  Efforts to ensure that our business arrangements continue to comply with applicable healthcare laws 
and regulations could be costly.

U.S. Healthcare Reform and Other U.S. Healthcare Laws

PPACA was adopted in the U.S. in March 2010. This law substantially changes the way healthcare is financed by both 
governmental and private insurers in the U.S., and significantly impacts the pharmaceutical industry. PPACA contains a number 
of provisions that are expected to impact our business and operations. Changes that may affect our business include those 
governing enrollment in federal healthcare programs, reimbursement changes, rules regarding prescription drug benefits under 
the health insurance exchanges, expansion of the 340B program, expansion of state Medicaid programs, and fraud and abuse 
and enforcement. These changes will impact existing government healthcare programs and will result in the development of 
new programs, including Medicare payment for performance initiatives and improvements to the physician quality reporting 
system and feedback program.

PPACA contains several provisions that have or could potentially impact our business. PPACA made significant changes 

to the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. Effective March 23, 2010, rebate liability expanded from fee-for-service Medicaid 
utilization to include the utilization of Medicaid managed care organizations as well. With regard to the amount of the rebates 
owed, PPACA increased the minimum Medicaid rebate from 15.1% to 23.1% of the average manufacturer price for most 
innovator products; changed the calculation of the rebate for certain innovator products that qualify as line extensions of 
existing drugs; and capped the total rebate amount for innovator drugs at 100% of the average manufacturer price. In addition, 
PPACA and subsequent legislation changed the definition of average manufacturer price. In early 2016, CMS issued final 
regulations to implement the changes to the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program under PPACA, which became effective on April 1, 
2016. Finally, PPACA requires pharmaceutical manufacturers of branded prescription drugs to pay a branded prescription drug 
fee to the federal government. Each individual pharmaceutical manufacturer pays a prorated share of the branded prescription 
drug fee of $4,000 in 2017 (and set to increase in ensuing years), based on the dollar value of its branded prescription drug sales 
to certain federal programs identified in the law. Sales of “orphan drugs” are excluded from this fee. “Orphan drugs” are 
specifically defined for purposes of the fee. For each indication approved by the FDA for the drug, such indication must have 
been designated as orphan by the FDA under section 526 of the FDCA, an orphan drug tax credit under section 45C of the 
Internal Revenue Code must have been claimed with respect to such indication, and such tax credit must not have been 
disallowed by the Internal Revenue Service. Finally, the FDA must not have approved the drug for any indication other than an 

21

orphan indication for which a section 45C orphan drug tax credit was claimed (and not disallowed). Legislative changes to 
PPACA also remain possible and appear likely in the 115th U.S. Congress and under the Trump Administration.

Additional provisions of PPACA may negatively affect manufacturer’s revenues in the future. For example, as part of 
PPACA’s provisions closing a coverage gap that currently exists in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program (commonly 
known as the “donut hole”), manufacturers of branded prescription drugs are required to provide a 50% discount on branded 
prescription drugs dispensed to beneficiaries within this donut hole.  

PPACA also expanded the Public Health Service’s 340B drug pricing discount program. The 340B pricing program 

requires participating manufacturers to agree to charge statutorily-defined covered entities no more than the 340B “ceiling 
price” for the manufacturer’s covered outpatient drugs. PPACA expanded the 340B program to include additional types of 
covered entities: certain free-standing cancer hospitals, critical access hospitals, rural referral centers and sole community 
hospitals, each as defined by PPACA. PPACA exempts “orphan drugs”-those designated under section 526 of the FDCA, such 
as our products-from the ceiling price requirements for these newly-eligible entities. 

Finally, numerous federal and state laws, including state security breach notification laws, state health information privacy 

laws, and federal and state consumer protection laws govern the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. In 
addition, most healthcare providers who prescribe and dispense our products and research institutions with whom we 
collaborate for our sponsored clinical trials are subject to privacy and security requirements under the Health Insurance 
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and 
Clinical Health Act (HITECH), and its implementing regulations. Although we are neither a “covered entity” nor a “business 
associate” under HIPAA, and these privacy and security requirements do not apply to us, the regulations may affect our 
interactions with healthcare providers, health plans, and research institutions from whom we obtain patient health information. 
Further, we could be subject to criminal penalties if we knowingly obtain individually identifiable health information from a 
HIPAA covered entity in a manner that is not authorized or permitted by HIPAA or for aiding and abetting the violation of 
HIPAA.

Other Regulations

We are also subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the U.K. Bribery Act (U.K. Bribery Act), and other 

anti-corruption laws and regulations pertaining to our financial relationships with foreign government officials. The FCPA 
prohibits U.S. companies and their representatives from paying, offering to pay, promising, or authorizing the payment of 
anything of value to any foreign government official, government staff member, political party, or political candidate to obtain 
or retain business or to otherwise seek favorable treatment. In many countries in which we operate or sell our products, the 
healthcare professionals with whom we interact may be deemed to be foreign government officials for purposes of the FCPA. 
The U.K. Bribery Act, which applies to any company incorporated or doing business in the UK, prohibits giving, offering, or 
promising bribes in the public and private sectors, bribing a foreign public official or private person, and failing to have 
adequate procedures to prevent bribery amongst employees and other agents. Penalties under the Bribery Act include 
potentially unlimited fines for companies and criminal sanctions for corporate officers under certain circumstances. Liability in 
relation to breaches of the Bribery Act is strict. This means that it is not necessary to demonstrate elements of a corrupt state of 
mind. However, a defense of having in place adequate procedures designed to prevent bribery is available.

Recent years have seen a substantial increase in anti-bribery law enforcement activity by U.S. regulators, with more 
frequent and aggressive investigations and enforcement proceedings by both the DOJ and the SEC, increased enforcement 
activity by non-U.S. regulators, and increases in criminal and civil proceedings brought against companies and individuals. 
Increasing regulatory scrutiny of the promotional activities of pharmaceutical companies also has been observed in a number of 
EU member states.

Similar strict restrictions are imposed on the promotion and marketing of drug products in the EU, where a large portion 

of our non-U.S. business is conducted, and other territories. Laws in the EU, including in the individual EU member states, 
require promotional materials and advertising for drug products to comply with the product’s Summary of Product 
Characteristics (SmPC), which is approved by the competent authorities. Promotion of a medicinal product which does not 
comply with the SmPC is considered to constitute off-label promotion. The off-label promotion of medicinal products is 
prohibited in the EU and in other territories. The promotion of medicinal products that are not subject to a marketing 
authorization is also prohibited in the EU. Laws in the EU, including in the individual EU member states, also prohibit the 
direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription-only medicinal products. Violations of the rules governing the promotion of 
medicinal products in the EU and in other territories could be penalized by administrative measures, fines and imprisonment.

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Interactions between pharmaceutical companies and physicians are also governed by strict laws, regulations, industry self-
regulation codes of conduct and physicians’ codes of professional conduct in the individual EU member states. The provision of 
any inducements to physicians to prescribe, recommend, endorse, order, purchase, supply, use or administer a medicinal 
product is prohibited. A number of EU member states have introduced additional rules requiring pharmaceutical companies to 
publicly disclose their interactions with physicians and to obtain approval from employers, professional organizations and/or 
competent authorities before entering into agreements with physicians. These rules have been supplemented by provisions of 
related industry codes, including the EFPIA Disclosure Code on Disclosure of Transfers of Value from Pharmaceutical 
Companies to Healthcare Professionals and Healthcare Organizations and related codes developed at national level in 
individual EU member states. Additional countries may consider or implement similar laws and regulations. Violations of these 
rules could lead to reputational risk, public reprimands, and/or the imposition of fines or imprisonment.

Our present and future business has been and will continue to be subject to various other laws and regulations. Laws, 
regulations and recommendations relating to safe working conditions, laboratory practices, the experimental use of animals, and 
the purchase, storage, movement, import and export and use and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances, 
including radioactive compounds, used in connection with our research work are or may be applicable to our activities. We 
cannot predict the impact of government regulation, which may result from future legislation or administrative action, on our 
business.

Competition

Soliris is currently the only approved therapy for the treatment of PNH and aHUS.  We are in advanced clinical studies of 
Soliris for the treatment of other indications, and there are currently no competitors for the patient segments we target.  Strensiq 
is currently the only product approved for the treatment of HPP and Kanuma is the only product approved for the treatment of 
LAL-D. Many pharmaceutical and biotech companies have publicly announced intention to establish or develop rare disease 
programs that may be competitive with ours. We also experience competition in drug development from universities and other 
research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies compete with us to attract universities and academic research institutions 
as drug development partners, including for licensing their proprietary technology. Some of these entities may have:

• 

• 

• 

greater financial and other resources;

larger research and development staffs;

lower labor costs; and/or

•  more extensive marketing and manufacturing organizations.

Many of these companies and organizations have significant experience in preclinical testing, human clinical trials, 
product manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution and other regulatory approval and commercial procedures. They may 
also have a greater number of significant patents and greater legal resources to seek remedies for cases of alleged infringement 
of their patents by us to block, delay or compromise our own drug development process.

We compete with large pharmaceutical companies that produce and market synthetic compounds and with specialized 

biotechnology firms in the United States, Europe and in other countries and regions, as well as a growing number of large 
pharmaceutical companies that are developing biotechnology products. A number of biotechnology and pharmaceutical 
companies are developing new products for the treatment of the same diseases being targeted by us. Other companies have 
initiated clinical studies for the treatment of PNH, aHUS, AMR, MG and NMOSD, and we are aware of companies that are 
planning to initiate studies for diseases we are also targeting. In the future, our products may also compete with biosimilars.

Several biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies have programs to develop complement inhibitor therapies or have 

publicly announced their intentions to develop drugs which target the inflammatory effects of complement in the immune 
system or have had programs to develop complement inhibitor therapies. Soliris is the only therapy that has demonstrated to be 
safe and effective in two clinical indications by regulators in many jurisdictions around the world.

Employees

As of December 31, 2016, we had 3,121 full-time, world-wide employees, of which 1,247 were engaged in research, 
product development, manufacturing, and clinical development, 1,240 in sales and marketing, and 634 in administration, human 
resources, information technology and finance. Our U.S. employees are not represented by any collective bargaining unit, and 
we regard the relationships with all our employees as satisfactory.

23

The executive officers of the Company and their respective ages and positions as of February 13, 2017 are as follows:

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

Name
David R. Brennan
David J. Anderson, M.B.A.
Clare Carmichael
Martin Mackay, Ph.D.
John B. Moriarty, J.D.
Julie O’Neill, M.B.A.
Carsten Thiel, Ph.D.
Edward Miller, J.D.
Heidi L. Wagner, J.D.

Age

Position with Alexion

62 Interim Chief Executive Officer
67 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
57 Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
60 Executive Vice President and Global Head of Research and Development
49 Executive Vice President and General Counsel
50 Executive Vice President of Global Operations
53 Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
52 Senior Vice President and Global Chief Compliance Officer
52 Senior Vice President, Global Governmental Affairs

David R. Brennan has been a member of the Board of Directors since July 2014 and as Interim Chief Executive Officer 
since December 2016. Prior to joining Alexion, Mr. Brennan held various positions of increasing responsibility at AstraZeneca 
PLC, from 1999-2012, including Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Executive Vice President of North America, 
and Senior Vice President of Commercialization and Portfolio Management. Mr. Brennan began his career in 1975 at Merck 
and Co. Inc., where he held various sales and general manager positions. Mr. Brennan currently serves on the Board of 
Directors of Innocoll, Inc. and Insmed Incorporated, and previously served on the Board of Directors of AstraZeneca PLC, 
Reed Elsevier PLC and the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Mr. Brennan received a Bachelor 
of Arts in Business Administration from Gettysburg College, where he is a member of the Board of Trustees.

 David J. Anderson, M.B.A. has been with Alexion since December 2016, serving as Executive Vice President and Chief 

Financial Officer. Prior to joining Alexion, Mr. Anderson served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of 
Honeywell International from 2003-2014, where he was responsible for all corporate finance activities including accounting, 
treasury, tax, audit, investments, financial planning and acquisitions, and was integral to the reshaping of the company’s 
business portfolio. Prior to joining Honeywell, Mr. Anderson was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ITT 
Industries, as well as Newport News Shipbuilding. Previously, he also held senior financial positions with RJR Nabisco and the 
Quaker Oats Company. Mr. Anderson serves on the Boards of several public companies, including Cardinal Health, a Fortune 
20 leader in healthcare products and services. Mr. Anderson received a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Indiana 
University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Chicago (Booth School of Business).

Clare Carmichael has been with Alexion since August 2011 and has served as Executive Vice President and Chief 
Human Resources Officer since September 2014.  From August 2011 to September 2014, Ms. Carmichael served as Senior Vice 
President and Chief Human Resources Officer. Prior to joining Alexion, Ms. Carmichael served as Senior Vice President, 
Global Human Resources at Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., from August 2008 to March 2011, where she established and 
executed global HR strategies. From December 2005 to August 2008, Ms. Carmichael held various human resources positions 
of increasing responsibility at Schering-Plough Corporation, including Vice President of Global Human Resources at the 
Schering-Plough Research Institute. From December 2003 to December 2005, Ms. Carmichael was Vice President of Human 
Resources at Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Prior to Eyetech, she held various positions of increasing responsibility in human 
resources at Pharmacia Corporation. Ms. Carmichael received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rider University.

Martin Mackay, Ph.D. has been Executive Vice President, Global Head of Research & Development since joining Alexion 
in May 2013. Prior to joining Alexion, Dr. Mackay served as President, Research and Development at AstraZeneca from June 
2010 to February 2012, where he led all R&D functions worldwide, including discovery research, clinical development, regulatory 
affairs and key related R&D functions. From April 1995 to May 2010, he held various positions of increasing responsibility at 
Pfizer, including President, Head of Pfizer Pharmatherapeutics, R&D, where he oversaw all aspects of small molecule discovery 
and development across multiple therapeutic areas. Dr. Mackay has also worked in the CIBA organization, now Novartis, and held 
positions within academia.  Dr. Mackay received a Microbiology First Class Honors Degree from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, 
and a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

John B. Moriarty, J.D. has been with Alexion since December 2012 and has served as Executive Vice President and General 
Counsel since September 2014.  From December 2012 to September 2014, Mr. Moriarty served as Senior Vice President and 
General Counsel.  From December 2010 to December 2012, Mr. Moriarty served as General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer at 
24

 
Elan Corporation plc, an Irish public limited company traded on the New York and Irish Stock Exchanges, and also served as a 
member of Elan’s Executive Management team. Prior to assuming the role of General Counsel, Mr. Moriarty served as Senior 
Vice President of Law, Litigation and Commercial Operations at Elan from December 2008 to December 2010.  From 2002 to 
2008, Mr. Moriarty held various positions with Amgen, Inc., including Executive Director and Associate General Counsel, Global 
Commercial  Operations  -  Amgen  Oncology  and  Senior  Counsel,  Complex  Litigation,  Products  Liability  and  Government 
Investigations. Between 1994 and 2002, Mr. Moriarty served in various capacities in private practice focused on healthcare and 
as a healthcare fraud prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Virginia Attorney General’s Office. Mr. Moriarty received 
his Bachelor’s of Arts, with distinction, from the University of Virginia and his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Georgia 
School of Law.

Julie O’Neill, M.B.A. has been with Alexion since February 2014 and has served as Executive Vice President of Global 
Operations since January 2015. From January 2014 to January 2015, Ms. O’Neill was Senior Vice President Global Manufacturing 
Operations and General Manager of Alexion Pharma International Trading. Prior to joining Alexion, Ms. O’Neill served in various 
leadership positions at Gilead Sciences from February 1997 to February 2014 including Vice President of Operations and General 
Manager of Ireland from 2011 to 2014. Prior to Gilead Sciences, Ms. O’Neill held leadership positions at Burnil Pharmacies and 
Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals. She is the Chairperson for the National Standards Authority of Ireland and is a member of the 
Boards of the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training and the American Chamber of Commerce, Ireland. Ms. 
O’Neill  received  a  Bachelor  of  Science  in  Pharmacy  from  University  of  Dublin, Trinity  College  and  a  Masters  of  Business 
Administration from University College Dublin (Smurfit School of Business).

Carsten Thiel, Ph.D. has been with Alexion since September 2014 and has served as Chief Commercial Officer since 
September 2015. From January 2015 to September 2015, Mr. Thiel served as Senior Vice President EMEA and Asia Pacific and 
from September 2014 to January 2015, Mr. Thiel was Senior Vice President EMEA and Australasia-Canada.  Prior to joining 
Alexion, Mr. Thiel served in various senior leadership positions at Amgen from 2002 to 2014, including Vice President, Head 
of Europe, General Manager, Germany, General Manager, CEE and Head of the Oncology Franchise in Europe. Prior to 
Amgen, Mr. Thiel held several sales and marketing leadership roles across Europe at Roche. Mr. Thiel has a Master Degree in 
Biochemistry from the University of Marburg, Germany, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the Max 
Planck Institute, Germany.

Edward Miller, J.D. has been Senior Vice President and Global Chief Compliance Officer since joining Alexion in 
September 2014.  Prior to joining Alexion, Mr. Miller served in various compliance and legal leadership positions at Boehringer 
Ingelheim from 2000 to August 2014, including Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Global Head of Litigation and 
Government Investigations; Vice President and Acting Global Compliance Officer and Vice President, Chief Compliance 
Officer and Head of Litigation. Prior to Boehringer Ingelheim, Mr. Miller was a Senior Trial Attorney at the DOJ in 
Washington, D.C. Mr. Miller received a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University and his J.D. from Rutgers University 
School of Law.

Heidi L. Wagner, J.D., has been with Alexion since September 2009 and has served as Senior Vice President, Global 
Governmental Affairs since September 2012. From September 2009 to September 2012, Ms. Wagner served as Vice President, 
Global Government Affairs. Prior to joining Alexion, Ms. Wagner was the Sr. Director of Governmental Affairs for Genentech, 
and also consulted for a variety of health plans, biopharmaceutical and other healthcare-related companies. Ms. Wagner 
received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Colorado in Boulder, and her 
J.D. from the George Mason University School of Law in Virginia.

Available Information

Our internet website address is http://www.alexion.com. Through our website, we make available, free of charge, our 
Annual Reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, any amendments to those reports, 
proxy and registration statements, and all of our insider Section 16 reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material 
is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. These SEC reports can be accessed through the “Investors” section of our 
website. The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report we file with, or furnish to, the SEC. Paper 
copies of our SEC reports are available free of charge upon request in writing to Investor Relations, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, 
Inc., 100 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510. In addition, any document we file may be inspected, without charge, 
at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549, or at the SEC’s internet address at http://
www.sec.gov. (This website address is not intended to function as a hyperlink, and the information contained in the SEC’s 
website is not intended to be a part of this filing). Information related to the operation of the SEC’s public reference room may 
be obtained by calling the SEC at 800-SEC-0330 (800-732-0330).

25

Item 1A. 

Risk Factors.
(amounts in millions, except percentages)

You should carefully consider the following risk factors before you decide to invest in Alexion and our business because 

these risk factors may have a significant impact on our business, operating results, financial condition, and cash flows. The 
risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to 
us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occurs, 
our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Risks Related to Our Products

We depend heavily on the success of our lead product, Soliris. If sales of Soliris are adversely affected, our business may be 
materially harmed.

Currently, our ability to generate revenues depends primarily on the commercial success of Soliris and whether 

physicians, patients and healthcare payers view Soliris as therapeutically effective and safe relative to cost. Since we launched 
Soliris in the U.S. in 2007, substantially all of our revenue has been attributed to sales of Soliris. In 2015, we received 
marketing approval in the U.S., the EU and Japan, of our second marketed product, Strensiq, for the treatment of HPP. We also 
received marketing approval in 2015 in the United States and the EU for our third product, Kanuma, for the treatment of LAL-
D. However, we anticipate that Soliris product sales will continue to contribute a significant percentage of our total revenue 
over the next several years.

The commercial success of Soliris and our ability to generate revenues depends on several factors, as discussed in greater 
detail below, including safety and efficacy of Soliris, coverage or reimbursement by government or third-party payers, pricing, 
manufacturing and uninterrupted supply, the introduction of and success of competing products, the size of patient populations 
and the number of patients diagnosed who may be treated with Soliris, adverse legal, administrative, regulatory or legislative 
developments, and our ability to develop, register and commercialize Soliris for new indications.  

If we are not able to maintain revenues from sales of Soliris, or our revenues do not grow as anticipated, our results of 

operations and stock price could be adversely affected.

Our future commercial success depends on gaining regulatory approval for new products and obtaining approvals for 
existing products for new indications.   

Our long-term success and revenue growth will depend upon the successful development of new products and 

technologies from our research and development activities, including those licensed or acquired from third parties and approval 
of additional indications for our existing products. Product development is very expensive and involves a high degree of risk. 
Only a small number of research and development programs result in the commercialization of a product. The process for 
obtaining regulatory approval to market a biologic is expensive, often takes many years, and can vary substantially based on the 
type, complexity, and novelty of the product candidates involved. Our ability to grow revenues would be adversely affected if 
we are delayed or unable to successfully develop the products in our pipeline, including Soliris for additional indications, 
obtain marketing approval for Strensiq and Kanuma in additional territories or acquire or license products and technologies 
from third parties.

We dedicate significant resources to the worldwide development, manufacture and commercialization of our products.  

We cannot guarantee that any marketing application for our product candidates will be approved or maintained in any country 
where we seek marketing authorization. If we do not obtain regulatory approval of new products or additional indications for 
existing products, or are significantly delayed or limited in doing so, our revenue growth will be adversely affected, we may 
experience surplus inventory, our business may be materially harmed and we may need to significantly curtail operations. 

Because the target patient populations of Kanuma and Stensiq are small and have not been definitively determined, we must 
be able to successfully identify patients in order to maintain growth.

Kanuma and Stensiq are currently approved to treat ultra-rare diseases with small patient populations that have not been 

definitively determined. There can be no guarantee that any of our programs will be effective at identifying patients and the 
number of patients in the United States, Japan and Europe and elsewhere may turn out to be lower than expected, may not be 
otherwise amenable to treatment with Kanuma and Stensiq, or new patients may become increasingly difficult to identify, all of 
which would adversely affect our results of operations and our business.  

26

  
 
Sales of our products depend on reimbursement by government health administration authorities, private health insurers 
and other organizations. If we are unable to obtain, or maintain at anticipated levels, reimbursement for our products, or 
coverage is reduced, our pricing may be affected or our product sales, results of operations or financial condition could be 
harmed.

We may not be able to sell our products on a profitable basis or our profitability may be reduced if we are required to sell 

our products at lower than anticipated prices or reimbursement is unavailable or limited in scope or amount. Our products are 
significantly more expensive than traditional drug treatments and almost all patients require some form of third party coverage 
to afford their cost. We depend, to a significant extent, on governmental payers, such as Medicare and Medicaid in the U.S. or 
country specific governmental organizations in foreign countries, and private third-party payers to defray the cost of our 
products to patients. These entities may refuse to provide coverage and reimbursement, determine to provide a lower level of 
coverage and reimbursement than anticipated, or reduce previously approved levels of coverage and reimbursement, including 
in the form of higher mandatory rebates or modified pricing terms.  

 In certain countries where we sell or are seeking or may seek to commercialize our products, pricing, coverage and level 

of reimbursement or funding of prescription drugs are subject to governmental control. We may be unable to timely or 
successfully negotiate coverage, pricing and reimbursement on terms that are favorable to us, or such coverage, pricing, and 
reimbursement may differ in separate regions in the same country. In some foreign countries, the proposed pricing for a drug 
must be approved before it may be lawfully marketed. As discussed above in the subsection entitled “Pharmaceutical Pricing 
and Reimbursement,” the requirements governing drug pricing vary widely from country to country, which may include a 
combination of distinct potential payers, including private insurance and governmental payers as well as a HTA assessment of 
medicinal products for pricing and reimbursement methodologies. Therefore, we may not successfully conclude the necessary 
processes and commercialize our products in every, or even most countries in which we seek to sell our products.  

A significant reduction in the amount of reimbursement or pricing for our products in one or more countries may reduce 

our profitability and adversely affect our financial condition. Certain countries establish pricing and reimbursement amounts by 
reference to the price of the same or similar products in other countries. Therefore, if coverage or the level of reimbursement is 
limited in one or more countries, we may be unable to obtain or maintain anticipated pricing or reimbursement in current or 
new territories. In the U.S., the EU member states, and elsewhere, there have been, and we expect there will continue to be, 
efforts to control and reduce healthcare costs. In the U.S. for example, the price of drugs has come under intense scrutiny by the 
U.S. Congress. Third party payers decide which drugs they will pay for and establish reimbursement and co-payment levels. 
Government and other third-party payers are increasingly challenging the prices charged for healthcare products, examining the 
cost effectiveness of drugs in addition to their safety and efficacy, and limiting or attempting to limit both coverage and the 
level of reimbursement for prescription drugs. See additional discussion below under the headings “Changes in healthcare law 
and implementing regulations, including those based on recently enacted legislation, as well as changes in healthcare policy and 
government initiatives that affect coverage and reimbursement of drug products may impact our business in ways that we 
cannot currently predict and these changes could adversely affect our business and financial condition” and “The credit and 
financial market conditions may aggravate certain risks affecting our business.”  

The potential increase in the number of patients receiving Soliris may cause third-party payers to modify or limit 
coverage or reimbursement for Soliris for the treatment of PNH, aHUS, or both indications. To the extent we are successful in 
developing Soliris for indications other than PNH and aHUS, the potential increase in the number of patients receiving Soliris 
may cause third-party payers to refuse or limit coverage or reimbursement for Soliris for the treatment of PNH, aHUS or for 
any other approved indication, or provide a lower level of coverage or reimbursement than anticipated or currently in effect.  

As discussed above in the subsection entitled “Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement,” health insurance programs 
may restrict coverage of some products by using payer formularies under which only selected drugs are covered, variable co-
payments that make drugs that are not preferred by the payer more expensive for patients, and by using utilization management 
controls, such as requirements for prior authorization or failure first on another type of treatment. Payers may especially impose 
these obstacles to coverage for higher-priced drugs, and consequently our products may be subject to payer-driven restrictions.  
Additionally, U.S. payers are increasingly considering new metrics as the basis for reimbursement rates.

In countries where patients have access to insurance, their insurance co-payment amounts or other benefit limits may 
represent a barrier to obtaining or continuing Soliris. We have financially supported non-profit organizations that assist patients 
in accessing treatment for PNH and aHUS, including Soliris. Such organizations assist patients whose insurance coverage 
imposes prohibitive co-payment amounts or other expensive financial obligations. Such organizations’ ability to provide 
assistance to patients is dependent on funding from external sources, and we cannot guarantee that such funding will be 
provided at adequate levels, if at all. We have also provided our products without charge to patients who have no insurance 
coverage for drugs through related charitable purposes. We are not able to predict the financial impact of the support we may 
provide for these and other charitable purposes; however, substantial support could have a material adverse effect on our 
profitability in the future.  

27

Our commercial success depends on obtaining and maintaining reimbursement at anticipated levels reimbursement for 

our products. It may be difficult to project the impact of evolving reimbursement mechanics on the willingness of payers to 
cover our products. If we are unable to obtain or maintain coverage, or coverage is reduced in one or more countries, our 
pricing may be affected or our product sales, results of operations or financial condition could be harmed.

We may not be able to maintain market acceptance of our products among the medical community or patients, or gain 
market acceptance of our products in the future, which could prevent us from maintaining profitability or growth.

We cannot be certain that our products will maintain market acceptance in a particular country among physicians, 
patients, healthcare payers, and others. Although we have received regulatory approval of our products in certain territories, 
such approvals do not guarantee future revenue. We cannot predict whether physicians, other healthcare providers, government 
agencies or private insurers will determine or continue to accept that our products are safe and therapeutically effective relative 
to their cost. Physicians’ willingness to prescribe, and patients’ willingness to accept, our products, depends on many factors, 
including prevalence and severity of adverse side effects in both clinical trials and commercial use, the timing of the market 
introduction of competitive drugs, lower demonstrated clinical safety and efficacy compared to other drugs, perceived lack of 
cost-effectiveness, pricing and lack of availability of reimbursement from third-party payers, convenience and ease of 
administration, effectiveness of our marketing strategy, publicity concerning the product, our other product candidates and 
availability of alternative treatments, including bone marrow transplant as an alternative treatment for PNH. The likelihood of 
physicians to prescribe Soliris for patients with aHUS may also depend on how quickly Soliris can be delivered to the hospital 
or clinic and our distribution methods may not be sufficient to satisfy this need. In addition, we are aware that medical doctors 
have determined not to continue Soliris treatment for some patients with aHUS.

If our products fail to achieve or maintain market acceptance among the medical community or patients in a particular 

country, we may not be able to market and sell our products successfully in such country, which would limit our ability to 
generate revenue and could harm our overall business.

Manufacturing issues at our facilities or the facilities of our third party service providers could cause product shortages, 
stop or delay commercialization of our products, disrupt or delay our clinical trials or regulatory approvals, and adversely 
affect our business.

The manufacture of our products and our product candidates is highly regulated, complex and difficult, requiring a multi-

step controlled process and even minor problems or deviations could result in defects or failures. We have limited experience 
manufacturing commercial quantities of Strensiq and Kanuma. Only a small number of companies have the ability and capacity 
to manufacture our products for our development and commercialization needs. Due to the highly technical requirements of 
manufacturing our products and the strict quality and control specifications, we and our third party providers may be unable to 
manufacture or supply our products despite our and their efforts. Failure to produce sufficient quantities of our products and 
product candidates could result in lost revenue, diminish our profitability, delay the development of our product candidates, or 
result in supply shortages for our patients, which may lead to lawsuits or could accelerate introduction of competing products to 
the market. 

The manufacture of our products and product candidates is at high risk of product loss due to contamination, equipment 

malfunctions, human error, or raw material shortages. Deviations from established manufacturing processes could result in 
reduced production yields, product defects and other supply disruptions. If microbial, viral or other contaminations are 
discovered in our products or manufacturing facilities, we may need to close our manufacturing facilities for an extended period 
of time to investigate and remediate the contaminant. The occurrence of any such event could adversely affect our ability to 
satisfy demand for any of our products, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results.    

Many additional factors could cause production interruptions at our facilities or at the facilities of our third party 

providers, including natural disasters, labor disputes, acts of terrorism or war. The occurrence of any such event could adversely 
affect our ability to satisfy demand for Soliris, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results.  

We expect that the demand for Soliris will increase. We may underestimate demand for Soliris or any of our products, or 

experience product interruptions at Alexion’s internal manufacturing facilities or a facility of a third party provider, including as 
a result of risks and uncertainties described in this report.  

We and our third party providers are required to maintain compliance with cGMP and other stringent requirements and 
are subject to inspections by the FDA and comparable agencies in other jurisdictions to confirm such compliance. Any delay, 
interruption or other issues that arise in the manufacture, fill-finish, packaging, or storage of our products as a result of a failure 
of our facilities or the facilities or operations of third parties to pass any regulatory agency inspection could significantly impair 
our ability to supply our products and product candidates. Significant noncompliance could also result in the imposition of 
monetary penalties or other civil or criminal sanctions and damage our reputation. 

We rely on one to two facilities to manufacture each of our products. We are authorized to sell Soliris that is manufactured 
by Lonza and at ARIMF in the U.S., the EU, Japan and certain other territories. However, manufacturing Soliris for commercial 

28

sale in certain other territories may only be performed at a single facility in some cases until such time as we have received the 
required regulatory approval for an additional facility, if ever, however in certain territories only a single manufacturing facility 
may be registered and we will continue to rely on a single manufacturing facility in such instances. We will continue to depend 
entirely on one facility to manufacture Soliris for commercial sale in such other territories until that time. We also depend 
entirely on one facility to manufacture Strensiq and on one facility for the purification of Kanuma for commercial sale. 
Regarding Kanuma, we rely on two animal facilities to produce the starting material, and a single manufacturing facility to 
manufacture the drug product.

We depend on a very limited number of third party providers for supply chain services with respect to our clinical and 

commercial product requirements, including product filling, finishing, packaging, and labeling. Our third party providers 
operate as independent entities and we do not have control over any third party provider’s compliance with our internal or 
external specifications or the rules and regulations of regulatory agencies, including the FDA, competent authorities of the EU 
member states, or any other applicable regulations or standards.   

Any difficulties or delays in our third party manufacturing, or any failure of our third party providers to comply with our 

internal and external specifications or any applicable rules, regulations and standards could increase our costs, constrain our 
ability to satisfy demand for our products from customers, cause us to lose revenue or incur penalties for failure to deliver 
product, make us postpone or cancel clinical trials, or cause our products to be recalled or withdrawn, such as the voluntary 
recalls that we initiated in 2013 and 2014 due to the presence of visible particles in a limited number of vials in specific lots.  
Even if we are able to find alternatives they may ultimately be insufficient for our needs. No guarantee can be made that 
regulators will approve additional third party providers in a timely manner or at all, or that any third party providers will be able 
to perform services for sufficient product volumes for any country or territory. Further, due to the nature of the current market 
for third-party commercial manufacturing, many arrangements require substantial penalty payments by the customer for failure 
to use the manufacturing capacity for which it contracted. Penalty payments under these agreements typically decrease over the 
life of the agreement, and may be substantial initially and de minimis or non-existent in the final period. The payment of a 
substantial penalty could harm our financial condition.

It can take longer than five years to build and validate a new manufacturing facility and it can take longer than three years 

to qualify and validate a new contract manufacturer. We have completed the build-out of a fill-finish facility in Ireland to 
support global drug product manufacture or vial fill finish of Soliris and Alexion’s other clinical and commercial products. We 
cannot guarantee that this facility will receive the necessary global regulatory approvals in a timely manner and we will 
continue to rely on appropriate third parties to supplement our fill finish operations until that time.   We also completed 
construction of a new facility in Dublin, Ireland in the fourth quarter of 2015, which is comprised of laboratories, packaging 
and warehousing operations and we intend to make significant further investment in this facility for the manufacture our 
products. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to successfully and timely complete the appropriate validation processes or 
obtain the necessary regulatory approvals, or that we will be able to perform the intended supply chain services at either of 
these facilities for commercial or clinical use. 

Certain of the raw materials required in the manufacture and the formulation of our products are derived from biological 

sources. Such raw materials are difficult to procure and may be subject to contamination or recall. Access to and supply of 
sufficient quantities of raw materials which meet the technical specifications for the production process is challenging, and 
often limited to single-source suppliers. Finding an alternative supplier could take a significant amount of time and involve 
significant expense due to the nature of the products and the need to obtain regulatory approvals. The failure of these single-
source suppliers to supply adequate quantities of raw materials for the production process in a timely manner may impact our 
ability to produce sufficient quantities of our products for clinical or commercial requirements. A material shortage, 
contamination, recall, or restriction on the use of certain biologically derived substances or any raw material used in the 
manufacture of our products could adversely impact or disrupt manufacturing.  

In addition, Kanuma is a transgenic product. It is produced in the egg whites of genetically modified chickens who receive 

copies of the human lysosomal acid lipase gene to produce recombinant human lysosomal acid lipase. The facilities on which 
we rely to produce raw material for recombinant lysosomal acid lipase are the only animal facilities in the world that produces 
the necessary egg whites from transgenic chickens. Natural disasters, disease, such as exotic Newcastle disease or avian 
influenza, or other catastrophic events could have a significant impact on the supply of unpurified Kanuma, or destroy 
Alexion’s animal operations altogether. If our animal operations are disrupted or destroyed, it will be extremely difficult to set 
up another animal facility to supply the unpurified Kanuma. This would adversely affect our ability to satisfy demand for 
Kanuma, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results.

Any adverse developments affecting our manufacturing operations or the operations of our third-party providers could 

result in a product shortage of clinical or commercial requirements, withdrawal of our product candidates or any approved 
products, shipment delays, lot failures, or recalls. We may also have to write-off inventory and incur other charges and expenses 
for products that fail to meet specifications, undertake costly remediation efforts or seek more costly manufacturing 

29

alternatives. Such manufacturing issues could increase our cost of goods, cause us to lose revenue, reduce our profitability or 
damage our reputation.

We operate in a highly regulated industry and if we or our third party providers fail to comply with U.S. and foreign 
regulations, we or our third party providers could lose our approvals to market our products or our product candidates, and 
our business would be seriously harmed.

We and our current and future partners, contract manufacturers and suppliers are subject to rigorous and extensive 
regulation by governmental authorities around the world, including the FDA, EMA, the competent authorities of the EU 
member states, and MHLW. If we or a regulatory agency discover previously unknown problems with a product, such as 
adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, or problems with the facility where the product is manufactured, or in the 
case of Kanuma, problems with animal operations, a regulatory agency may impose restrictions on that product, the 
manufacturing facility or us. For example, in March 2013, we received a Warning Letter from the FDA relating to compliance 
with FDA’s cGMP requirements at ARIMF. We are working with the FDA to resolve the issues identified in the Warning Letter. 
Failure to address the FDA’s concerns may lead the FDA or other regulatory authorities to take regulatory action, including 
fines, civil penalties, recalls, seizure of product, suspension of manufacturing operations, operating restrictions, injunctions, 
withdrawal of FDA approval, and/or criminal prosecution. 

If we do not resolve outstanding concerns expressed by the FDA in the Warning Letter and the Form 483s to the 
satisfaction of the FDA, EMA or any other regulatory agency, or we or our third-party providers, including our product fill-
finish providers, packagers and labelers, fail to comply fully with applicable regulations, then we may be required to initiate a 
recall or withdrawal of our products. Like our contract manufacturers’ manufacturing operations, our animal operations will 
also be subject to FDA inspection to evaluate whether our animal husbandry, containment, personnel, and record keeping 
practices are sufficient to ensure safety and security of our transgenic chickens and animal products (e.g., eggs, waste, etc.).  
Our animal operations may also be subject to inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service (USDA APHIS), the agency responsible for administering the Animal Welfare Act.  Any failure to ensure 
safety and security of our transgenic chickens and/or animal products could result in regulatory action by the FDA or another 
regulatory body, including USDA APHIS.    

The safety profile of any product continues to be closely monitored by the FDA and other foreign regulatory authorities 
after approval.  Regulations continue to apply after product approval, and cover, among other things, testing, manufacturing, 
quality control, finishing, filling, labeling, advertising, promotion, risk mitigation, adverse event reporting requirements, and 
export of biologics. For example, the risk management program established in 2007 upon the FDA’s approval of Soliris for the 
treatment of PNH was replaced with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program, approved by the FDA in 
2010, and further revised in December 2015 concerning prescribing information regarding the level of fever needed to seek 
medical attention and reporting adverse events. Future changes to the Soliris REMS could be costly and burdensome to 
implement.  

 We are required to report any serious and unexpected adverse experiences and certain quality problems with our products 
to the FDA, the EMA, and other health agencies. We or any health agency may have to notify healthcare providers of any such 
developments. Non-compliance with safety reporting requirements could result in regulatory action that may include civil 
action or criminal penalties. Regulatory agencies inspect our pharmacovigilance processes, including our adverse event 
reporting. If regulatory agencies determine that we or other parties, including clinical trial investigators, have not complied with 
the applicable reporting or other pharmacovigilance requirements, we may become subject to additional inspections, warning 
letters or other enforcement actions, including monetary fines, marketing authorization withdrawal and other penalties. 

As a condition of approval for marketing our products, governmental authorities may require us to conduct additional 
studies. In connection with the approval of Soliris in the U.S., EU and Japan, for the treatment of PNH, we agreed to establish a 
PNH Registry, monitor immunogenicity, monitor compliance with vaccination requirements, and determine the effects of 
anticoagulant withdrawal among PNH patients receiving eculizumab, and, specifically in Japan, we agreed to conduct a trial in 
a limited number of Japanese PNH patients to evaluate the safety of a meningococcal vaccine. In connection with the approval 
of Soliris in the U.S. for the treatment of aHUS, we agreed to establish an aHUS Registry and complete additional human 
clinical studies in adult and pediatric patients. Furthermore, in connection with the approval of Strensiq in the U.S., we agreed 
to conduct a prospective observational study in treated patients to assess the long-term safety of Strensiq therapy and to develop 
complementary assays. Similarly, in connection with the approval of Kanuma in the U.S., we have agreed to conduct a long-
term observational study of treated patients, either as a standalone study or as a component of the existing LAL Registry. In the 
EU, in connection with the grant of authorization for Strensiq, we agreed to conduct a multicenter, randomized, open-label, 
Phase 2a study of Strensiq in patients with HPP and to extend the studies ENB-008-10 and ENB-009-10 to provide efficacy 
data in patients 13 to 18 years of age. We also agreed to set up an observational, longitudinal, prospective, long-term registry of 
patients with HPP to collect information on the epidemiology of the disease, including clinical outcomes and quality of life, and 
to evaluate safety and effectiveness data in patients treated with Strensiq. In the U.S., the FDA can also propose to withdraw 

30

approval for a product if it determines that such additional studies are inadequate or if new clinical data or information shows 
that a product is not safe for use in an approved indication.

Failure to comply with the laws and requirements, including statutes and regulations, administered by the FDA, the EC, 

the competent authorities of the EU member states, the MHLW or other agencies, including without limitation, failures or 
delays in resolving the concerns raised by the FDA in the Warning Letter, could result in:  

•  a product recall;
•  a product withdrawal;
•  significant administrative and judicial sanctions, including, warning letters or untitled letters;
•  significant fines and other civil penalties;
•  suspension, variation or withdrawal of a previously granted approval for Soliris;
• 
•  operating restrictions, such as a shutdown of production facilities or production lines, or new manufacturing 

interruption of production;

requirements;

•  suspension of ongoing clinical trials;
•  delays in approving or refusal to approve our products including pending BLAs or BLA supplements for our products 

or a facility that manufactures our products;

•  seizing or detaining product;
• 

requiring us or our partners to enter into a consent decree, which can include imposition of various fines, 
reimbursements for inspection costs, required due dates for specific actions and penalties for noncompliance; 
injunctions; and/or
• 
•  criminal prosecution.

If the use of our products harms people, or is perceived to harm patients even when such harm is unrelated to our products, 
our regulatory approvals could be revoked or otherwise negatively impacted and we could be subject to costly and damaging 
product liability claims.

The testing, manufacturing, marketing and sale of drugs for use in humans exposes us to product liability risks. Side 

effects and other problems from using our products could (1) lessen the frequency with which physicians decide to prescribe 
our products, (2) encourage physicians to stop prescribing our products to their patients who previously had been prescribed our 
products, (3) cause serious adverse events and give rise to product liability claims against us, and (4) result in our need to 
withdraw or recall our products from the marketplace. Some of these risks are unknown at this time.

Our products and our product candidates treat patients with ultra-rare diseases. We generally test our products in only a 

small number of patients. For example, the FDA marketing approval for the treatment of patients with aHUS was based on two 
prospective studies in a total of 37 adult and adolescent patients, together with a retrospective study that included 19 pediatric 
patients. As more patients use our products, including more children and adolescents, new risks and side effects may be 
discovered, the rate of known risks or side effects may increase, and risks previously viewed as less significant could be 
determined to be significant. Previously unknown risks and adverse effects may also be discovered in connection with 
unapproved uses of our products, which may include administration of our products under acute emergency conditions, such as 
the Enterohemorrhagic E. coli health crisis in Europe, primarily Germany, which began in May 2011. We do not promote, or in 
any way support or encourage the promotion of our products for unapproved uses in violation of applicable law, but physicians 
are permitted to use products for unapproved purposes and we are aware of such uses of Soliris. In addition, we are studying 
and expect to continue to study Soliris in diseases other than PNH and aHUS in controlled clinical settings, and independent 
investigators are doing so as well. In the event of any new risks or adverse effects discovered as new patients are treated for 
approved indications, or as our products are studied in or used by patients for other indications, regulatory authorities may 
delay or revoke their approvals, we may be required to conduct additional clinical trials and safety studies, make changes in 
labeling, reformulate our products or make changes and obtain new approvals for our and our suppliers’ manufacturing 
facilities. We may also experience a significant drop in potential sales, experience harm to our reputation and the reputation of 
our products in the marketplace or become subject to lawsuits, including class actions. Any of these results could decrease or 
prevent any sales or substantially increase the costs and expenses of commercializing and marketing our products.

We may be sued by people who use our products, whether as a prescribed therapy, during a clinical trial, during an 
investigator initiated study, or otherwise. Many patients who use our products are already very ill. Any informed consents or 
waivers obtained from people who enroll in our trials or use our products may not protect us from liability or litigation. Our 
product liability insurance may not cover all potential types of liabilities or may not cover certain liabilities completely.  
Moreover, we may not be able to maintain our insurance on acceptable terms. In addition, negative publicity relating to the use 
of our products or a product candidate, or to a product liability claim, may make it more difficult, or impossible, for us to 
market and sell. As a result of these factors, a product liability claim, even if successfully defended, could have a material 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

31

Patients who use our products already often have severe and advanced stages of disease and known as well as unknown 

significant pre-existing and potentially life-threatening health risks. During the course of treatment, patients may suffer adverse 
events, including death, for reasons that may or may not be related to our products. Some patients treated with our products, 
including patients who have participated in our clinical trials, have died or suffered potentially life-threatening diseases either 
during or after ending their treatments. Patients who delay or miss a dose or discontinue treatment may also experience 
complications, including death. Such events could subject us to costly litigation, require us to pay substantial amounts of money 
to injured patients, delay, negatively impact or end our opportunity to receive or maintain regulatory approval to market our 
products, or require us to suspend or abandon our commercialization efforts. Even in a circumstance in which we do not believe 
that an adverse event is related to our products, the investigation into the circumstance may be time consuming or inconclusive. 
These investigations may interrupt our sales efforts, delay our regulatory approval process in other countries, or impact and 
limit the type of regulatory approvals that our products receive or maintain.

  For example, use of C5 Inhibitors, such as Soliris, is associated with an increased risk for certain types of infection, 
including meningococcal infection. Under controlled settings, patients in our eculizumab trials all receive vaccination against 
meningococcal infection prior to first administration of Soliris and patients who are prescribed Soliris in most countries are 
required by prescribing guidelines to be vaccinated prior to receiving their first dose. A physician may not have the opportunity 
to timely vaccinate a patient in the event of an acute emergency episode, such as in a patient presenting with aHUS or during 
the health crisis that began in May 2011 in Europe, principally in Germany, due to the epidemic of infections from 
Enterohemorrhagic E. coli. Vaccination does not, however, eliminate all risk of meningococcal infection. Additionally, in some 
countries there may not be any vaccine approved for general use or approved for use in infants and children. Some patients 
treated with Soliris who had been vaccinated have nonetheless experienced meningococcal infection, including patients who 
have suffered serious illness or death. Each such incident is required to be reported to appropriate regulatory agencies in 
accordance with relevant regulations.

Clinical evaluations of outcomes in the post-marketing setting are required to be reported to appropriate regulatory 
agencies in accordance with relevant regulations. Determination of significant complications associated with the delay or 
discontinuation of our products could have a material adverse effect on our ability to sell our products.

If we are unable to establish and maintain effective sales, marketing and distribution capabilities, or to enter into 
agreements with third parties to do so, we will be unable to successfully commercialize our products.

We are marketing and selling our products ourselves in the U.S., Europe, Japan and several other territories.  Strensiq and 

Kanuma were approved in 2015, are in the early stages of commercial launch and are the second and third new product 
launches in Alexion’s history. If we are unable to establish and/or expand our capabilities to sell, market and distribute our 
products, either through our own capabilities or by entering into agreements with others, or to maintain such capabilities in 
countries where we have already commenced commercial sales, we will not be able to successfully sell our products. In that 
event, we will not be able to generate significant revenues. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to establish and maintain 
our own capabilities or enter into and maintain any marketing or distribution agreements with third-party providers on 
acceptable terms, if at all. Even if we hire the qualified sales and marketing personnel we need to support our objectives, or 
enter into marketing and distribution agreements with third parties on acceptable terms, we may not do so in an efficient 
manner or on a timely basis. We may not be able to correctly judge the size and experience of the sales and marketing force and 
the scale of distribution capabilities necessary to successfully market and sell our products. Establishing and maintaining sales, 
marketing and distribution capabilities are competitive, expensive and time-consuming. Our expenses associated with building 
up and maintaining the sales force and distribution capabilities around the world may be disproportionate compared to the 
revenues we may be able to generate on sales. We cannot guarantee that we will be successful in commercializing any of our 
products.

If we fail to comply with laws or regulations, we may be subject to investigations and civil or criminal penalties and our 
business could be adversely affected. 

In addition to FDA and related regulatory requirements, we are subject to healthcare “fraud and abuse” laws, such as the 
federal False Claims Act (FCA), the anti-kickback provisions of the federal Social Security Act, and other related federal laws 
and regulations. As discussed above in the subsection entitled “Fraud and Abuse,” the federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits, 
among other things, knowingly and willfully offering, paying, soliciting or receiving any remuneration, directly or indirectly, in 
cash or in kind to induce, or reward the purchasing, leasing, ordering or arranging for or recommending the purchase, lease or 
order of any healthcare item or service reimbursable under Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal healthcare programs. Liability 
may be established without a person or entity having actual knowledge of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute or specific intent to 
violate it. A conviction for violation of the Anti-kickback Statute requires mandatory exclusion from participation in federal 
healthcare programs. The majority of states also have statutes similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and false claims laws 
that apply to items and services reimbursed under Medicaid and other state programs, or, in several states, apply regardless of 
the payer. We seek to comply with the anti-kickback laws and with the available statutory exemptions and safe harbors.  
However, our practices may not in all cases fit within the safe harbors, and our practices may therefore be subject to scrutiny on 

32

a case-by-case basis. As discussed above in the subsection entitled “Fraud and Abuse,” the FCA prohibits any person from 
knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, a false or fraudulent claim for payment of government funds, or knowingly 
making, using or causing to be made or used, a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim. Pharmaceutical 
companies have been investigated and have reached substantial financial settlements with the Federal government under the 
FCA for a variety of alleged promotional and marketing activities, such as allegedly providing free product to customers with 
the expectation that the customers would bill federal programs for the product; providing consulting fees and other benefits to 
physicians to induce them to prescribe products; engaging in promotion for uses that the FDA has not approved, or “off-label” 
uses; and submitting inflated best price information to the Medicaid Rebate Program. We seek to comply with the FCA laws, 
but we cannot assure that our compliance program, policies and procedures will always protect Alexion from acts committed by 
its employees or third-party distributors or service providers. Violations of U.S. federal and state fraud and abuse laws may 
result in criminal, civil and administrative sanctions, including fines, damages, civil monetary penalties and exclusion from 
federal healthcare programs (including Medicare and Medicaid). 

Although physicians in the U.S. are permitted to, based on their medical judgment, prescribe products for indications 
other than those cleared or approved by the FDA, manufacturers are prohibited from promoting their products for such off-label 
uses. In the U.S., we market our products for their approved uses. Although we believe our marketing materials and training 
programs for physicians do not constitute improper promotion, the FDA, the U.S. Justice Department, or other federal or state 
government agencies may disagree. If the FDA or other government agencies determine that our promotional materials, training 
or other activities constitute improper promotion of any of our products, it could request that we modify our training or 
promotional materials or other activities or subject us to regulatory enforcement actions, including the issuance of a warning 
letter, injunction, seizure, civil fine and criminal penalties. It is also possible that other federal or state enforcement authorities 
might take action if they believe that the alleged improper promotion led to the submission and payment of claims for an 
unapproved use, which could result in significant fines or penalties under other statutory authorities, such as laws prohibiting 
false or fraudulent claims for payment of government funds.  

As discussed above in the subsection entitled “Other Regulations,” the EU imposes similar strict restrictions on the 
promotion and marketing of drug products. The off-label promotion of medicinal products is prohibited in the EU and in other 
territories. The promotion of medicinal products that are not subject to a marketing authorization is also prohibited in the EU. 
Violations of the rules governing the promotion of medicinal products in the EU and in other territories could be penalized by 
administrative measures, fines and imprisonment.

As discussed above in the subsection entitled “Other Regulations,” we are subject to FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act, and 
other anti-corruption laws and regulations that generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper 
payments to government officials and/or other persons for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business and we operate in 
countries that are recognized as having a greater potential for governmental and commercial corruption. We cannot assure that 
our compliance program, policies and procedures will always protect Alexion from acts committed by its employees or third-
party distributors or service providers.

In May 2015, we received a subpoena in connection with an investigation by the Enforcement Division of the SEC 
requesting information related to our grant-making activities and compliance with the FCPA in various countries. The SEC also 
seeks information related to Alexion’s recalls of specific lots of Soliris and related securities disclosures. In addition, in October 
2015, Alexion received a request from the DOJ for the voluntary production of documents and other information pertaining to 
Alexion’s compliance with the FCPA and in December 2016, we received a subpoena from the USAO for the District of 
Massachusetts requesting documents relating generally to our support of 501(c)(3) organizations that provide financial 
assistance to Medicare patients, Alexion’s provision of free drug to Medicare patients and Alexion’s related compliance policies 
and training materials. Alexion is cooperating with these investigations. At this time, Alexion is unable to predict the duration, 
scope or outcome of these investigations.

Any determination that our operations or activities are not, or were not, in compliance with existing U.S. or foreign laws 
or regulations, including by the SEC or DOJ pursuant to its investigation of our compliance with the FCPA and other matters, 
could result in the imposition  of a broad range of civil and criminal sanctions against Alexion and certain of our directors, 
officers and/or  employees, including injunctive relief, disgorgement, substantial fines or penalties, imprisonment, and other 
legal or equitable sanctions. Additionally, we could experience interruptions of business, harm to our reputation, debarment 
from government contracts, loss of supplier, vendor or other third-party relationships, and necessary licenses and permits could 
be terminated. Other internal or government investigations or legal or regulatory proceedings, including lawsuits brought by 
private litigants, may also follow as a consequence. Cooperating with and responding to the SEC and the DOJ in connection 
with its investigation of our FCPA practices and other matters, as well as responding to any future U.S. or foreign governmental 
investigation or whistleblower lawsuit, could result in substantial expenses, and could divert management’s attention from other 
business concerns and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and growth prospects.

33

Completion of preclinical studies or clinical trials does not guarantee advancement to the next phase of development.

Completion of preclinical studies or clinical trials does not guarantee that we will initiate additional studies or trials for 

our product candidates, that if further studies or trials are initiated what the scope and phase of the trial will be or that they will 
be completed, or that if these further studies or trials are completed, that the design or results will provide a sufficient basis to 
apply for or receive regulatory approvals or to commercialize products. Results of clinical trials could be inconclusive, 
requiring additional or repeat trials. Data obtained from preclinical studies and clinical trials are subject to varying 
interpretations that could delay, limit or prevent regulatory approval. If the design or results achieved in our clinical trials are 
insufficient to proceed to further trials or to regulatory approval of our product candidates, our company could be materially 
adversely affected. Failure of a clinical trial to achieve its pre-specified primary endpoint, such as the Phase III Soliris trial for 
gMG that we announced in June 2016, generally increases the likelihood that additional studies or trials will be required if we 
determine to continue development of the product candidate, reduces the likelihood of timely development of and regulatory 
approval to market the product candidate, and may decrease the chances for successfully achieving the primary endpoint in 
scientifically similar indications.

Our clinical studies may be costly and lengthy, and there are many reasons why drug testing could be delayed or terminated.

For human trials, patients must be recruited and each product candidate must be tested at various doses and formulations 
for each clinical indication. In addition, to ensure safety and effectiveness, the effect of drugs often must be studied over a long 
period of time, especially for the chronic diseases that we are studying. Many of our programs focus on diseases with small 
patient populations making patient enrollment difficult. Insufficient patient enrollment in our clinical trials could delay or cause 
us to abandon a product development program. We may decide to abandon development of a product candidate or a study at 
any time due to unfavorable results or other reasons, or we may have to spend considerable resources repeating clinical trials or 
conducting additional trials, either of which would increase costs and delay any revenue from those product candidates, if any. 
We may open clinical sites and enroll patients in countries where we have little experience. We rely on a small number of 
clinical research organizations to carry out our clinical trial related activities, and one CRO is responsible for many of our 
studies. We rely on such parties to accurately report their results. Our reliance on CROs may impact our ability to control the 
timing, conduct, expense and quality of our clinical trials.

 Additional factors that can cause delay, impairment or termination of our clinical trials or our product development efforts 

include:

•  delay or failure in obtaining institutional review board (IRB), approval or the approval of other reviewing entities to 

conduct a clinical trial at each site;

•  delay or failure in reaching agreement on acceptable terms with prospective contract research organizations (CROs), 
and clinical trial sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among 
different CROs and trial sites;

•  withdrawal of clinical trial sites from our clinical trials as a result of changing standards of care or the ineligibility of a 

site to participate in our clinical trials;

•  clinical sites and investigators deviating from trial protocol, failing to conduct the trial in accordance with regulatory 

requirements, or dropping out of a trial;

long treatment time required to demonstrate effectiveness;
lack of sufficient supplies of the product candidate;

•  slow patient enrollment, including, for example, due to the rarity of the disease being studied;
•  delay or failure in having patients complete a trial or return for post-treatment follow-up;
• 
• 
•  disruption of operations at the clinical trial sites;
•  adverse medical events or side effects in treated patients, and the threat of legal claims and litigation alleging injuries;
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

failure of patients taking the placebo to continue to participate in our clinical trials;
insufficient clinical trial data to support effectiveness of the product candidates;
lack of effectiveness or safety of the product candidate being tested;
lack of sufficient funds;
inability to meet required specifications or to manufacture sufficient quantities of the product candidate for 
development or commercialization activities in a timely and cost-efficient manner; 

•  decisions by regulatory authorities, the IRB, ethics committee, or us, or recommendation by a data safety monitoring 

• 

board, to suspend or terminate clinical trials at any time for safety issues or for any other reason;
failure to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals for the product candidate or the approvals for the facilities in 
which such product candidate is manufactured; and

•  decisions by competent authorities, IRBs or ethics committees to demand variations in protocols or conduct of clinical 

trials.

34

Risks Related to Intellectual Property

If we cannot obtain new patents, maintain our existing patents and protect the confidentiality and proprietary nature of our 
trade secrets and other intellectual property, our business and competitive position will be harmed.

Our success will depend in part on our ability to obtain and maintain patent and regulatory protections for our products 

and investigational compounds, to preserve our trade secrets and other proprietary rights, to operate without infringing the 
proprietary rights of third parties, and to prevent third parties from circumventing our rights. Due to the time and expense of 
bringing new products through development and regulatory approval to the marketplace, there is particular importance in 
obtaining patent and trade secret protection for significant new technologies, products and processes.  

We have and may in the future obtain patents or the right to practice patents through ownership or license. Our patent 
applications may not result in the issue of patents in the U.S. or other countries. Our patents may not afford adequate protection 
for our products. Third parties may challenge our patents, and have challenged our patents in the past. If any of our patents are 
narrowed, invalidated or become unenforceable, competitors may develop and market products similar to ours that do not 
conflict with or infringe our patents rights, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. We may also 
finance and collaborate in research conducted by government organizations, hospitals, universities or other educational or 
research institutions. Such research partners may be unwilling to grant us exclusive rights to technology or products developed 
through such collaborations. There is also a risk that disputes may arise as to the rights to technology or products developed in 
collaboration with other parties. Our products and product candidates are expensive and time-consuming to test and develop. 
Even if we obtain and maintain patents, our business may be significantly harmed if the patents are not broad enough to protect 
our products from copycat products.

Significant legal questions exist concerning the extent and scope of patent protection for biopharmaceutical products and 

processes in the U.S. and elsewhere. Accordingly, there is no certainty that patent applications owned or licensed by us will 
issue as patents, or that our issued patents will afford meaningful protection against competitors. Once issued, patents are 
subject to challenge through both administrative and judicial proceedings in the U.S. and other countries. Such proceedings 
include re-examinations, inter partes reviews, post-grant reviews and interference proceedings before the U.S. Patent and 
Trademark Office, as well as opposition proceedings before the European Patent Office and other non-U.S. patent offices. 
Litigation may be required to enforce, defend or obtain our patent and other intellectual property rights. Any administrative 
proceeding or litigation could require a significant commitment of our resources and, depending on outcome, could adversely 
affect the scope, validity or enforceability of certain of our patent or other proprietary rights.

In addition, our business requires using sensitive technology, techniques and proprietary compounds that we protect as 

trade secrets. However, we may also rely heavily on collaboration with, or discuss the potential for collaboration with, 
suppliers, outside scientists and other biopharmaceutical companies. Collaboration and discussion of potential collaboration 
present a strong risk of exposing our trade secrets. If our trade secrets were exposed, it would help our competitors and 
adversely affect our business prospects.

If we are found to be infringing on patents owned by others, we may be forced to pay damages to the patent owner and/or 
obtain a license to continue the manufacture, sale or development of our products. If we cannot obtain a license, we may be 
prevented from the manufacture, sale or development of our products, which would adversely affect our business.

Parts of our technology, techniques, proprietary compounds and potential product candidates, including those which are or 

may be in-licensed, may be found to infringe patents owned by or granted to others. We previously reported that certain third 
parties filed civil lawsuits against us claiming infringement of their intellectual property rights. Each of those matters was 
resolved. However, additional third parties may claim that the manufacture, use or sale of our products or product candidates 
infringes patents owned or granted to such third parties. We have in the past received, and may in the future receive, notices 
from third parties claiming that their patents may be infringed by the development, manufacture or sale of our products or 
product candidates. We are aware of patents owned by third parties that might be claimed by such third parties to be infringed 
by the development and commercialization of our products or investigational compounds. In respect to some of these patents, 
we have obtained licenses, or expect to obtain licenses. However, with regard to other patents, we have determined in our 
judgment that:

our products and investigational compounds do not infringe the patents;
the patents are not valid or enforceable; and/or
we have identified and are testing various alternatives that should not infringe the patents and which should permit 
continued development and commercialization of our products and investigational compounds.

Any holder of these patents or other patents covering similar technology could sue us for damages and seek to prevent us 

from manufacturing, selling or developing our products. Legal disputes can be costly and time consuming to defend. If we 
cannot successfully defend against any future actions or conflicts, if they arise, we may incur substantial legal costs and may be 
liable for damages, be required to obtain costly licenses or need to stop manufacturing, using or selling our products, which 

35

would adversely affect our business. We may seek to obtain a license prior to or during legal actions in order to reduce further 
costs and the risk of a court determination that our product infringes the third party’s patents. A required license may be costly 
or may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. A costly license, or inability to obtain a necessary license, could have a 
material adverse effect on our business.

There can be no assurance that we would prevail in a patent infringement action or that we would be able to obtain a 
license to any third-party patent on commercially reasonable terms or any terms at all; successfully develop non-infringing 
alternatives on a timely basis; or license alternative non-infringing technology, if any exists, on commercially reasonable terms. 
Any impediment to our ability to manufacture, use or sell approved forms of our products or our product candidates could have 
a material adverse effect on our business and prospects.

It is possible that we could lose market exclusivity for a product earlier than expected, which would harm our competitive 
position.

In our industry, much of an innovative product’s commercial value is realized while it has market exclusivity. When 
market exclusivity expires and biosimilar or generic versions of the product are approved and marketed, there can be substantial 
decline in the innovative product’s sales.

Market exclusivity for our products is based upon patent rights and certain regulatory forms of exclusivity. The scope of 

our product patent rights vary from country to country and are dependent on the availability of meaningful legal remedies in 
each country. The failure to obtain patent and other intellectual property rights, or limitations on the use, or loss of such rights, 
could be material to our business. In some countries, patent protections for our products may not exist because certain countries 
did not historically offer the right to obtain specific types of patents or we did not file patents in those markets. Also, the patent 
environment is unpredictable and the validity and enforceability of patents cannot be predicted with certainty. Absent relevant 
patent protection for a product, once regulatory exclusivity periods expire, biosimilar or generic versions of the product can be 
approved and marketed. Even prior to the expiration of regulatory exclusivity, a competitor could seek to obtain marketing 
approval by submitting its own clinical trial data.

The market exclusivity of our products may be impacted by competitive products that are either innovative or biosimilar 

or generic copies. In our industry, the potential for biosimilar challenges has been an increasing risk to product market 
exclusivity. U.S. law includes an approval pathway for biosimilar versions of innovative biological products. Under the 
pathway, the FDA may approve products that are similar to (but not generic copies of) innovative biologics on the basis of less 
extensive data than is required for a full biologic license application. After an innovator has marketed its product for four years, 
other manufacturers may apply for approval of a biosimilar version of the innovator product. However, qualified innovative 
biological products will receive 12 years of regulatory exclusivity, meaning that the FDA may not actually approve a biosimilar 
version until 12 years after the innovative product received its approval. The law also provides a mechanism for innovators to 
enforce their patents that protect their products and for biosimilar applicants to challenge the patents. Such litigation may begin 
as early as four years after the innovative biological product is first approved by the FDA. Pathways for biosimilar products 
also exist in many other markets, including Europe and Japan.

Risks Related to Our Operations

We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to remediate this 
material weaknesses, or if we experience additional material weaknesses or deficiencies in the future or otherwise fail to 
maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition 
or results of operations, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the value of our common 
stock.

Current management concluded and the Audit Committee concurred that there was a material weakness in the Company’s 

internal controls over financial reporting because we did not maintain an effective control environment as senior management 
failed to set an appropriate “Tone at the Top.” A “material weakness” is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of 
deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement 
of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  As further described in Item 
9A “Controls and Procedures”, the aforementioned material weakness arose from actions identified during the Audit Committee 
Investigation which found that senior management applied pressure on personnel to use pull-in sales to meet targets, and such 
pressure was particularly significant during the fourth quarter 2015.  The Audit Committee Investigation also found that certain 
Company personnel engaged in inappropriate business conduct to realize pull-in sales, as a result of pressure from senior 
management.

As further described in Item 9A “Controls and Procedures-Remediation Plan and Activities”, we have undertaken steps to 
improve our internal controls over financial reporting. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in making 
the improvements necessary to remediate the material weakness identified by management, that we will do so in a timely 
manner, or that we will not identify additional control deficiencies or material weaknesses in the future. If we are unable to 

36

successfully remediate our existing or any future material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, the 
accuracy and timing of our financial reporting may be adversely affected, we may be unable to maintain compliance with 
securities laws and NASDAQ listing requirements regarding the timely filing of periodic reports, investors may lose confidence 
in our financial reporting and our stock price may decline.

We may not accurately forecast demand for our products, including our new products, which may cause our operating 
results to fluctuate, and we cannot guarantee that we will achieve our financial goals, including our ability to maintain 
profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future.  

We have maintained profitability on a quarterly basis since the quarter ended June 30, 2008 and on an annual basis 
beginning with the year ended December 31, 2008. Our quarterly revenues, expenses and net income (loss) may fluctuate, even 
significantly, due to the risks described in these “Risk Factors” as well as the timing of charges and expenses that we may take.   
We believe that we formulate our annual operating budgets with reasonable assumptions and targets, however we may not 
generate sufficient revenues or control expenses to achieve our financial goals, including continued profitability.  We may not 
be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. You should not consider our financial performance, 
including our revenue growth, in recent periods as indicative of our future performance. We may not accurately forecast 
demand for our products, especially Strensiq and Kanuma. Strensiq and Kanuma are in the early stages of commercial launch 
having each received marketing approval in 2015, and both products treat rare diseases for which there was no existing therapy 
in a new therapeutic area. Product demand is dependent on a number of factors. Our investors may have widely varying 
expectations that may be materially higher or lower than actual revenues and if our revenues are different from these 
expectations, our stock price may experience significant volatility. Our revenues are also subject to foreign exchange rate 
fluctuations due to the global nature of our operations and our results of operations could be adversely affected due to 
unfavorable foreign exchange rates. Although we use derivative instruments to manage foreign currency risk, our efforts to 
reduce currency exchange losses may not be successful. 

We have significant debt service obligations as a result of the debt we incurred to finance the acquisition of Synageva.  
Changes in interest rates related to this debt could significantly increase our annual interest expense. As we advance our most 
robust pipeline in our history and launch our second and third products worldwide, we will have substantial expenses as we 
continue our research and development efforts, continue to conduct clinical trials and continue to develop manufacturing, sales, 
marketing and distribution capabilities worldwide, some of which could be delayed, scaled-back or eliminated to achieve our 
financial objectives. 

We have also recorded, or may be required to record, charges that include inventory write-downs for failed quality 
specifications or recalls, impairments with respect to investments, fixed assets and long-lived assets, outcomes of litigation and 
other legal or administrative proceedings, regulatory matters and tax matters, and payments in connection with acquisitions and 
other business development activities, such as milestone payments.  

Each of our products is currently the only approved drug for the disease(s) the product treats.  If a competitive product is 
approved for sale, including a biosimilar or generic product, our market share and our revenues could decline, particularly 
if the competitive product is perceived to be more effective or is less expensive than our product.  

We operate in a highly competitive environment. Soliris is currently the only approved therapy for the treatment of PNH 

and aHUS. We are in advanced clinical studies of Soliris for the treatment of other diseases, and there are currently no approved 
drugs for any of these other diseases. Strensiq is currently the only product approved to treat HPP and Kanuma is the only 
product approved to treat LAL-D. In the future, Soliris may compete with new drugs currently in development, and Strensiq 
and Kanuma may also experience competition. Other companies have initiated clinical studies for the treatment of PNH and 
NMO, and we are aware of companies that are planning to initiate studies for diseases that we are also targeting. Our revenues 
could be negatively affected if patients or potential patients enroll in our clinical trials or clinical trials of other companies with 
respect to diseases that we also target with approved therapies.   

Pharmaceutical companies have publicly announced intentions to establish or develop rare disease programs and these 

companies may introduce products that are competitive with ours. These and other companies, many of which have 
significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources than us, may commercialize products that are cheaper, more 
effective, safer, or easier to administer than our products. In the future, our products may also compete with biosimilars or 
generics. We experience competition in drug development from universities and other research institutions, and pharmaceutical 
companies compete with us to attract universities and academic research institutions as drug development partners, including 
for licensing their proprietary technology. If our competitors successfully enter into such arrangements with academic 
institutions, we will be precluded from pursuing those unique opportunities and may not be able to find equivalent opportunities 
elsewhere.

37

 
If a company announces successful clinical trial results for a product that may be competitive with one of our products or 

product candidates, receives marketing approval of a competitive product, or gets to the market before we do with a 
competitive product, our business may be harmed or our stock price may decline.

If we fail to attract and retain highly qualified personnel, we may not be able to successfully develop, manufacture or 
commercialize our products or products candidates.

The success of our business is dependent in large part on our continued ability to attract and retain our senior 
management, and other highly qualified personnel in our scientific, clinical, manufacturing and commercial organizations. 
There is intense competition in the biopharmaceutical industry for these types of personnel. In December 2016, our Board 
appointed an interim CEO, and a search for a new CEO is ongoing. Our business is specialized and global and we must attract 
and retain highly qualified individuals across many geographies. We may not be able to continue to attract and retain the highly 
qualified personnel necessary for developing, manufacturing and commercializing our products and product candidates. If we 
are unsuccessful in our recruitment and retention efforts, or if our recruitment efforts take longer than anticipated, our business 
may be harmed.

If we fail to satisfy our debt service obligations or obtain the capital necessary to fund our operations, we may be unable to 
commercialize our products or continue or complete our product development.

In June 2015, we acquired Synageva and used a substantial portion of our cash on hand and incurred significant debt 

under the terms of a senior secured credit facility to finance the acquisition. In addition, we have substantial contingent 
liabilities, including milestone and royalty obligations under earlier acquisitions and strategic transactions. Our increased 
indebtedness, including increased interest expense, together with our significant contingent liabilities, could, among other 
things:  

•  make us more vulnerable to economic or industry downturns and competitive pressures; 
•  make it difficult for us to make payments on the credit facilities and require us to use cash flow from operations to 
satisfy our debt obligations, which would reduce the availability of our cash flow for other purposes, including 
business development efforts, research and development and mergers and acquisitions; 
limit our ability to incur additional debt or access the capital markets; and 
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to changes in, our business. 

• 
• 

The Credit Agreement requires us to comply with certain financial covenants on a quarterly basis and includes negative 

covenants, subject to exceptions, restricting or limiting our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things, 
incur additional indebtedness, grant liens, and engage in certain investment, acquisition and disposition transactions. If an event 
of default occurs, the interest rate would increase and the administrative agent would be entitled to take various actions, 
including the acceleration of amounts due under the Credit Agreement. 

Our ability to satisfy our obligations under the Credit Agreement and meet our debt service obligations will depend upon 
our future performance, which will be subject to financial, business and other factors affecting our operations, many of which 
are beyond our control.

We may not be able to access the capital and credit markets on terms that are favorable to us.

We may need to raise additional capital to supplement our existing funds and cash generated from operations for working 

capital, capital expenditure and debt service requirements, and other business activities. Funding needs may shift and the 
amount of capital we may need depends on many factors, including, the cost of any acquisition or any new collaborative, 
licensing or other commercial relationships that we may establish, the time and cost necessary to build our manufacturing 
facilities or enhance our manufacturing operations, the cost of obtaining and maintaining the necessary regulatory approvals for 
our manufacturing facilities, and the progress, timing and scope of our preclinical studies and clinical trials. The capital and 
credit markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption. We may not receive additional funding when we need it or 
funding may only be available on unfavorable terms. If we cannot raise adequate funds to satisfy our capital requirements, we 
may have to delay, scale-back or eliminate certain research, development, manufacturing or commercial activities.

Our business involves environmental risks and potential exposure to environmental liabilities.

 As a biopharmaceutical company, our business involves the use of certain hazardous materials in our research, 

development, manufacturing, and other activities. We and our third party providers are subject to various federal, state and local 
environmental laws and regulations concerning the handling and disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous wastes, such as 
medical and biological wastes, and emissions and discharges into the environment, such as air, soils and water sources. We also 
are subject to laws and regulations that impose liability and clean-up responsibility for releases of hazardous substances into the 
environment and a current or previous owner or operator of property may be liable for the costs of remediating its property or 
locations, without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of or caused the contamination. If an accident or 
environmental discharge occurs, or if we discover contamination caused by prior owners and operators of properties we 
acquire, we could be liable for remediation obligations, damages and fines that could exceed our insurance coverage and 

38

financial resources. Such obligations and liabilities, which to date have not been material, could have a material impact on our 
business and financial condition. Additionally, the cost of compliance with environmental and safety laws and regulations may 
increase in the future, and we may be required dedicate more resources to comply with such developments or purchase 
supplemental insurance coverage.

We are seeking to expand our business through strategic initiatives.  Our efforts to identify opportunities or complete 
transactions that satisfy our strategic criteria may not be successful, and we not realize the anticipated benefits of any 
completed acquisition or other strategic transaction.

Our business strategy includes expanding our products and capabilities. We regularly evaluate potential merger, 

acquisition, partnering and in-license opportunities that we expect will expand our pipeline or product offerings, and enhance 
our research platforms. Acquisitions of new businesses or products and in-licensing of new products may involve numerous 
risks, including:

•  substantial cash expenditures;
•  potentially dilutive issuance of equity securities;
• 

incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities, some of which may be difficult or impossible to identify at the time of 
acquisition;

•  difficulties in assimilating the operations of the acquired companies;
• 

failure of any acquired businesses or products or in-licensed products to achieve the scientific, medical, commercial or 
other results anticipated;

•  diverting our management’s attention away from other business concerns;
• 
• 

the potential loss of our key employees or key employees of the acquired companies; and
risks of entering markets in which we have limited or no direct experience.

A substantial portion of our strategic efforts are focused on opportunities for rare disorders and life-saving therapies, but 

the availability of such opportunities is limited. We may not be able to identify opportunities that satisfy our strategic criteria or 
are acceptable to us or our stockholders. Several companies have publicly announced intentions to establish or develop rare 
disease programs and we may compete with these companies for the same opportunities. For these and other reasons, we may 
not be able to acquire the rights to additional product candidates or approved products on terms that we or our stockholders find 
acceptable, or at all.  

Even if we are able to successfully identify and complete acquisitions and other strategic transactions, we may not be able 

to integrate them or take full advantage of them. An acquisition or other strategic transaction may not result in short-term or 
long-term benefits to us. We may also incorrectly judge the value or worth of an acquired company or business or an acquired 
or in-licensed product.

To effectively manage our current and future potential growth, we must continue to effectively enhance and develop our 

global employee base, and our operational and financial processes. Supporting our growth strategy will require significant 
capital expenditures and management resources, including investments in research, development, sales and marketing, 
manufacturing and other areas of our operations. The development or expansion of our business, any acquired business or any 
acquired or in-licensed products may require a substantial capital investment by us. We may not have these necessary funds or 
they might not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. We may also seek to raise funds by selling shares of our capital 
stock, which could dilute current stockholders’ ownership interest in our company, or securities convertible into our capital 
stock, which could dilute current stockholders’ ownership interest in our company upon conversion.

We may be required to recognize impairment charges for our goodwill and other intangible assets. 

As of December 31, 2016, the net carrying value of our goodwill and other intangible assets totaled $9,340.  As required 
by generally accepted accounting principles, we periodically assess these assets to determine if they are impaired.  Impairment 
of intangible assets may be triggered by developments both within and outside our control. Deteriorating economic conditions, 
technological changes, disruptions to our business, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, unexpected significant 
changes or planned changes in use of the assets, intensified competition, divestitures, market capitalization declines and other 
factors may impair our goodwill and other intangible assets. For example, in the fourth quarter 2016, we recorded an  
impairment charge of $85 related to SBC-103 as discussed below in our “Results of Operations.” Any charges relating to such 
impairments could adversely affect our results of operations in the periods in which an impairment is recognized.

39

Our business could be affected by litigation, government investigations and enforcement actions.

We operate in many jurisdictions in a highly regulated industry and we could be subject to litigation, government 
investigation and enforcement actions on a variety of matters in the U.S. or foreign jurisdictions, including, without limitation, 
intellectual property, regulatory, product liability, environmental, whistleblower, Qui Tam, false claims, privacy, anti-kickback, 
anti-bribery, securities, commercial, employment, and other claims and legal proceedings which may arise from conducting our 
business. As previously disclosed, in May 2015, we received a subpoena in connection with an investigation by the 
Enforcement Division of the SEC requesting information related to our grant-making activities and compliance with the FCPA 
in various countries. The SEC also seeks information related to Alexion’s recalls of specific lots of Soliris and related securities 
disclosures. In addition, in October 2015, Alexion received a request from the DOJ for the voluntary production of documents 
and other information pertaining to Alexion’s compliance with the FCPA and in December 2016, we received a subpoena from 
the USAO for the District of Massachusetts requesting documents relating generally to our support of 501(c)(3) organizations 
that provide financial assistance to Medicare patients, Alexion’s provision of free drug to Medicare patients and Alexion’s 
related compliance policies and training materials . Further, securities fraud class action litigation has been filed against the 
Company and individual executive officers, and we could also become subject to legal proceedings and government 
investigations relating to matters addressed in the Audit Committee Investigation. Legal proceedings, government 
investigations, including the SEC and DOJ investigations, and enforcement actions can be expensive and time consuming. An 
adverse outcome could result in significant damages awards, fines, penalties, exclusion from the federal healthcare programs, 
healthcare debarment, injunctive relief, product recalls, reputational damage and modifications of our business practices, which 
could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

The intended efficiency of our corporate structure depends on the application of the tax laws and regulations in the 
countries where we operate and we may have exposure to additional tax liabilities or our effective tax rate could change, 
which could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.

As a company with international operations, we are subject to income taxes, as well as non-income based taxes, in both 

the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide tax liabilities.  
Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate outcome with respect to the taxes we owe may differ from the 
amounts recorded in our financial statements. If the Internal Revenue Service, or other taxing authority, disagrees with the 
positions we take, we could have additional tax liability, and this could have a material impact on our results of operations and 
financial position. Our effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with 
different statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws and regulations, 
changes in interpretations of tax laws, including pending tax law changes, changes in our manufacturing activities and changes 
in our future levels of research and development spending.

We have designed our corporate structure, the manner in which we develop and use our intellectual property, and our 

intercompany transactions between our affiliates in a way that is intended to enhance our operational and financial efficiency 
and increase our overall profitability. The application of the tax laws and regulations of various countries in which we operate 
and to our global operations is subject to interpretation. We also must operate our business in a manner consistent with our 
corporate structure to realize such efficiencies. The tax authorities of the countries in which we operate may challenge our 
methodologies for valuing developed technology or for transfer pricing. If tax authorities determine that the manner in which 
we operate results in our business not achieving the intended tax consequences, our effective tax rate could increase and harm 
our financial position and results of operations.

In addition, the U.S. Federal government and other U.S. State and foreign governments are considering and may adopt tax 

reform measures that significantly increase our worldwide tax liabilities. The U.S. Congress, the Organization for Economic 
Co-operation and Development and other government agencies in countries where we and our affiliates operate have focused 
on issues related to the taxation of multinational corporations, including, for example, in the area of “base erosion and profit 
shifting,” where payments are made between affiliates from a jurisdiction with high tax rates to a jurisdiction with lower tax 
rates. We established operations in Ireland in 2013 and Ireland tax authorities announced changes to the treatment of non-
resident Irish entities. The changes are not expected to impact existing non-resident Irish entities, such as ours, until after 
December 31, 2020. These changes and other prospective changes in the U.S. and other countries in which we and our affiliates 
operate could increase our effective tax rate, and harm our financial position and results of operations.

Our sales and operations are subject to a variety of risks relating to the conduct and expansion of our international 
business.

We continue to increase our international presence, including in emerging markets. Our operations in foreign countries 

subject us to a variety of risks, including:

•  difficulties or the inability to obtain necessary foreign regulatory or reimbursement approvals of our products in a 

timely manner;

40

•  political or economic determinations that adversely impact pricing or reimbursement policies;
•  economic problems or political instability;
• 
fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
•  difficulties or inability to obtain financing in markets;
•  unexpected changes in tariffs, trade barriers and regulatory requirements;
•  difficulties enforcing contractual and intellectual property rights;
•  compliance with complex import and export control laws;
• 
•  compliance with tax, employment and labor laws;
•  costs and difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified managers and employees to manage and operate the business 

trade restrictions and restrictions on direct investments by foreign entities;

in local jurisdictions;

•  costs and difficulties in managing and monitoring international operations; and
• 

longer payment cycles.

Additionally, our business and marketing methods are subject to the laws and regulations of the countries in which we 
operate, which may differ significantly from country to country and may conflict with U.S. laws and regulations. The FCPA and 
anti-bribery laws and regulations are extensive and far-reaching, and we must maintain accurate records and control over the 
activities of our distributors and third party service providers in countries where we operate. We have policies and procedures 
designed to help ensure that we and our representatives, including our employees, comply with such laws, however we cannot 
guarantee that these policies and procedures will protect us against liability under the FCPA or other anti-bribery laws for 
actions taken by our representatives. Although we conducted due diligence of Synageva’s operations prior to the acquisition, we 
may discover or identify deficiencies or non-compliance with such laws as we complete the integration of the Synageva 
business and conduct operations. Failure to comply with the laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate could 
materially harm our business.

Currency fluctuations and changes in exchange rates could adversely affect our revenue growth, increase our costs and 
negatively affect our profitability.

We conduct a substantial portion of our business in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We are exposed to fluctuations in 
foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates affect our operating results. The exposures 
result from portions of our revenues, as well as the related receivables, and expenses that are denominated in currencies other 
than the U.S. dollar, including the Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pound, Swiss Franc, and Russian Ruble. As the U.S. dollar 
strengthens against these foreign currencies, the relative value of sales made in the respective foreign currencies decrease. 
When the U.S. dollar weakens against these currencies, the relative value of such sales increase. We manage our foreign 
currency transaction risk within specified guidelines through the use of derivatives. All of our derivative instruments are 
utilized for risk management purposes, and we do not use derivatives for speculative trading purposes. We enter into foreign 
exchange forward contracts to hedge exposures resulting from portions of our forecasted revenues, including intercompany 
revenues, that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The purpose of the hedges of revenue is to reduce the 
volatility of exchange rate fluctuations on our operating results and to increase the visibility of the foreign exchange impact on 
forecasted revenues. Further, we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts, with durations of approximately 30 days, 
designed to limit the balance sheet exposure of monetary assets and liabilities. We enter into these hedges to reduce the impact 
of fluctuating exchange rates on our operating results. Gains and losses on these hedge transactions are designed to offset gains 
and losses on underlying balance sheet exposures. While we attempt to hedge certain currency risks, currency fluctuations 
between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which we do business have, in the past, caused foreign currency transaction gains 
and losses and have also impacted the amounts of revenues and expenses calculated in U.S. dollars and will do so in the future.  
Likewise, past currency fluctuations have at times resulted in foreign currency transaction gains, and there can be no assurance 
that these gains can be reproduced. Any significant foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect our 
financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in healthcare laws and implementing regulations, as well as changes in healthcare policy, may affect coverage and 
reimbursement of our products in ways that we cannot currently predict and these changes could adversely affect our 
business and financial condition.

 In the U.S., there have been a number of legislative and regulatory initiatives focused on containing the cost of 

healthcare. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was enacted in the U.S. in March 2010. This law 
substantially changes the way healthcare is financed by both governmental and private insurers in the U.S., and significantly 
impacts the pharmaceutical industry. PPACA contains a number of provisions that are expected to impact our business and 
operations, in some cases in ways we cannot currently predict. Changes that may affect our business include those governing 
enrollment in federal healthcare programs, reimbursement changes, rules regarding prescription drug benefits under health 
insurance exchanges, expansion of the 340B program, expansion of state Medicaid programs, fraud and abuse enforcement and 
rules governing the approval of biosimilar products. These changes will impact existing government healthcare programs and 
will result in the development of new programs, including Medicare payment for performance initiatives and improvements to 
41

the physician quality reporting system and feedback program. In early 2016, CMS issued final regulations to implement the 
changes to the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program under PPACA. These regulations became effective on April 1, 2016. Moreover, 
in the future, Congress could enact legislation that further increases Medicaid drug rebates or other costs and charges associated 
with participating in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. Legislative changes to the PPACA also remain possible and appear 
likely in the 115th U.S. Congress under the Trump Administration. The issuance of regulations and coverage expansion by 
various governmental agencies relating to the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program has and will continue to increase our costs and 
the complexity of compliance, has been and will be time-consuming, and could have a material adverse effect on our results of 
operations.

Governments in countries where we operate have adopted or have shown significant interest in pursuing legislative 

initiatives to reduce costs of healthcare. We expect that the implementation of current laws and policies, the amendment of 
those laws and policies in the future, as well as the adoption of new laws and policies, could have a material adverse effect on 
our industry generally and on our ability to maintain or increase our product sales or successfully commercialize our product 
candidates, or could limit or eliminate our future spending on development projects. In many cases, these government 
initiatives, even if enacted into law, are subject to future rulemaking by regulatory agencies. Although we have evaluated these 
government initiatives and the impact on our business, we cannot know with certainty whether any such law, rule or regulation 
will adversely affect coverage and reimbursement of our products, or to what extent, until such laws, rules and regulations are 
promulgated, implemented and enforced, which could sometimes take many years. The announcement or adoption of 
regulatory or legislative proposals could delay or prevent our entry into new markets, affect our reimbursement or sales in the 
markets where we are already selling our products and materially harm our business, financial condition and results of 
operations.

If we fail to comply with our reporting and payment obligations under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, Medicare, or 
other governmental pricing programs, we could be subject to additional reimbursement requirements, penalties, sanctions 
and fines which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth 
prospects.

Pricing and rebate calculations vary among products and programs. The calculations are complex and are often subject to 
interpretation by us, governmental or regulatory agencies and the courts. We cannot assure you that our submissions will not be 
found by CMS to be incomplete or incorrect. Governmental agencies may also make changes in program interpretations, 
requirements or conditions of participation, some of which may have implications for amounts previously estimated or paid. 
The Medicaid rebate amount is computed each quarter based on our submission to CMS of our current average manufacturer 
price and best price for the quarter. If we become aware that our reporting for a prior quarter was incorrect, or has changed as a 
result of recalculation of the pricing data, we are obligated to resubmit the corrected data for a period not to exceed twelve 
quarters from the quarter in which the data originally were due, and CMS may request or require restatements for earlier 
periods as well. Such restatements and recalculations increase our costs for complying with the laws and regulations governing 
the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. Any corrections to our rebate calculations could result in an overage or underage in our 
rebate liability for past quarters, depending on the nature of the correction. Price recalculations also may affect the ceiling price 
at which we are required to offer our products to certain covered entities, such as safety-net providers, under the 340B drug 
discount program.

We are liable for errors associated with our submission of pricing data. In addition to retroactive rebates and the potential 

for 340B program refunds, if we are found to have knowingly submitted false average manufacturer price, ASP, or best price 
information to the government, we may be liable for civil monetary penalties in the amount of one hundred seventy-eight 
thousand dollars per item of false information. If we are found to have made a misrepresentation in the reporting of our ASP, 
the Medicare statute provides for civil monetary penalties of up to thirteen thousand dollars for each misrepresentation for each 
day in which the misrepresentation was applied. Our failure to submit monthly/quarterly average manufacturer price, ASP, and 
best price data on a timely basis could result in a civil monetary penalty of eighteen thousand dollars per day for each day the 
information is late beyond the due date. Such failure also could be grounds for CMS to terminate our Medicaid drug rebate 
agreement, pursuant to which we participate in the Medicaid program. In the event that CMS terminates our rebate agreement, 
federal payments may not be available under Medicaid or Medicare Part B for our covered outpatient drugs. A final regulation 
that has been published but is not yet effective would impose a civil monetary penalty of up to five thousand dollars for each 
instance of knowingly and intentionally charging a 340B covered entity more than the 340B ceiling price.

As discussed above in the subsection entitled “Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement,” federal law requires that a 

company must participate in the FSS pricing program to be eligible to have its products paid for with federal funds. If we 
overcharge the government in connection with our FSS contract or Section 703 Agreement, whether due to a misstated FCP or 
otherwise, we are required to refund the difference to the government. Failure to make necessary disclosures and/or to identify 
contract overcharges can result in allegations against us under the FCA and other laws and regulations. Unexpected refunds to 
the government, and responding to a government investigation or enforcement action, would be expensive and time-consuming, 
and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

42

We may be subject to numerous and varying privacy and security laws, and our failure to comply could result in penalties 
and reputational damage.

We are subject to laws and regulations covering data privacy and the protection of personal information including health 

information. The legislative and regulatory landscape for privacy and data protection continues to evolve, and there has been an 
increasing focus on privacy and data protection issues which may affect our business. In the U.S., we may be subject to state 
security breach notification laws, state health information privacy laws and federal and state consumer protections laws which 
impose requirements for the collection, use, disclosure and transmission of personal information. Each of these laws are subject 
to varying interpretations by courts and government agencies, creating complex compliance issues for us. If we fail to comply 
with applicable laws and regulations we could be subject to penalties or sanctions, including criminal penalties if we knowingly 
obtain individually identifiable health information from a covered entity in a manner that is not authorized or permitted by the 
federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended (HIPAA) or for aiding and abetting the 
violation of HIPAA.

Numerous other countries have, or are developing, laws governing the collection, use and transmission of personal 
information as well. EU member states and other jurisdictions have adopted data protection laws and regulations, which impose 
significant compliance obligations. For example, the EC adopted the EU Data Protection Directive, as implemented into 
national laws by the EU member states, which imposed strict obligations and restrictions on the ability to collect, analyze, and 
transfer personal data, including health data from clinical trials and adverse event reporting. Data protection authorities from 
different EU member states have interpreted the privacy laws differently, which adds to the complexity of processing personal 
data in the EU, and guidance on implementation and compliance practices are often updated or otherwise revised. Any failure 
to comply with the rules arising from the EU Data Protection Directive and related national laws of EU member states could 
lead to government enforcement actions and significant penalties against us, and adversely impact our operating results.  

In May 2016, the EU formally adopted the General Data Protection Regulation, which will apply to all EU member states 
from May 25, 2018 and will replace the current EU Data Protection Directive on that date. The regulation introduces new data 
protection requirements in the EU and substantial fines for breaches of the data protection rules. It will increase our 
responsibility and liability in relation to personal data that we process and we may be required to put in place additional 
mechanisms ensuring compliance with the new EU data protection rules. 

Security breaches, cyber-attacks, or other disruptions could expose us to liability and affect our business and reputation.

We are increasingly dependent on our information technology systems and infrastructure for our business. We collect, 

store, and transmit sensitive information including intellectual property, proprietary business information and personal 
information in connection with business operations. The secure maintenance of this information is critical to our operations and 
business strategy. Some of this information could be an attractive target of criminal attack by third parties with a wide range of 
motives and expertise, including organized criminal groups, “hactivists,” patient groups, disgruntled current or former 
employees, and others. Cyber-attacks are of ever-increasing levels of sophistication, and despite our security measures, our 
information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to such attacks or may be breached, including due to employee 
error or malfeasance. We have implemented information security measures to protect patients’ personal information against the 
risk of inappropriate and unauthorized external use and disclosure. However, despite these measures, and due to the ever 
changing information cyber-threat landscape, we may be subject to data breaches through cyber-attacks. Any such breach could 
compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. If our systems 
become compromised, we may not promptly discover the intrusion. Like other companies in our industry, we have experienced 
attacks to our data and systems, including malware and computer viruses. If our systems failed or were breached or disrupted, 
we could lose product sales, and suffer reputational damage and loss of customer confidence. Such incidents would result in 
notification obligations to affected individuals and government agencies, legal claims or proceedings, and liability under federal 
and state laws that protect the privacy and security of personal information. Any one of these events could cause our business to 
be materially harmed and our results of operations would be adversely impacted.

Negative public opinion and increased regulatory scrutiny of recombinant and transgenic products, genetically modified 
products, and genetically modified animals generally may damage public perception of our current and future products or 
adversely affect our ability to conduct our business and obtain regulatory approvals we may seek.

Kanuma is a transgenic product produced in the egg whites of genetically modified chickens who receive copies of the 
human lysosomal acid lipase gene to produce recombinant human lysosomal acid lipase. The success of Kanuma will depend in 
part on public attitudes of the use of genetic engineering. Public attitudes may be influenced by claims and perceptions that 
these types of activities or products are unsafe, and our products may not gain sufficient acceptance by, or fall out of favor with, 
the public or the medical community. Negative public attitudes to genetic engineering activities in general could result in more 
restrictive legislation or regulations and could impede our ability to conduct our business, delay preclinical or clinical studies, 
or otherwise prevent us from commercializing our product.

43

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

Our stock price is extremely volatile.

The trading price of our common stock has been extremely volatile and may continue to be volatile in the future. Many 

factors could have an impact on our stock price, including fluctuations in our or our competitors’ operating results, clinical trial 
results or adverse events associated with our products, product development by us or our competitors, changes in laws, 
including healthcare, tax or intellectual property laws, intellectual property developments, changes in reimbursement or drug 
pricing, the existence or outcome of litigation or government proceedings, including the SEC/DOJ investigation, failure to 
resolve, delays in resolving or other developments with respect to the issues raised in the Warning Letter, acquisitions or other 
strategic transactions, and the perceptions of our investors that we are not performing or meeting expectations. The trading 
price of the common stock of many biopharmaceutical companies, including ours, has experienced extreme price and volume 
fluctuations, which have at times been unrelated to the operating performance of the companies whose stocks were affected.  

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter and bylaws and under Delaware law could make a third-party acquisition of us 
difficult and may frustrate any attempt to remove or replace our current management.

 Our corporate charter and by-law provisions may discourage certain types of transactions involving an actual or potential 

change of control that might be beneficial to us or our stockholders. Our bylaws provide that special meetings of our 
stockholders may be called only by the Chairman of the Board, the President, the Secretary, or a majority of the Board of 
Directors, or upon the written request of stockholders who together own of record 25% of the outstanding stock of all classes 
entitled to vote at such meeting. Our bylaws also specify that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by 
resolution of the board of directors. Our charter does not include a provision for cumulative voting for directors, which may 
have enabled a minority stockholder holding a sufficient percentage of a class of shares to elect one or more directors. Under 
our charter, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by stockholders, to designate up to 5 shares of 
preferred stock in one or more series. The rights of the holders of common stock will be subject to, and may be adversely 
affected by, the rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock that may be issued in the future.  

  Because we are a Delaware corporation, the anti-takeover provisions of Delaware law could make it more difficult for 

a third party to acquire control of us, even if the change in control would be beneficial to stockholders. We are subject to the 
provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Laws, which prohibits a person who owns in excess of 15% of our 
outstanding voting stock from merging or combining with us for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in 
which the person acquired in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock, unless the merger or combination is approved in a 
prescribed manner.

Item 1B. 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

Item 2. 

PROPERTIES.

We conduct our primary operations at the owned and leased facilities described below.

Location

New Haven, Connecticut

Dublin, Ireland

Operations Conducted

Corporate headquarters and executive, sales, research
and development offices

Global supply chain, distribution, and administration
offices

Athlone, Ireland

Commercial, research and development manufacturing

Lexington, Massachusetts

Research and development offices

Bogart, Georgia

Commercial, research and development manufacturing

Smithfield, Rhode Island

Commercial, research and development manufacturing

Zurich, Switzerland

Regional executive and sales offices

Approximate
Square Feet

Lease
Expiration
Dates

514,000

160,000

80,000

81,000

70,000

67,000

69,000

2030

Owned

Owned

2019

Owned

Owned

2025

We believe that our administrative office space is adequate to meet our needs for the foreseeable future. We also believe 
that our research and development facilities and our manufacturing facilities, together with third party manufacturing facilities, 
will be adequate for our on-going activities. In addition to the locations above, we also lease space in other U.S. locations and 
in foreign countries to support our operations as a global organization.

44

 
 
 In May 2015, we announced plans to construct a new bulk biologics manufacturing facility on our existing property in 

Dublin Ireland, which is expected to be completed by 2020. 

In July 2016, we announced plans to construct a new biologics manufacturing facility at our existing property in Athlone, 

Ireland, which is expected to be completed by 2018. 

Item 3. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

In May 2015, we received a subpoena in connection with an investigation by the Enforcement Division of the SEC 
requesting information related to our grant-making activities and compliance with the FCPA in various countries. In addition, in 
October 2015, we received a request from the DOJ for the voluntary production of documents and other information pertaining 
to Alexion’s compliance with FCPA. The SEC and DOJ also seek information related to Alexion’s recalls of specific lots of 
Soliris and related securities disclosures. Alexion is cooperating with these investigations. At this time, Alexion is unable to 
predict the duration, scope or outcome of these investigations. While it is possible that a loss related to these matters may be 
incurred, given the ongoing nature of these investigations, management cannot reasonably estimate the potential magnitude of 
such loss or range of loss, if any.

Several securities class action lawsuits have been filed against the Company and former officers in federal district court 

alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b), and Rule 10b-5, 
promulgated thereunder, alleging that defendants made misstatements and/or omissions concerning the Company’s sales of 
Soliris.  

On November 17, 2016, a shareholder filed a putative class action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of 
New York.  While the litigation was in the early stages, and before defendants had responded to the complaint, on December 
30, 2016 plaintiffs filed a notice of voluntary dismissal and dismissed all claims without prejudice. This case is now closed.   

On December 29, 2016, a second shareholder filed a putative class action against the Company and certain former 

employees in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, alleging that defendants made misrepresentations and 
omissions about Soliris between February 10, 2014 and December 9, 2016.  On January 17, 2017, three parties filed motions to 
be named lead plaintiff in this action.  Briefing on these motions is ongoing. The litigation is in the early stages, and defendants 
have not yet responded to the complaint.  Given the early stages of this litigation, management does not currently believe that a 
loss related to this matter is probable or that the potential magnitude of such loss or range of loss, if any, can be reasonably 
estimated.  

In December 2016, we received a subpoena from the USAO for the District of Massachusetts requesting documents 
relating generally to our support of 501(c)(3) organizations that provide financial assistance to Medicare patients taking drugs 
sold by Alexion, Alexion’s provision of free drug to Medicare patients, and Alexion compliance policies and training materials 
concerning the anti-kickback statute or payments to any 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to Medicare 
patients.  Other companies have disclosed similar inquiries. We are cooperating with this inquiry.

Item 4. 

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

45

 
PART II

Item 5. 

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES. 

Our common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC under the symbol “ALXN.” The following table sets 

forth the range of high and low sales prices for our common stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC for the periods 
indicated since January 1, 2015. 

Fiscal 2015
First Quarter
(January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2015)
Second Quarter
(April 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015)
Third Quarter
(July 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015)
Fourth Quarter
(October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015)
Fiscal 2016
First Quarter
(January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016)
Second Quarter
(April 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016)
Third Quarter
(July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016)
Fourth Quarter
(October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)

High

Low

193.27

191.00

208.88

193.45

187.59

162.00

138.40

145.42

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

171.08

150.06

142.02

150.69

124.16

110.56

115.84

109.12

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

As of February 8, 2017, we had approximately 111 stockholders of record of our common stock and an estimated 

185,102 beneficial owners. The closing sale price of our common stock on February 8, 2017 was $126.37 per share.

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never paid cash dividends. We do not expect to declare or pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the 
near future. We intend to retain all earnings, if any, to invest in our operations. The payment of future dividends is within the 
discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our future earnings, if any, our capital requirements, financial 
condition and other relevant factors.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES (amounts in millions except per share amounts)

The following table summarizes our common stock repurchase activity during the fourth quarter of 2016:

Period

October 1-31, 2016

November 1-30, 2016

December 1-31, 2016

Total

Total Number of
Shares Purchased

Average Price Paid
per Share

0.25

$

122.74

—

—

—

—

0.25

$

122.74

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced
Programs

Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Programs

0.25

—

—

0.25

325

325

325

In November 2012, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program. The repurchase program does not have 

an expiration date and we are not obligated to acquire a particular number of shares. In May 2015, our Board of Directors 
increased the authorization of shares up to $1,000 for future purchases under the repurchase program. In February 2017, our 
Board of Directors increased the authorization of shares up to $1,000 for future purchases under the repurchase program, which 
superseded all prior repurchase programs. As of February 16, 2017, there is a total of $1,000 remaining for repurchases under 
the repurchase program.

46

 
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION (amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by
stockholders

Equity compensation plans not approved by
stockholders

Number of shares
of common stock
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options (1)

Weighted-
average
exercise price
of
outstanding
options

Weighted-
average
term to
expiration of
options
outstanding 
(years)

Number of shares
of common stock
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans (2)

6

$

116.65

— $

—

6.02

—

7

—

(1)  Reflects number of shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options under all our equity 

compensation plans, including our Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Plan. Does not include 3 restricted shares 
outstanding that were issued under the Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Plan.

(2)  Of these shares, 6 remain available for future issuance under the Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Plan and 1 

remain available under the 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

The outstanding options and restricted shares are not transferable for consideration and do not have dividend equivalent 

rights attached.

47

 
THE COMPANY’S STOCK PERFORMANCE

The following graph compares cumulative total return of the Company’s Common Stock with the cumulative total return 
of (i) the NASDAQ Stock Market-United States, and (ii) the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. The graph assumes (a) $100 was 
invested on December 31, 2011 in each of the Company’s Common Stock, the stocks comprising the NASDAQ Stock Market-
United States and the stocks comprising the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, and (b) the reinvestment of dividends. The 
comparisons shown in the graph are based on historical data and the stock price performance shown in the graph is not 
necessarily indicative of, or intended to forecast, future performance of our stock.

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the NASDAQ Composite Index 
and the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

$350

$300

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

12/11

12/12

12/13

12/14

12/15

12/16

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

NASDAQ Composite

NASDAQ Biotechnology

*$100 invested on 12/31/11 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending December 31.

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN

12/11

12/12

12/13

12/14

12/15

12/16

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
NASDAQ Composite
NASDAQ Biotechnology

100.00
100.00
100.00

131.10
116.41
134.68

185.85
165.47
232.37

258.78
188.69
307.67

266.78
200.32
328.76

171.12
216.54
262.08

48

 
Item 6. 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The following selected financial data is derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the financial statements, 
including the notes thereto, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” 
included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(amounts in millions, except per share amounts) 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

Net product sales (1)
Other revenue
Total revenues
Cost of sales:

Cost of sales
Change in contingent liability from
intellectual property settlements

Total cost of sales
Operating expenses:

Research and development
Selling, general and administrative

Amortization of purchased intangible 
assets (2)
Change in fair value of contingent
consideration

Acquisition-related costs
Restructuring expenses

Impairment of intangible assets

Total operating expenses
Operating income
Other income (expense)

Income before income taxes
Income tax expense (3) (4)
Net income
Earnings per common share

Basic
Diluted

Shares used in computing earnings per
common share
Basic
Diluted

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

$

$

3,082
2
3,084

$

2,603
1
2,604

$

2,234
—
2,234

$

1,551
—
1,551

1,134
—
1,134

233

—
233

709
863

117

64
39
42

—
1,834
537
(39)
498
354
144

0.68
0.67

213
216

$

$
$

174

—
174

514
630

—

20
—
15

12
1,191
869
3
872
215
657

3.32
3.26

198
202

$

$
$

168

9
177

317
490

—

4
1
—

34
846
528
(2)
526
273
253

1.29
1.27

196
200

$

$
$

126

(53)
73

223
385

—

7
16
—

26
657
404
(6)
398
143
255

1.34
1.28

190
199

258

—
258

757
954

322

36
2
3

85
2,159
667
(91)
576
177
399

1.78
1.76

224
227

$

$
$

49

$

$
$

 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable
securities
Total assets (5)

Long-term debt (current and noncurrent) (6)
Contingent consideration (current and
noncurrent)
Facility lease obligation (current and
noncurrent)
Total stockholders’ equity (7)

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

As of December 31,

$

$

1,293
13,253

$

1,385
13,097

$

1,962
4,202

$

1,515
3,318

3,055

153

243
8,694

3,420

177

151
8,259

58

163

107
3,303

113

143

32
2,383

990
2,614

149

142

—
1,971

In addition to the following notes, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes and previously filed Annual 
Reports on Form 10-K for further information regarding our consolidated results of operations and financial position for 
periods reported therein.

(1)  In March 2014, we entered into an agreement with the French government which positively impacted prospective 
reimbursement of Soliris and also provided for reimbursement for shipments made in years prior to January 1, 2014. As a result 
of the agreement, in 2014 we recognized $88 of net product sales from Soliris in France relating to years prior to January 1, 
2014.
(2) In the third quarter 2015, we received regulatory approval for Strensiq and Kanuma. As a result, we began amortizing 
intangible assets associated with Strensiq and Kanuma. 
(3) In connection with the integration of the Synageva business with and into the Alexion business, we incurred a one-time tax 
expense of $316 in the third quarter 2015. This tax expense is attributable to the change in our deferred tax liability for the 
outside basis difference resulting from the movement of assets into our captive foreign partnership. 
(4) In 2013, we recognized tax expense of approximately $96 resulting from the centralization of our global supply chain and 
technical operations in Ireland.
(5) In connection with the acquisition of Synageva, we acquired $4,236 of intangible assets and $4,783 of goodwill.
(6) In connection with the acquisition of Synageva, we borrowed $3,500 under our term loan under a new credit facility.
(7) In connection with the acquisition of Synageva, we issued $4,918 of common stock to former Synageva stockholders.

Item 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 

OPERATIONS. (amounts in millions, except percentages and per share data)

In addition to historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties 

which may cause our actual results to differ materially from plans and results discussed in forward-looking statements. We 
encourage you to review the risks and uncertainties, discussed in the section entitled item 1A “Risk Factors”, and the “Note 
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”, included at the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks and 
uncertainties can cause actual results to differ significantly from those forecast in forward-looking statements or implied in 
historical results and trends.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes 

appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Overview

We are a biopharmaceutical company focused on serving patients with devastating and ultra-rare disorders through the 

innovation, development and commercialization of life-transforming therapeutic products. 

In our complement franchise, Soliris is the first and only therapeutic approved for patients with either PNH, a life-

threatening and ultra-rare genetic blood disorder, or aHUS, a life-threatening and ultra-rare genetic disease. PNH and aHUS result 
from chronic uncontrolled activation of the complement component of the immune system.

In our metabolic franchise, we commercialize Strensiq for the treatment of patients with HPP and Kanuma for the treatment 

of patients with LAL-D.  HPP is an ultra-rare genetic disease characterized by defective bone mineralization that can lead to 
deformity of bones and other skeletal abnormalities. LAL-D is a serious, life threatening ultra-rare disease in which genetic 

50

 
 
mutations result in decreased activity of the LAL enzyme leading to marked accumulation of lipids in vital organs, blood vessels 
and other tissues.

We are also evaluating additional potential indications for eculizumab in other severe and devastating diseases in which 
uncontrolled complement activation is the underlying mechanism, and we are progressing in various stages of development with 
additional product candidates as potential treatments for patients with devastating and ultra-rare disorders.  

Recent Developments 

As previously reported, the Audit and Finance Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (Audit Committee) 
commenced an investigation of allegations made by a former employee concerning the Company’s Soliris sales practices.  The 
former employee alleged that certain of such practices resulted in certain customers placing orders for shipments of Soliris in an 
earlier fiscal quarter than the fiscal quarter they otherwise would have (referred to here as pull-in or advanced sales, and more 
fully described below).  The former employee alleged that such practices were used by the Company in order to meet certain 
financial targets and at times involved inappropriate business conduct.  The Audit Committee conducted its investigation (Audit 
Committee Investigation) with the assistance of outside counsel, forensic accountants and other accounting firm advisors.  The 
Audit Committee Investigation is substantially complete, and no further investigative procedures are currently planned except as 
necessary to respond to regulatory inquiries, if any, or because of matters that arise in the ordinary course of the Company’s future 
business activities.     

The Audit Committee concluded, based on the facts of the investigation that the Company’s previously issued financial 
results do not require restatement.  In addition, the Audit Committee Investigation did not identify any instances of improper 
revenue recognition associated with pull-in sales, instances where Soliris orders were not placed by customers for patients in 
order to fulfill an actual need, or instances where Soliris was sold to build stock of unwanted product. However, management 
concluded and the Audit Committee concurred that there was a material weakness in the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting because we did not maintain an effective control environment as senior management failed to set an 
appropriate “Tone at the Top.” Specifically, senior management failed to reinforce the need for compliance with the Company’s 
policies and procedures, which resulted in inappropriate business conduct. The Audit Committee Investigation found that senior 
management applied pressure on personnel to use pull-in sales to meet targets, and such pressure was particularly significant 
during the fourth quarter of 2015. The Audit Committee Investigation also found that certain Company personnel engaged in 
inappropriate business conduct to realize pull-in sales, as a result of pressure from senior management. 

For purposes of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, “pull-in” or “advanced” sales are certain Soliris sales transactions, 
coordinated by Company personnel (primarily personnel in the customer operations department in their capacity as coordinators 
for the shipment of orders for customers) that increase revenue recognized in an earlier fiscal quarter than the one in which a sale 
otherwise would have occurred and result in a corresponding decrease in the revenue that will be recognized in the subsequent 
fiscal quarter.  The Company is able to forecast the estimated date of certain shipments of Soliris due to customer order history, 
known infusion dates, or other similar data to support the operations of our business and patient needs.  Pull-in sales may occur, 
for example, when a customer, as a result of encouragement by a Company employee, places an order for a patient earlier than the 
customer might otherwise place the order.  Pull-in sales are not inherently problematic or impermissible, when in accordance with 
U.S. GAAP.  The Audit Committee Investigation included a review of sales transactions for evidence of pull-in sales, the reasons 
for pull-in sales, whether such transactions were conducted in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures, and 
whether revenue from pull-in sales was properly recognized in accordance with U.S. GAAP. 

The Audit Committee Investigation concluded that revenue from the pull-in sales under review was appropriately 
recognized in the quarter in which such sales actually occurred and that there were no financial statement errors related to the 
pull-in sales.  However, the Audit Committee Investigation found that certain revenue pulled into the fourth quarter of 2015 from 
the first quarter of 2016 was realized as the result of employee actions that involved inappropriate business conduct, including 
conduct that was inconsistent with, and in violation of Company policies and procedures.  Pull-in sales during the fourth quarter 
of 2015 were estimated to be between approximately $10 to $17 and were significantly higher than for other quarters. Some 
portion of these estimated sales did not involve inappropriate business conduct. These estimated pull-in sales represented less than 
1% of total revenue for 2015.  

During the past two completed fiscal years and through the fourth quarter of 2016, but excluding the fourth quarter of 2015, 

pull-in sales were estimated to be between $1 to $7 in the aggregate, representing 0% - 1% of total revenue.    

Although pull-in sales are not inherently problematic or impermissible, they must not be realized through violations of the 

Company’s policies and procedures and must be in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The conclusions concerning the material 
weakness in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting are discussed further under Item 9A “Controls and 
Procedures” in this Form 10-K. 

51

Critical Accounting Policies and the Use of Estimates

The significant accounting policies and basis of preparation of our consolidated financial statements are described in Note 
1, “Business Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., we are required to make estimates 
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and 
liabilities in our financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

We believe the judgments, estimates and assumptions associated with the following critical accounting policies have the 

greatest potential impact on our consolidated financial statements:

•  Revenue recognition;

•  Contingent liabilities;

• 

Inventories;

•  Share-based compensation;

•  Valuation of goodwill, acquired intangible assets and in-process research and development (IPR&D);

•  Valuation of contingent consideration; and

• 

Income taxes.

Revenue Recognition

Net Product Sales

Our principal source of revenue is product sales. We recognize revenue from product sales when persuasive evidence of an 

arrangement exists, title to product and associated risk of loss has passed to the customer, the price is fixed or determinable, 
collection from the customer is reasonably assured, and we have no further performance obligations. Depending on these criteria, 
revenue is usually recorded upon receipt of the product by the end customer, which is typically a hospital, physician’s office, 
private or government pharmacy or other healthcare facility. On a regular basis, we review revenue arrangements, such as 
distributor relationships, to determine whether changes in these criteria have an impact on revenue recognition. Amounts collected 
from customers and remitted to governmental authorities, such as value-added taxes (VAT) in foreign jurisdictions, are presented 
on a net basis in our consolidated statements of operations and do not impact net product sales.

Our customers are primarily comprised of distributors, pharmacies, hospitals, hospital buying groups, and other healthcare 

providers. In some cases, we may also sell product to governments and government agencies. 

Because of factors such as the price of our products, the limited number of patients, the short period from product sale to 

patient infusion and the lack of contractual return rights, customers often carry limited inventory. We also monitor inventory 
within our sales channels to determine whether deferrals are appropriate based on factors such as inventory levels compared to 
demand, contractual terms, financial strength of distributors and our ability to estimate returns. In certain countries, exact 
quantities of inventory in the channel are not precisely known, requiring us to estimate these amounts. If actual amounts of 
inventory differ from these estimates, these adjustments could have an impact in the period in which these estimates change. 

In addition to sales in countries where product is commercially available, we have also recorded revenue on sales for 

patients receiving treatment through named-patient programs. The relevant authorities or institutions in those countries have 
agreed to reimburse for product sold on a named-patient basis where product has not received final approval for commercial sale.  

We record estimated rebates payable under governmental programs, including Medicaid in the U.S. and other programs 
outside the U.S., as a reduction of revenue at the time of product sale. Our calculations related to these rebate accruals require 
analysis of historical claim patterns and estimates of customer mix to determine which sales will be subject to rebates and the 
amount of such rebates. We update our estimates and assumptions each period and record any necessary adjustments, which may 
have an impact on revenue in the period in which the adjustment is made. Generally, the length of time between product sale and 
the processing and reporting of the rebates is three to six months.

We have entered into volume-based arrangements with governments in certain countries in which reimbursement is limited 
to a contractual amount. Under this type of arrangement, amounts billed in excess of the contractual limitation are repaid to these 
governments as a rebate. We estimate incremental discounts resulting from these contractual limitations, based on estimated sales 
during the limitation period, and we apply the discount percentage to product shipments as a reduction of revenue. Our 
calculations related to these arrangements require estimation of sales during the limitation period, and adjustments in these 
estimates may have an impact in the period in which these estimates change.

52

We have provided balances and activity in the rebates payable account for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 

2014 as follows:

Balance at December 31, 2013
Current provisions relating to sales in current year
Adjustments relating to prior years
Payments/credits relating to sales in current year
Payments/credits relating to sales in prior years
Balance at December 31, 2014
Current provisions relating to sales in current year
Adjustments relating to prior years
Payments/credits relating to sales in current year
Payments/credits relating to sales in prior years
Balance at December 31, 2015
Current provisions relating to sales in current year
Adjustments relating to prior years
Payments/credits relating to sales in current year
Payments/credits relating to sales in prior years
Balance at December 31, 2016

Rebates
Payable

124
63
(87)
(34)
(29)
37
90
(2)
(43)
(26)
56
115
(2)
(50)
(49)
70

$

$

$

$

In 2016 compared to 2015, current provisions relating to sales in the current year increased by $25 primarily due to 

increased unit volumes in the U.S. and Europe which were subject to rebates.

In 2015 compared to 2014, current provisions relating to sales in the current year increased by $27 primarily due to 

increased unit volumes in the U.S. and Europe which were subject to rebates.

In March 2014, we entered into an agreement with the French government which positively impacts prospective 

reimbursement of Soliris and also provides for reimbursement for shipments in years prior to January 1, 2014. As a result of this 
agreement, in the first quarter 2014, we reduced the rebate payable and recognized $88 of net product sales from Soliris in France 
relating to years prior to January 1, 2014. 

We record distribution and other fees paid to our customers as a reduction of revenue, unless we receive an identifiable and 
separate benefit for the consideration and we can reasonably estimate the fair value of the benefit received. If both conditions are 
met, we record the consideration paid to the customer as an operating expense. These costs are typically known at the time of 
sale, resulting in minimal adjustments subsequent to the period of sale.

We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge exposures resulting from portions of our forecasted revenues, 
including intercompany revenues, that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. These hedges are designated as 
cash flow hedges upon inception. We record the effective portion of these cash flow hedges to revenue in the period in which the 
sale is made to an unrelated third party and the derivative contract is settled.

We evaluate the creditworthiness of customers on a regular basis. In certain European countries, sales by us are subject to 

payment terms that are statutorily determined. This is primarily the case in countries where the payer is government-owned or 
government-funded, which we consider to be creditworthy. The length of time from sale to receipt of payment in certain countries 
exceeds our credit terms. In countries in which collections from customers extend beyond normal payment terms, we seek to 
collect interest. We record interest on customer receivables as interest income when collected.  For non-interest bearing 
receivables with an estimated payment beyond one year, we discount the accounts receivable to present value at the date of sale, 
with a corresponding adjustment to revenue. Subsequent adjustments for further declines in credit rating are recorded as bad debt 
expense as a component of selling, general and administrative expense. We also use judgments as to our ability to collect 
outstanding receivables and provide allowances for the portion of receivables if and when collection becomes doubtful, and we 
also assess on an ongoing basis whether collectibility is reasonably assured at the time of sale.

We continue to monitor economic conditions, including volatility associated with international economies and the 

associated impacts on the financial markets and our business. For additional information related to our concentration of credit risk 
associated with certain international accounts receivable balances, refer to the “Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital 
Resources” section below. 

53

 
Contingent liabilities

We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings. On a quarterly basis, we review the status of each 
significant matter and assess its potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim, asserted or unasserted, or legal 
proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. 
Because of uncertainties related to claims and litigation, accruals are based on our best estimates based on available information. 
On a periodic basis, as additional information becomes available, or based on specific events such as the outcome of litigation or 
settlement of claims, we may reassess the potential liability related to these matters and may revise these estimates, which could 
result in a material adjustment to our operating results and liquidity.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value. We determine the cost of inventory on a standard 

cost basis, which approximates average costs.

We capitalize inventory produced for commercial sale, which may include costs incurred for certain products awaiting 

regulatory approval. We capitalize inventory produced in preparation of product launches sufficient to support estimated initial 
market demand. Capitalization of such inventory begins when we have (i) obtained positive results in clinical trials that we 
believe are necessary to support regulatory approval,  (ii) concluded that uncertainties regarding regulatory approval have been 
sufficiently reduced, and (iii) determined that the inventory has probable future economic benefit. In evaluating whether these 
conditions have been met, we consider clinical trial results for the underlying product candidate, results from meetings with 
regulatory authorities, and the compilation of the regulatory application. If we are aware of any material risks or contingencies 
outside of the standard regulatory review and approval process, or if there are any specific negative issues identified relating to 
the safety, efficacy, manufacturing, marketing or labeling of the product that would have a significant negative impact on its 
future economic benefits, the related inventory would not be capitalized.

Products that have been approved by the FDA or other regulatory authorities, are also used in clinical programs to assess the 

safety and efficacy of the products for usage in diseases that have not been approved by the FDA or other regulatory authorities. 
The form of product utilized for both commercial and clinical programs is identical and, as a result, the inventory has an 
“alternative future use” as defined in authoritative guidance. Raw materials and purchased drug product associated with clinical 
development programs are included in inventory and charged to research and development expense when the product enters the 
research and development process and no longer can be used for commercial purposes and, therefore, does not have an 
“alternative future use”.

For products which are under development and have not yet been approved by regulatory authorities, purchased drug 
product is charged to research and development expense when the inventory passes quality inspection and ownership transfers to 
us.  Nonrefundable advance payments for research and development activities, including production of purchased drug product, 
are deferred and capitalized until the goods are delivered. We also recognize expense for raw materials purchased when the raw 
materials pass quality inspection, and we have an obligation to pay for the materials.

We analyze our inventory levels to identify inventory that may expire prior to sale, inventory that has a cost basis in excess 

of its estimated realizable value, or inventory in excess of expected sales requirements. Although the manufacturing of our 
product is subject to strict quality control, certain batches or units of product may no longer meet quality specifications or may 
expire, which would require adjustments to our inventory values. We also apply judgment related to the results of quality tests 
that we perform throughout the production process, as well as our understanding of regulatory guidelines, to determine if it is 
probable that inventory will be saleable. These quality tests are performed throughout the pre- and post-production process, and 
we continually gather information regarding product quality for periods after the manufacturing date. Our products currently have 
a maximum estimated life range of 36 to 48 months and, based on our sales forecasts, we expect to realize the carrying value of 
the product inventory. In the future, reduced demand, quality issues or excess supply beyond those anticipated by management 
may result in a material adjustment to inventory levels, which would be recorded as an increase to cost of sales.

The determination of whether or not inventory costs will be realizable requires estimates by our management. A critical 
input in this determination is future expected inventory requirements based on internal sales forecasts. We then compare these 
requirements to the expiry dates of inventory on hand. For inventories that are capitalized in preparation of product launch, we 
also consider the expected approval date in assessing realizability. To the extent that inventory is expected to expire prior to being 
sold, we will write down the value of inventory. If actual results differ from those estimates, additional inventory write-offs may 
be required.

Share-Based Compensation

We have two share-based compensation plans pursuant to which awards are currently being made: (i) the Amended and 

Restated 2004 Incentive Plan (2004 Plan) and (ii) the 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Under the 2004 Plan, 
restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options and other stock-related awards may be granted to our directors, officers, 

54

employees and consultants or advisors of the Company or any subsidiary. Under the ESPP, eligible employees can purchase 
shares of common stock at a discount semi-annually through payroll deductions. To date, share-based compensation issued under 
the plans consists of incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, including restricted 
stock units with market and non-market performance conditions, and shares issued under our ESPP. Stock-related awards are also 
outstanding under other share-based compensation plans, but we have not granted awards under these plans since 2004.

Compensation expense for our share-based awards is recognized based on the estimated fair value of the awards on the 
grant date. Compensation expense reflects an estimate of the number of awards expected to vest and is primarily recognized on a 
straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the individual grants, which typically equals the vesting period. 
Compensation expense for awards with performance conditions is recognized using the graded-vesting method. 

Our estimates of employee stock option values rely on estimates of factors we input into the Black-Scholes model. The key 
factors involve an estimate of future uncertain events. Significant assumptions include the use of historical volatility to determine 
the expected stock price volatility. We also estimate expected term until exercise and the reduction in the expense from expected 
forfeitures. We currently use historical exercise and cancellation patterns as our best estimate of future estimated life. Actual 
volatility and lives of options may be significantly different from our estimates. 

For our non-market performance-based awards, we estimate the anticipated achievement of the performance targets, 
including forecasting the achievement of future financial targets. These estimates are revised periodically based on the probability 
of achieving the performance targets and adjustments are made throughout the performance period as necessary.   We use payout 
simulation models to estimate the grant date fair value of market performance-based awards. The payout simulation models 
assume volatility of our common stock and the common stock of a comparator group of companies, as well as correlations of 
returns of the price of our common stock and the common stock prices of the comparator group.

The purchase price of common stock under our ESPP is equal to 85% of the lower of (i) the market value per share of the 

common stock on the first business day of an offering period or (ii) the market value per share of the common stock on the 
purchase date. The fair value of the discounted purchases made under our ESPP is calculated using the Black-Scholes model. The 
fair value of the look-back provision plus the 15% discount is recognized as compensation expense over the 6 month purchase 
period.

If factors change or we employ different assumptions to value our stock-based awards, the share-based compensation 

expense that we record in future periods may differ materially from our prior recorded amounts.

Valuation of Goodwill, Acquired Intangible Assets and In-Process Research and Development (IPR&D)

We have recorded goodwill, acquired intangible assets and IPR&D related to our business combinations. When identifiable 
intangible assets, including IPR&D, are acquired, we determine the fair values of the assets as of the acquisition date. Discounted 
cash flow models are typically used in these valuations if quoted market prices are not available, and the models require the use of 
significant estimates and assumptions including but not limited to: 

• 
• 
• 
• 

timing and costs to complete the in-process projects;
timing and probability of success of clinical events or regulatory approvals;
estimated future cash flows from product sales resulting from completed products and in-process projects; and
discount rates.

We may also utilize a cost approach, which estimates the costs that would be incurred to replace the assets being purchased.  

Significant inputs into the cost approach include estimated rates of return on historical costs that a market participant would 
expect to pay for these assets.  

Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives 

and reviewed for impairment if certain events occur.

Intangible assets related to IPR&D projects are considered to be indefinite-lived until the completion or abandonment of the 

associated research and development efforts. During the period the assets are considered indefinite-lived, they will not be 
amortized but will be tested for impairment. Impairment testing is performed at least annually or when a triggering event occurs 
that could indicate a potential impairment. If and when development is complete, which generally occurs when regulatory 
approval to market a product is obtained, the associated assets are deemed finite-lived and are amortized over a period that best 
reflects the economic benefits provided by these assets. 

If projects are not successfully developed, our sales and profitability may be adversely affected in future periods. 

Additionally, the value of the acquired intangible assets, including IPR&D, may become impaired if the underlying projects do 
not progress as we initially estimated. We believe that the assumptions used in developing our estimates of intangible asset values 
were reasonable at the time of the respective acquisitions. However, the underlying assumptions used to estimate expected project 

55

 
 
sales, development costs, profitability, or the events associated with such projects, such as clinical results, may not occur as we 
estimated at the acquisition date.

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination and is not 

amortized. Goodwill is subject to impairment testing at least annually or when a triggering event occurs that could indicate a 
potential impairment. We are organized and operate as a single reporting unit and therefore the goodwill impairment test is 
performed using our overall market value, as determined by our traded share price, compared to our book value of net assets. 

Valuation of Contingent Consideration

We record contingent consideration resulting from a business combination at its fair value on the acquisition date. We 

determine the fair value of the contingent consideration based primarily on the following factors:

• 
• 

timing and probability of success of clinical events or regulatory approvals;
timing and probability of success of meeting commercial milestones, such as estimated future sales levels of a specific 
compound; and
•  discount rates.

Our contingent consideration liabilities arose in connection with our business combinations. On a quarterly basis, we 
revalue these obligations and record increases or decreases in their fair value as an adjustment to operating earnings. Changes to 
contingent consideration obligations can result from adjustments to discount rates, accretion of the discount rates due to the 
passage of time, changes in our estimates of the likelihood or timing of achieving development or commercial milestones, 
changes in the probability of certain clinical events or changes in the assumed probability associated with regulatory approval. 

The assumptions related to determining the value of contingent consideration include a significant amount of judgment, and 
any changes in the underlying estimates could have a material impact on the amount of contingent consideration expense recorded 
in any given period. 

Income Taxes

We utilize the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and 
liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. If our estimate of 
the tax effect of reversing temporary differences is not reflective of actual outcomes, is modified to reflect new developments or 
interpretations of the tax law, revised to incorporate new accounting principles, or changes in the expected timing or manner of 
the reversal our results of operations could be materially impacted.  We provide a valuation allowance when it is more likely than 
not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. We recognize the benefit of an uncertain tax position that has been taken or we 
expect to take on income tax returns if such tax position is more likely than not to be sustained.

We follow the authoritative guidance regarding accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, which prescribes a recognition 
threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected 
to be taken in a tax return. These unrecognized tax benefits relate primarily to issues common among multinational corporations 
in our industry. We apply a variety of methodologies in making these estimates which include studies performed by independent 
economists, advice from industry and subject experts, evaluation of public actions taken by the Internal Revenue Service and 
other taxing authorities, as well as our own industry experience. We provide estimates for unrecognized tax benefits which may 
be subject to material adjustments until matters are resolved with taxing authorities or statutes expire. If our estimates are not 
representative of actual outcomes, our results of operations could be materially impacted.

We continue to maintain a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets where realization is not certain. We 
periodically evaluate the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets and reduce the carrying amount of these deferred tax 
assets by a valuation allowance to the extent we believe a portion will not be realized. We consider many factors when assessing 
the likelihood of future realization of deferred tax assets, including our recent cumulative earnings experience by taxing 
jurisdiction, expectations of future taxable income, carryforward periods available to us for tax reporting purposes, various 
income tax strategies and other relevant factors. Significant judgment is required in making this assessment and, to the extent 
future expectations change, we would assess the recoverability of our deferred tax assets at that time. If we determine that the 
deferred tax assets are not realizable in a future period, we would record material adjustments to income tax expense in that 
period.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a comprehensive new standard which amends 
revenue recognition principles and provides a single set of criteria for revenue recognition among all industries. The new standard 
provides a five step framework whereby revenue is recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to a customer at 
56

an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The 
standard also requires enhanced disclosures pertaining to revenue recognition in both interim and annual periods.  The standard is 
effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and allows for adoption using a full retrospective 
method, or a modified retrospective method. Entities may elect to early adopt the standard for annual periods beginning after 
December 15, 2016. We currently anticipate adopting the standard using the modified retrospective method.  We do not expect the 
implementation of this new standard to have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations. 

In April 2015, the FASB issued a new standard simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. The new standard aligns 

the treatment of debt issuance costs with debt discounts and premiums and requires debt issuance costs be presented as a direct 
deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt. We adopted the provisions of this standard in the first quarter 2016 and 
reclassified $9 of deferred financing costs from prepaid expenses and other current assets to the current portion of long-term debt 
and $27 from other assets to long-term debt, less current portion in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015.

In April 2015, the FASB issued a new standard clarifying the accounting for a customer’s fees paid in a cloud computing 

arrangement. Under this standard, if a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer would account for 
the software license consistent with other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software 
license, the customer would account for the arrangement as a service contract. We adopted the provisions of this standard in the 
first quarter 2016. The adoption did not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

In February 2016, the FASB issued a new standard requiring that the rights and obligations arising from leases be 

recognized on the balance sheet by recording a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability. The new standard also requires 
qualitative and quantitative disclosures to understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases, as 
well as significant management estimates utilized. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after 
December 15, 2018 and requires a modified retrospective adoption. We are currently assessing the impact of this standard on our 
financial condition and results of operations.

In March 2016, the FASB issued a new standard intended to simplify certain aspects of the accounting for employee share-
based payments. We elected to early adopt this standard during the third quarter of 2016. One aspect of the standard requires an 
entity to recognize all excess tax benefits and deficiencies associated with stock-based compensation as a reduction or increase to 
tax expense in the income statement. Previously, such amounts were recognized in additional paid-in capital. This aspect of the 
new standard was adopted prospectively, and accordingly we recorded tax benefits of $10 within income tax expense for the year 
ended December 31, 2016. The amendments require recognition of excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces 
taxes payable in the current period. As a result, $238 associated with previously unrecognized excess tax benefits was recorded as 
a deferred tax asset and an increase in retained earnings as of the beginning of 2016. Furthermore, the amendment requires that 
excess tax benefits be classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows instead of a financing activity. We elected 
to adopt this provision of the standard prospectively and thus, prior periods have not been adjusted. We have also elected to 
continue to estimate the impact of forfeitures when determining the amount of compensation cost to be recognized each period 
rather than account for forfeitures as they occur.

In October 2016 the FASB issued a new standard that eliminates the prohibition of immediate recognition of current and 

deferred income tax impacts for an intra-entity asset transfer other than inventory. Under the new standard, entities should 
recognize the income tax consequences on an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. This 
new standard will be effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and requires a modified retrospective 
adoption through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We 
are currently assessing the impact of this standard on our financial condition and results of operations.

57

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth consolidated statements of operations data for the periods indicated. This information has 

been derived from the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Net product sales

Other revenue

Total revenues

Cost of sales
Operating expenses:

Research and development

Selling, general and administrative

Amortization of purchased intangible assets
Change in fair value of contingent consideration

Acquisition-related costs

Restructuring expenses
Impairment of intangible assets

Total operating expenses

Operating income

Other (expense) income

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net income

Earnings per common share:

Basic

Diluted

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

3,082

$

2,603

$

2

3,084

258

757

954

322

36

2

3
85

1

2,604

233

709

863

117

64

39

42
—

2,234

—

2,234

174

514

630

—

20

—

15
12

2,159

1,834

1,191

667
(91)
576

177

399

1.78

1.76

$

$

$

537
(39)
498

354

144

0.68

0.67

$

$

$

869

3

872

215

657

3.32

3.26

$

$

$

58

 
 
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2016 to the Year Ended December 31, 2015

Net Product Sales

Net product sales by significant geographic region are as follows:

Net product sales:
United States
Europe
Asia Pacific
Rest of World

Net product sales by product are as follows:

Net product sales:
Soliris
Strensiq
Kanuma

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

% Change

$

$

1,257
961
318
546
3,082

$

$

951
841
276
535
2,603

32%
14%
15%
2%
18%

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

% Change

2,843
210
29
3,082

$

2,591
12
—
2,603

$

10%
-
-
18%

The components of the increase in net product sales for the year ended December 31, 2016 are as follows:

Components of change:
   Price
   Volume
   Foreign exchange
Total change in net product sales

Year Ended December 31,

2016

(1)%
22 %
(3)%
18 %

The increase in net product sales for fiscal year 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 was primarily due to an 
increase in unit volumes of 22% due to increased demand globally for Soliris therapy for patients with PNH or aHUS and sales of 
Strensiq and Kanuma during 2016.

The positive impact of volume on net product sales was partially offset by the negative impact on foreign exchange of 3%, 

for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The negative impact on foreign exchange of 
$(74), or 3%, was due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates (inclusive of hedging activity) versus the U.S. dollar for the 
year ended December 31, 2015. The negative impact was primarily due to the weakening of the Euro, Japanese Yen, Russian 
Ruble, and the British Pound. We recorded a gain in revenue of $73 and $118 related to our foreign currency cash flow hedging 
program, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We expect the strong dollar compared to other 
currencies to continue to have a negative impact on revenue into 2017.

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes manufacturing costs as well as actual and estimated royalty expenses associated with sales of our 

products. 

The following table summarizes cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

Cost of sales
Cost of sales as a percentage of net product sales

Research and Development Expense

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

Change

$

258

$

8%

233

$

9%

25
(1)%

Our research and development expense includes personnel, facility and external costs associated with the research and 
development of our product candidates, as well as product development costs. We group our research and development expenses 
into two major categories: external direct expenses and all other research and development (R&D) expenses.

External direct expenses are comprised of costs paid to outside parties for clinical development, product development and 

discovery research, as well as costs associated with strategic licensing agreements we have entered into with third parties. Clinical 
development costs are comprised of costs to conduct and manage clinical trials related to eculizumab and other product 
candidates, including ALX1210. Product development costs are those incurred in performing duties related to manufacturing 
development and regulatory functions, including manufacturing of material for clinical and research activities. Discovery research 
costs are incurred in conducting laboratory studies and performing preclinical research for other uses of our products and other 
product candidates. Licensing agreement costs include upfront and milestone payments made in connection with strategic 
licensing arrangements we have entered into with third parties. Clinical development costs have been accumulated and allocated 
to each of our programs, while product development and discovery research costs have not been allocated.

All other R&D expenses consist of costs to compensate personnel, to maintain our facility, equipment and overhead and 
similar costs of our research and development efforts. These costs relate to efforts on our clinical and preclinical products, our 
product development and our discovery research efforts. These costs have not been allocated directly to each program.

The following table provides information regarding research and development expenses: 

Clinical development
Product development
Licensing agreements
Discovery research
Total external direct expenses
Payroll and benefits
Facilities and other costs
Total other R&D expenses
Research and development expense

Year Ended
December 31,
2016

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

$
Change

%
Change

$

$

208
168
10
54
440
274
43
317
757

$

$

155
120
130
44
449
219
41
260
709

$

$

53
48
(120)
10
(9)
55
2
57
48

34 %
40 %
(92 )%
23 %
(2)%
25 %
5 %
22 %
7 %

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we incurred research and development expenses of $757, an increase of $48, or 

7%, versus the $709 incurred during the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily related to the following:

• 

• 

Increase of $53 in external clinical development expenses related primarily to an expansion of studies for ALXN1210, 
sebelipase alfa, and eculizumab (see table below). 

Increase of $48 in external product development expenses related primarily to an increase in costs associated with the 
manufacturing of material for increased clinical research activities and clinical studies.

•  Decrease of $120 in licensing agreement expenses primarily related to upfront payments made in the first quarter 2015.

• 

Increase of $10 in discovery research expenses primarily related to increases in external research expenses associated 
with our collaboration agreements.

60

• 

Increase of $55 in payroll and benefits expense primarily related to the additional headcount acquired as part of the 
Synageva acquisition on June 22, 2015 and the continued global expansion of staff supporting our increasing number of 
clinical and development programs.

The following table summarizes external direct expenses related to our clinical development programs. Please refer to 

Item 1, “Business”, for a description of each of these programs:

External direct expenses
Eculizumab

Asfotase alfa

cPMP

ALXN1007

Sebelipase alfa

ALXN1210

SBC-103
Other programs

Shared expenses

Year Ended
December 31,
2016

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

Accumulated
Expenditures

$

$

$

88

18

7

7

24

37

9
7

(a)

$

78

22

8

14

5

8

3
10

85

32

28

29

46

12
31

11
208

$

7
155

$

(b)

263

(a) From 1992 through 2006, substantially all research and development expenses were related to two products, eculizumab
and pexelizumab. We obtained approval in the U.S. for eculizumab for PNH in 2007 and for aHUS in 2010, and we ceased
development of pexelizumab in 2006.

(b) External costs shared across various development programs.

The successful development of our drug candidates is uncertain and subject to a number of risks. We cannot guarantee that 
results of clinical trials will be favorable or sufficient to support regulatory approvals for our other programs. We could decide to 
abandon development or be required to spend considerable resources not otherwise contemplated. For additional discussion 
regarding the risks and uncertainties regarding our development programs, please refer to Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K.

We expect our research and development expenses to increase in 2017 due to clinical development and manufacturing costs 

related to our expanding development programs. For additional information on these programs, please refer to “Product and 
Development Programs” in Item I “Business” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Our selling, general and administrative expense includes commercial and administrative personnel, corporate facility and 

external costs required to support the marketing and sales of our commercialized products. These selling, general and 
administrative costs include: corporate facility operating expenses and depreciation; marketing and sales operations in support of 
our products; human resources; finance, legal, information technology and support personnel expenses; and other corporate costs 
such as telecommunications, insurance, audit, government affairs and our global corporate compliance program.

The table below provides information regarding selling, general and administrative expense:

Salary, benefits and other labor expense

External selling, general and administrative expense
Total selling, general and administrative expense

Year Ended
December 31,
2016

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

$

$

556

398
954

$

$

550

313
863

$

$

$
Change

%
Change

6

85
91

1 %

27 %
11%

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we incurred selling, general and administrative expenses of $954, an increase of 

$91, or 11%, versus the $863 incurred during the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily related to the 
following:

• 

Increase in external selling, general and administrative expenses of $85. The increase was primarily due to an increase in 
legal expenses from investigations overseen by the Audit and Finance Committee relating to the SEC and DOJ 
61

investigations as well as the Audit Committee Investigation that occurred in the fourth quarter 2016. The increase was 
also attributable to additional facilities costs as a result of continuing growth of operations worldwide.

We expect our selling, general and administrative expenses to increase in 2017, reflecting our continued growth as a 

commercial organization throughout the world.

Amortization of Purchase Intangible Assets

In the third quarter 2015, we received regulatory approval for Strensiq and Kanuma. As a result, for the year ended 

December 31, 2016 and 2015, we recorded amortization expense of $322 and $117, respectively, primarily associated with 
intangible assets related to Strensiq and Kanuma.

Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the change in fair value of contingent consideration expense associated 
with our prior business combinations was $36 and $64, respectively. The change in the fair value of contingent consideration for 
the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was primarily due to increases in the likelihood of payments for contingent 
consideration.

Acquisition-related Costs

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, acquisition-related costs associated with our business combinations 

included the following:

Transaction costs (1)
Integration costs

Year Ended
December 31,
2016

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

$

$

— $
2
2

$

27
12
39

(1) Transaction costs include investment advisory, legal, and accounting fees

Restructuring Expenses

In connection with the relocation of our corporate headquarters to New Haven, Connecticut, we entered into a lease 
termination agreement in December 2015 for the previous corporate headquarters located in Cheshire, Connecticut. We recorded 
contract termination fees of $11 in restructuring expense in the fourth quarter of 2015. 

In conjunction with the acquisition and integration of Synageva we recorded restructuring expense of $13 primarily related 

to employee costs during 2015. Synageva restructuring charges were not material for the year ended December 31, 2016.

In the fourth quarter 2014, we announced plans to relocate our European headquarters from Lausanne to Zurich, 
Switzerland. The relocation of our European headquarters supports our operational needs based on growth in the European 
region. As a result of this action, we recorded restructuring expenses of $15 related to employee costs in the fourth quarter of 
2014. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred additional restructuring costs of $4 and $18, 
respectively.

62

Impairment of Intangible Asset

During the fourth quarter 2016, we reviewed SBC-103, an early stage clinical indefinite-lived intangible asset related to the 
Synageva acquisition as part of our annual impairment testing. The estimated fair value that can be obtained for this asset from a 
market participant in an arm’s length transaction is $31, which was lower than the carrying amount of the asset. As a result, in the 
fourth quarter 2016, we recognized an impairment charge of $85 to write-down this asset to fair value. 

Other Income and Expense

The following table provides information regarding other income and expense:

Investment income

Interest expense

Foreign currency gain (loss)
Total other income (expense)

Year Ended
December 31,
2016

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

$
Change

$

$

$

11
(97)
(5)
(91) $

$

8
(48)
1
(39) $

3

(49)

(6)
(52)

The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year was due to us 
borrowing $3,500 under a term loan facility in conjunction with the acquisition of Synageva on June 22, 2015. The increase was 
also attributable to increases in interest expense associated with our facility lease obligations.

Income Taxes

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded an income tax expense of $177 and an effective tax rate of 30.7%, 

compared to an income tax expense of $354 and an effective tax rate of 71.0% for the year ended December 31, 2015. The 
decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily attributable to the tax charge we recorded in 2015 related to the integration of 
Synageva assets into our captive foreign partnership. This one-time charge increased our effective tax rate in 2015 by 
approximately 63.0%. This decrease was partially offset by deferred tax expense we recognized in 2016 attributable to first 
quarter distributions from our foreign captive partnership.  This distribution increased our 2016 effective tax rate by 20.7%. 
Exclusive of these charges, we expect to continue to benefit from a reduced tax rate compared to periods prior to January 1, 2014 
as a result of centralizing our global supply chain and technical operations in Ireland in the fourth quarter 2013.

The income tax expense for 2016 is attributable to the U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes on our profitable 
operations. Additionally, included for the year ended December 31, 2016, is the impact to deferred tax attributable to first quarter 
distributions from our captive foreign partnership of $119. 

In the third quarter 2015, we contributed certain supply chain assets, commercial operation rights and intellectual property 
acquired in the Synageva acquisition to our captive foreign partnership. This contribution resulted in a revaluation of our captive 
foreign partnership, an increase to the outside basis difference our U.S. parent company has in the captive foreign partnership, and 
a corresponding one-time deferred tax expense of $316. There was no cash tax payment associated with this deferred expense.

 We continue to maintain a valuation allowance against certain other deferred tax assets where realization is not certain.  We 

periodically evaluate the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets and reduce the carrying amount of these deferred tax 
assets by a valuation allowance to the extent we believe a portion will not be realized.

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2015 to the Year Ended December 31, 2014

Net Product Sales

Net product sales by significant geographic region are as follows:

Net product sales:
United States
Europe (1)
Asia Pacific
Rest of World

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

% Change

$

$

951
841
276
535
2,603

$

$

730
836
244
424
2,234

30%
1%
13%
26%
17%

63

Net product sales by product are as follows:

Net product sales:
Soliris (1)
Strensiq
Kanuma

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

% Change

$

$

2,591
12
—
2,603

$

$

2,234
—
—
2,234

16%
N/A
N/A
17%

(1) In March 2014, we entered into an agreement with the French government which positively impacts prospective
reimbursement of Soliris and also provides for reimbursement for shipments made in years prior to January 1, 2014.  As a
result of the agreement, in the first quarter of 2014, we recognized $88 of net product sales from Soliris in France relating to
years prior to January 1, 2014.  Exclusive of the $88, net product sales in Europe increased 12% for the year ended December
31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014.

The components of the increase in net product sales for the year ended December 31, 2015, exclusive of the $88 recognized 

related to prior years, are as follows:

Components of change:
   Price
   Volume
   Foreign exchange
Total change in net product sales

Year Ended December 31,

2015

— %
29 %
(8)%
21 %

The increase in net product sales for fiscal year 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, was primarily due to an 
increase in unit volumes of 29% due to increased demand globally for Soliris therapy for patients with PNH or aHUS during the 
respective periods. 

The positive impact of volume on net product sales was offset by the negative impact on foreign exchange of 8%, for the 
year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The negative impact on foreign exchange of $165, or 
8%, was due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates (inclusive of hedging activity) versus the U.S. dollar for the year 
ended December 31, 2014. The negative impact was primarily due to the weakening of the Euro, Japanese Yen and Russian 
Ruble. We recorded a gain in revenue of $118 and $19 related to our foreign currency cash flow hedging program, for the years 
ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes manufacturing costs as well as actual and estimated royalty expenses associated with sales of Soliris. 

The following table summarizes cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

Cost of sales
Cost of sales as a percentage of net product sales

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

Change

233

9%

174

8%

59
1%

We recorded an expense of $24 in the first quarter of 2015 associated with a portion of a single manufacturing campaign at 
a third party manufacturer for Strensiq. The cost was comprised of raw materials, internal overhead and external production costs. 
This expense did not impact the clinical supply of inventory or the commercial launch of Strensiq.  

Exclusive of the item mentioned above, cost of sales as a percentage of net product sales was 8% for the years ended 

December 31, 2015 and 2014.

64

 
Research and Development Expense

Our research and development expense includes personnel, facility and external costs associated with the research and 
development of our product candidates, as well as product development costs. We group our research and development expenses 
into two major categories: external direct expenses and all other research and development (R&D) expenses.

External direct expenses are comprised of costs paid to outside parties for clinical development, product development and 

discovery research, as well as costs associated with strategic licensing agreements we have entered into with third parties. Clinical 
development costs are comprised of costs to conduct and manage clinical trials related to eculizumab and other product 
candidates. Product development costs are those incurred in performing duties related to manufacturing development and 
regulatory functions, including manufacturing of material for clinical and research activities. Discovery research costs are 
incurred in conducting laboratory studies and performing preclinical research for other uses of our products and other product 
candidates. Licensing agreement costs include upfront and milestone payments made in connection with strategic licensing 
arrangements we have entered into with third parties. Clinical development costs have been accumulated and allocated to each of 
our programs, while product development and discovery research costs have not been allocated.

All other R&D expenses consist of costs to compensate personnel, to maintain our facility, equipment and overhead and 
similar costs of our research and development efforts. These costs relate to efforts on our clinical and preclinical products, our 
product development and our discovery research efforts. These costs have not been allocated directly to each program.

The following table provides information regarding research and development expenses: 

Clinical development
Product development
Licensing agreements
Discovery research
Total external direct expenses
Payroll and benefits
Facilities and other costs
Total other R&D expenses
Research and development expense

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

Year Ended
December 31,
2014

$
Change

%
Change

$

$

155
120
130
44
449
219
41
260
709

$

$

116
58
110
14
298
191
25
216
514

$

$

39
62
20
30
151
28
16
44
195

34 %
107 %
18 %
214 %
51%
15 %
64 %
20%
38%

During the year ended December 31, 2015, we incurred research and development expenses of $709, an increase of $195, 
or 38%, versus the $514 incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily related to the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Increase of $39 in external clinical development expenses related primarily to an expansion of studies for eculizumab, 
ALXN1007, ALXN1210, and other programs (see table below). 

Increase of $62 in external product development expenses related primarily to an increase in costs associated with the 
manufacturing of material for increased clinical research activities and clinical studies.

Increase of $20 in licensing agreement expenses related to the achievement of additional license milestones.

Increase of $30 in discovery research expenses primarily related to increases in external research expenses associated 
with our Moderna agreement and other external research expenses.

Increase of $28 R&D payroll and benefit expense related to the additional headcount acquired as part of the Synageva 
acquisition in the second quarter 2015 and the continued global expansion of staff supporting our increasing number of 
clinical and development programs.

Increases of $16 in R&D facilities and other costs related to the additional R&D facilities as part of the Synageva 
acquisition in the second quarter 2015 and the additional costs associated with the continued expansion of global supply 
chain facilities and support services.

65

The following table summarizes external direct expenses related to our clinical development programs. Please refer to 

Item 1, “Business”, for a description of each of these programs:

External direct expenses
Eculizumab

Asfotase alfa

cPMP

ALXN1007

Sebelipase alfa

ALXN1210

Other programs

Unallocated

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

Year Ended
December 31,
2014

$

$

78

22

8

14

5

8

13
7

$

155

$

68

27

8

3

—

1

3

6
116

The successful development of our drug candidates is uncertain and subject to a number of risks. We cannot guarantee that 
results of clinical trials will be favorable or sufficient to support regulatory approvals for our other programs. We could decide to 
abandon development or be required to spend considerable resources not otherwise contemplated. For additional discussion 
regarding the risks and uncertainties regarding our development programs, please refer to Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Our selling, general and administrative expense includes commercial and administrative personnel, corporate facility and 

external costs required to support the marketing and sales of our commercialized products. These selling, general and 
administrative costs include: corporate facility operating expenses and depreciation; marketing and sales operations in support of 
Soliris; human resources; finance, legal, information technology and support personnel expenses; and other corporate costs such 
as telecommunications, insurance, audit, government affairs and our global corporate compliance program.

The table below provides information regarding selling, general and administrative expense:

Salary, benefits and other labor expense

External selling, general and administrative expense
Total selling, general and administrative expense

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

Year Ended
December 31,
2014

$
Change

$

$

550

313
863

$

$

389

241
630

$

$

161

72
233

During the year ended December 31, 2015, we incurred selling, general and administrative expenses of $863, an increase of 

$233, or 37%, versus the $630 incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily related to the 
following:

• 

• 

Increase in salary, benefits and other labor expenses of $161. The increase was a result of increased staff costs related to 
commercial development activities and increases in payroll and benefits within our general and administrative functions 
to support our infrastructure growth as a global commercial entity. The increase was also attributable to additional global 
commercial staff costs due to our acquisition of Synageva in the second quarter 2015 and additional stock-based 
compensation expense of $30 related to the acceleration of Alexion stock awards for former Synageva employees.

Increase in external selling, general and administrative expenses of $72. The increase was primarily due to an increase in 
external marketing costs to support the global launches of Strensiq and Kanuma and professional services to support the 
continuing growth of the company.

Amortization of Purchase Intangible Assets

In the third quarter 2015, we received regulatory approval for Strensiq and Kanuma. As a result, for the year ended 
December 31, 2015, we recorded amortization expense of $117 associated with intangible assets related to Strensiq and Kanuma.

66

Acquisition-related Costs

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, acquisition-related costs associated with our business combinations 

included the following:

Transaction costs (1)
Integration costs

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

Year Ended
December 31,
2014

$

$

27
12
39

$

$

—
—
—

(1) Transaction costs include investment advisory, legal, and accounting fees

The increase in acquisition related costs was due to the Synageva acquisition that occurred during 2015. 

Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the change in fair value of contingent consideration expense associated 

with our prior business combinations was $64 and $20 respectively. The increase in the fair value of contingent consideration for 
the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared the prior year was primarily due to increases in the likelihood of payments for 
contingent consideration and a net decrease in discount rates.

Restructuring Expenses

In connection with the relocation of our corporate headquarters to New Haven, Connecticut, we entered into a lease 
termination agreement in December 2015 for the previous corporate headquarters located in Cheshire, Connecticut. We recorded 
contract termination fees of $11 in restructuring expense in the fourth quarter of 2015. 

In conjunction with the acquisition and integration of Synageva we recorded restructuring expense of $13 primarily related 

to employee costs during 2015. 

In the fourth quarter of 2014 we announced plans to move the European headquarters from Lausanne, Switzerland to 
Zurich, Switzerland resulting in restructuring expenses of $15. The relocation of the European headquarters supports our growing 
operational needs based on current business forecasts. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we incurred additional 
restructuring costs of $18. 

Impairment of Intangible Asset

During the fourth quarter of 2014, we reviewed for impairment the value of the early stage, Phase II indefinite-lived 
intangible asset related to the Orphatec acquisition. We initiated such review as part of our annual impairment testing and 
increased costs associated with clinical trial studies. Although we will continue to develop this asset, the estimated fair value that 
can be obtained from a market participant in an arm’s length transaction was determined to be de minimis as of December 31, 
2014. As a result, in the fourth quarter 2014, we recognized an impairment charge of $8 to write-down these assets to fair value. 

Other Income and Expense

The following table provides information regarding other income and expense:

Investment income

Interest expense

Foreign currency loss
Total other income (expense)

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

Year Ended
December 31,
2014

$
Change

$

$

$

8
(48)
1
(39) $

8
(3)
(2)
3

$

$

—
(45)
3
(42)

The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the prior year was due to us 

borrowing $3,500 under a term loan facility in conjunction with the acquisition of Synageva.

Income Taxes 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded an income tax expense of $354 and an effective tax rate of 71.0%, 

compared to an income tax expense of $215 and an effective tax rate of 24.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The 
increase in the effective tax rate is primarily attributable to the integration of Synageva assets into our captive foreign partnership. 

67

This one-time charge increased our effective tax rate in 2015 by approximately 63.0%. Exclusive of such one-time charges, we 
expect to continue to benefit from a reduced tax rate compared to periods prior to January 1, 2014 as a result of centralizing our 
global supply chain and technical operations in Ireland in the fourth quarter 2013.

The income tax expense for 2015 is attributable to the U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes on our profitable 
operations, as well as the tax impact associated with integration of the Synageva business with and into the Alexion business. 

In the third quarter 2015, we contributed certain supply chain assets, commercial operation rights and intellectual property 
acquired in the Synageva acquisition to our captive foreign partnership. This contribution resulted in a revaluation of our captive 
foreign partnership, an increase to the outside basis difference our U.S. parent company has in the captive foreign partnership, and 
a corresponding one-time deferred tax expense of $316. There was no cash tax payment associated with this deferred expense.

 The income tax expense for 2014 is attributable to the U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes on our profitable 
operations. Additionally, included for the year ended December 31, 2014 is $2 of tax attributable to our agreement with the 
French government that provided reimbursement for shipments of Soliris made prior to January 1, 2014. 

 We continue to maintain a valuation allowance against certain other deferred tax assets where realization is not certain.  We 

periodically evaluate the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets and reduce the carrying amount of these deferred tax 
assets by a valuation allowance to the extent we believe a portion will not be realized.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources 

The following table summarizes the components of our financial condition as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

Cash and cash equivalents
Marketable securities

Long-term debt (includes current portion)

Current assets
Current liabilities

Working capital

December 31,
2016

December 31,
2015

$
Change

$

$

$

966
327

3,081

2,578
823
1,755

$

$

$

1,010
375

3,456

2,416
709
1,707

$

$

$

(44)
(48)
(375)

162
114
48

The aggregate decrease in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities was primarily attributable to cash utilized to 

repurchase shares, principal payments on our term loan, payments of contingent consideration, and purchases of property, plant 
and equipment. Partially offsetting these decreases was cash generated through operations. 

We expect continued growth in our expenditures, particularly those related to research and product development, clinical 

trials, regulatory approvals, international expansion, commercialization of products and capital investment. However, we 
anticipate that cash generated from operations and our existing available cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities should 
provide us adequate resources to fund our operations as currently planned.

We have financed our operations and capital expenditures primarily through positive cash flows from operations. We expect 

to continue to be able to fund our operations, including principal and interest payments on our credit facility and contingent 
payments from our acquisitions principally through our cash flows from operations. We may, from time to time, also seek 
additional funding through a combination of equity or debt financings or from other sources, if necessary for future acquisitions 
or other strategic purposes.

Financial Instruments

Until required for use in the business, we may invest our cash reserves in money market funds, bank deposits, and high-

quality marketable securities in accordance with our investment policy. The stated objectives of our investment policy is to 
preserve capital, provide liquidity consistent with forecasted cash flow requirements, maintain appropriate diversification and 
generate returns relative to these investment objectives and prevailing market conditions.

Financial instruments that potentially expose us to concentrations of credit risk are cash equivalents, marketable securities, 

accounts receivable and our derivative contracts. At December 31, 2016, three customers accounted for 47% of the accounts 
receivable balance, with these individual customers accounting for 14% to 19% of the accounts receivable balance. At 
December 31, 2015, three customers accounted for 51% of the accounts receivable balance, with individual customers accounting 
for 14% to 22% of the accounts receivable balance. For the year ended December 31, 2016, three customers accounted for 37% of 
our product sales, with these individual customers ranging from 10% to 16% of product sales. For the year ended December 31, 
2015, three customers accounted for 38% of our product sales, with these individual customers ranging from 10% to 18% of 
product sales.

68

We continue to monitor economic conditions, including volatility associated with international economies and the 
associated impacts on the financial markets and our business. A substantial portion of our accounts receivable due from these 
countries are due from or backed by sovereign or local governments, and the amount of non-sovereign accounts receivable is not 
material. Although collection of our accounts receivables from certain countries may extend beyond our credit terms, we do not 
expect any such delays to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

We manage our foreign currency transaction risk and interest rate risk within specified guidelines through the use of 
derivatives. All of our derivative instruments are utilized for risk management purposes, and we do not use derivatives for 
speculative trading purposes. As of December 31, 2016, we have foreign exchange forward contracts with notional amounts 
totaling $2,389. These outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts had a net fair value of $140, of which $156 is included in 
other current assets and noncurrent assets and $16 is included in other current liabilities and noncurrent liabilities. As of 
December 31, 2016, we have interest rate swap contracts with notional amounts totaling $656. These outstanding interest rate 
swap contracts had a net fair value of $10, which is included in other noncurrent assets. The counterparties to these contracts are 
large domestic and multinational commercial banks, and we believe the risk of nonperformance is not material.

At December 31, 2016, our financial assets and liabilities were recorded at fair value. We have classified our financial assets 
and liabilities as Level 1, 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for 
identical assets or liabilities. Our Level 1 assets consist of mutual fund investments and equity securities. Level 2 inputs are 
quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either 
directly or indirectly through market corroboration, but substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Our Level 2 assets 
consist primarily of institutional money market funds, commercial paper, municipal bonds, U.S. and foreign government-related 
debt, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit and derivative contracts. Our Level 2 liabilities consist also of derivative 
contracts. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair 
value. Our Level 3 liabilities consist of contingent consideration related to acquisitions.

Business Combinations and Contingent Consideration Obligations

 The purchase agreements for our business combinations include contingent payments totaling up to $766 that will become 

payable if and when certain development and commercial milestones are achieved. Of these milestone amounts, $451 and $315 of 
the contingent payments relate to development and commercial milestones, respectively. We do not expect these amounts to have 
an impact on our liquidity in the near-term, and, during the next 12 months, we expect to make milestone payments of 
approximately $25 associated with our prior business combinations. As additional future payments become probable, we will 
evaluate methods of funding payments, which could be made from available cash and marketable securities, cash generated from 
operations or proceeds from other financing. In the fourth quarter 2016, the criteria were met for the achievement of a milestone 
payment associated with our acquisition of Enobia Pharma Corp.  In connection with this, $60 was paid in December 2016.

Financing Lease Obligations

In November 2012, we entered into a lease agreement for office and laboratory space to be constructed in New Haven, 
Connecticut. The term of the lease commenced in 2015 and will expire in 2030, with a renewal option of ten years. Although we 
do not legally own the premises, we are deemed to be the owner of the building due to the substantial improvements directly 
funded during the construction period based on applicable accounting guidance for build-to-suit leases. Accordingly, the 
landlord’s costs of constructing the facility during the construction period are required to be capitalized, as a non-cash transaction, 
offset by a corresponding facility lease obligation in our consolidated balance sheet. Construction of the new facility was 
completed and the building was placed into service in the first quarter 2016. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, our total facility 
lease obligation was $136 and $133, respectively, recorded within other current liabilities and facility lease obligation on our 
consolidated balance sheets.

During the third quarter 2015, we entered into a new agreement with Lonza Group AG and its affiliates (Lonza) whereby 

Lonza will construct a new manufacturing facility dedicated to Alexion at one of its existing facilities. As a result of our 
contractual right to full capacity of the new manufacturing facility, a portion of the payments under the agreement are considered 
to be lease payments and a portion as payment for the supply of inventory. Although we will not legally own the premises, we are 
deemed to be the owner of the manufacturing facility during the construction period based on applicable accounting guidance for 
build-to-suit leases due to our involvement during the construction period. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we recorded a 
construction-in-process asset of $118 and $19, respectively, and an offsetting facility lease obligation of $107 and $15, 
respectively, within other current liabilities and facility lease obligation on our consolidated balance sheets.

License Agreements

In March 2015, we entered into a collaboration agreement with a third party that allows us to identify and optimize drug 

candidates. Alexion will have the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize products arising from the 
collaboration. Due to the early stage of the assets we are licensing in connection with the collaboration, we recorded expense for 
the upfront payment of $15 during the first quarter 2015. In addition, as of December 31, 2016 we could be required to pay up to 

69

an additional $249 if certain development, regulatory, and commercial milestones are met over time, as well as royalties on 
commercial sales.

In January 2015, we entered into a license agreement with a third party to obtain an exclusive research, development and 

commercial license for specific therapeutic molecules. Due to the early stage of these assets, we recorded expense for the upfront 
payment of $50 during the first quarter 2015. In addition, as of December 31, 2016 we could be required to pay up to an 
additional $822 if certain development, regulatory, and commercial milestones are met over time, as well as royalties on 
commercial sales.

In December 2014, we entered into an agreement with X-Chem Pharmaceuticals (X-Chem) that allows us to identify novel 
drug candidates from X-Chem’s proprietary drug discovery engine. Alexion will have the exclusive worldwide rights to develop 
and commercialize products arising from the collaboration in up to three program targets. Due to the early stage of these assets, 
we recorded expense for an upfront payment of $8. In addition, for each program target, for a maximum of three targets, we could 
be required to make additional payments upon the achievement of specified research, development and regulatory milestones up 
to $75, as well as royalties on commercial sales.

In January 2014, we entered into an agreement with Moderna Therapeutics, Inc. (Moderna) that allows us to purchase ten 

product options to develop and commercialize treatments for rare diseases with Moderna’s messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics 
platform. Alexion will lead the discovery, development and commercialization of the treatments produced through this broad, 
long-term strategic agreement, while Moderna will retain responsibility for the design and manufacture of the messenger RNA 
against selected targets. Due to the early stage of these assets, we recorded expense for an upfront payment of $100. We will also 
be responsible for funding research activities under the program. In addition, for each drug target, up to a maximum of ten targets, 
we could be required to make an option exercise payment of $15 and to pay up to an additional $120 with respect to a rare disease 
product and $400 with respect to a non-rare disease product in development and sales milestones if the specific milestones are 
met over time as well as royalties on commercial sales.  

In addition, we have entered into other license agreements under which we would be required to pay up to an additional 

$415 if certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones are met.

Our license agreements include contingent payments that will become payable if and when certain development, regulatory 

and commercial milestones are achieved. We do not expect the payments associated with these milestones to have a significant 
impact on our liquidity in the near-term. During the next 12 months, we expect to make milestone payments related to our license 
agreements of approximately $51.

Long-term Debt

On June 22, 2015, Alexion entered into a credit agreement (the Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of banks, which 

provides for a $3,500 term loan facility and a $500 revolving facility. Borrowings under the term loan facility are payable in 
quarterly installments equal to 1.25% of the original loan amount, beginning December 31, 2015. Final repayment of the term 
loan and any draw down of revolving credit loans are due on June 22, 2020. In addition to borrowings in which prior notice is 
required, the revolving credit facility includes a sublimit of $100 in the form of letters of credit and borrowings on same-day 
notice, referred to as swingline loans, of up to $25. Borrowings can be used for working capital requirements, acquisitions and 
other general corporate purposes.  

Under the Credit Agreement, we are required to deliver to the administrative agent, not later than 50 days after each fiscal 

quarter, our quarterly financial statements, and within 5 days thereafter, a compliance certificate.  In November 2016, we obtained 
a waiver from the necessary lenders for this requirement and the due date for delivery of the third quarter 2016 financial 
statements and compliance certificate was extended to January 18, 2017.  The posting of the Third Quarter report on Form 10-Q 
on our website on January 4, 2017 satisfied the financial statement covenant, and we simultaneously delivered the required 
compliance certificate, as required by the lenders.

In connection with the acquisition of Synageva in June 2015, we borrowed $3,500 under the term loan facility and $200 
under the revolving facility, and we used our available cash for the remaining cash consideration. In June 2015, we repaid the 
revolving facility in full. As of December 31, 2016, we had $3,081 outstanding on the term loan. As of December 31, 2016, we 
had open letters of credit of $15, and our borrowing availability under the revolving facility was $485. 

Manufacturing Obligations

We have supply agreements with Lonza through 2028 relating to the manufacture of Soliris and Strensiq, which requires 
payments to Lonza at the inception of contract and upon the initiation and completion of product manufactured. On an ongoing 
basis, we evaluate our plans for future levels of manufacturing by Lonza, which depends upon our commercial requirements, the 
progress of our clinical development programs and the production levels of ARIMF.  

We have various agreements with Lonza, with remaining total non-cancellable commitments of approximately $1,148 

through 2028. Certain commitments may be canceled only in limited circumstances. If we terminate certain supply agreements 

70

with Lonza without cause, we will be required to pay for product scheduled for manufacture under our arrangement. Under an 
existing arrangement with Lonza, we also pay Lonza a royalty on sales of Soliris manufactured at ARIMF and a payment with 
respect to sales of Soliris manufactured at Lonza facilities. 

In addition to Lonza, we have non-cancellable commitments of approximately $27 through 2019 with other third party 

manufacturers.

Taxes

We do not record U.S. tax expense on the undistributed earnings of our controlled foreign corporation (CFC) subsidiaries. 
These earnings relate to ongoing operations and were approximately $1,462 at December 31, 2016. We intend to reinvest these 
earnings permanently outside the U.S. or repatriate the earnings only when it is tax efficient to do so. Accordingly, we believe that 
U.S. tax on any earnings that might be repatriated would be substantially offset by realizing the benefit of tax attributes, such as 
U.S. foreign tax credits or by utilizing deficits in the foreign earnings and profits account.

During the fourth quarter of 2013, in connection with the centralization of our global supply chain and technical operations 
in Ireland, our U.S. parent company became a direct partner in a foreign partnership subsidiary. To the extent that our U.S. parent 
company receives its allocation of partnership taxable income, the amounts will be taxable in the U.S., and therefore the 
permanent reinvestment assertion will no longer apply. 

We do not have any present or anticipated future need for cash held by our CFCs, as cash generated in the U.S., as well as 

borrowings, are expected to be sufficient to meet U.S. liquidity needs for the foreseeable future. At December 31, 2016, 
approximately $445 of our cash and cash equivalents was held by foreign subsidiaries, a significant portion of which is required 
for liquidity needs of our foreign subsidiaries. These subsidiaries will settle any outstanding intercompany trade payables prior to 
having excess cash available which could be repatriated to our entities in the U.S. While we intend to reinvest CFC earnings 
permanently outside the U.S. or repatriate the earnings only when it is tax efficient to do so, certain unforeseen future events 
could impact our permanent reinvestment assertion. Such events include acquisitions, corporate restructurings or tax law changes 
not currently contemplated.

Common Stock Repurchase Program

In November 2012, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program. In May 2015, our Board of Directors 
increased the authorization to acquire shares with an aggregate value of up to $1,000 for future purchases under the repurchase 
program, which superseded all prior repurchase programs. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date, and we are 
not obligated to acquire a particular number of shares. The repurchase program may be discontinued at any time at the Company’s 
discretion. We expect that cash generated from operations and our existing available cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient 
to fund any share repurchases.

Under the program, we repurchased 3 and 2 shares of our common stock at a cost of $430 and $328 during the years ended 

December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, there is a total of $325 remaining for repurchases under the 
program. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the pendency of the Synageva acquisition, and the Company began 
repurchasing shares again in the third quarter 2015. 

In February 2017, our Board of Directors increased the authorization to acquire shares with an aggregate value of up to 
$1,000 for future purchases under the repurchase program, which superseded all prior repurchase programs. . As of February 16, 
2017, there is a total of $1,000 remaining for repurchases under the repurchase program.

Cash Flows

 The following summarizes our net change in cash and cash equivalents:

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

$
Change

$

$

$

1,086
(287)
(836)

(7)

(44) $

675
(3,585)
2,985
(9)
66

$

$

411

3,298
(3,821)
2
(110)

71

 
 
 
Operating Activities

Cash flows provided by operations in 2016 were $1,086 compared to $675 in 2015. The increase was primarily due to an 
increase in gross margin on product sales of $454 resulting primarily from an increase in global demand for Soliris and the launch 
of Strensiq and Kanuma, as well as a decrease in cash outflows relates to our licensing arrangements of $120. The increase in 
gross margin was offset by an increase in clinical development costs, interest expense and selling, general and administrative 
expenses during 2016.

In 2017, we expect increases in cash flow from operations which will be highly dependent on sales levels, and the related 

cash collections from sales of our products. We also expect cash outflows of approximately $51 related to milestone payments on 
our license agreements.

Investing Activities

Cash used for investing activities in 2016 was $287 compared to $3,585 in 2015. The decrease in cash used was primarily 

due to the payment of $3,939 in 2015 related to the Synageva acquisition and net cash flows related to the purchase and maturities 
of available-for-sale securities of $51 in 2016 compared to $640 in 2015. 

We expect to continue to have significant spending on property, plant and equipment in 2017 related to the construction of 

our new biologics manufacturing facilities in Ireland.

Financing Activities

Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities in 2016 were $(836) compared to $2,985 in 2015. The decrease was 

primarily due to the following: 

•  Borrowing of $3,655, net of issuance costs, under our credit facility, in connection with the acquisition of Synageva 

in June 2015.

•  Principal payments against the credit facility of $375 in 2016, compared to $301 in 2015.

•  Repurchased of common stock of $430 in 2016, compared to $328 in 2015.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at December 31, 2016 and the effect such obligations and 

commercial commitments are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future fiscal years. These do not include 
potential milestone payments and assume non-termination of agreements. 

These obligations, commitments and supporting arrangements represent payments based on current operating forecasts, 

which are subject to change:

Total

Less than
1 Year

1-3 Years

3-5 Years

More than 5
Years

Contractual obligations:
Long-term debt
Interest expense (1)
Facility lease obligation (2)
Operating leases

$

Total contractual obligations

$

Commercial commitments:
Clinical and manufacturing 
development (3)

$
Total commercial commitments $

3,081
265
225
90
3,661

1,175
1,175

$

$

$
$

— $
79
16
21
116

$

227
227

$
$

325
151
31
32
539

356
356

$

$

$
$

2,756
35
32
13
2,836

200
200

$

$

$
$

—
—
146
24
170

392
392

(1) Interest on variable rate debt calculated based on interest rates at December 31, 2016. Interest that is fixed, associated to our 
interest rate swaps, is calculated based on the fixed interest swap rate at December 31, 2016
(2) Facility lease obligation includes the lease agreement signed in November 2012, for office and laboratory space to be 
constructed in New Haven, Connecticut. Although we do not legally own the premises, we were deemed to be the owner of the 
building during the construction period based on applicable accounting guidance for build-to-suit leases due to our involvement 
during the construction period.  Accordingly, the landlord’s costs of constructing the facility are required to be capitalized, as a 
non-cash transaction, offset by a corresponding facility lease obligation in our consolidated balance sheet.
(3) Clinical and manufacturing development commitments include only non-cancellable commitments, including all Lonza 
agreements, at December 31, 2016. 

72

The contractual obligations table above does not include contingent royalties and other contingent contractual payments we 
may owe to third parties in the future because such payments are contingent on future sales of our products and the existence and 
scope of third party intellectual property rights and other factors described in Item 1A “Risk Factors” and Note 9 “Commitments 
and Contingencies” of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

The liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to various federal, state and foreign income tax matters of $139 at 
December 31, 2016 was not included within the table above. The timing of the settlement of these amounts was not reasonably 
estimable at December 31, 2016. We do not expect payment of amounts related to the unrecognized tax benefits within the next 
twelve months.

Contingent payments related to business acquisitions completed in prior years or license agreements are not included within 

the table above, as the timing of payment for these amounts was not reasonably estimable at December 31, 2016. Contingent 
payments associated with these business combinations total up to $766 which will become payable if and when certain 
development and commercial milestones are achieved. During the next 12 months, we expect to make milestone payments of 
approximately $25 associated with our prior business combinations. License commitments include contingent payments that will 
become payable if and when certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones are achieved under which we would be 
required to pay additional amounts if certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones are met. During the next 12 
months, we expect to make milestone payments related to our license agreements of approximately $51.

Future obligations related to our defined benefit plans are not included within the table above, as the timing and amounts of 

these payments was not reasonably estimable as of December 31, 2016. The total unfunded obligation on our defined benefit 
plans as of December 31, 2016 was $20. Our unfunded obligation can be impacted by changes in the laws and regulations, 
interest rates, investment returns, and other variables.

Credit Facilities

On June 22, 2015, Alexion entered into a credit agreement (Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of banks, which provides for 
a $3,500 term loan facility and a $500 revolving credit facility maturing in five years. Borrowings under the term loan are payable 
in quarterly installments equal to 1.25% of the original loan amount, beginning December 31, 2015. Final repayment of the term 
loan and revolving credit loans are due on June 22, 2020. In addition to borrowings in which prior notice is required, the 
revolving credit facility includes a sublimit of $100 in the form of letters of credit and borrowings on same-day notice, referred to 
as swingline loans, of up to $25. Borrowings can be used for working capital requirements, acquisitions and other general 
corporate purposes. With the consent of the lenders and the administrative agent, and subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, 
we may increase the term loan facility and/or the revolving credit facility in an amount that does not cause our consolidated net 
leverage ratio to exceed the maximum allowable amount. 

Under the Credit Agreement we may elect that the loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal 
to either a base rate or a Eurodollar rate plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margins on base rate loans range 
from 0.25% to 1.00% and the applicable margins on Eurodollar loans range from 1.25% to 2.00%, in each case depending upon 
our consolidated net leverage ratio (as calculated in accordance with the Credit Agreement).

Our obligations under the credit facilities are guaranteed by certain of Alexion’s foreign and domestic subsidiaries and 

secured by liens on certain of Alexion’s and its subsidiaries’ equity interests, subject to certain exceptions.

The Credit Agreement requires us to comply with certain financial covenants on a quarterly basis. Further, the Credit 
Agreement includes negative covenants, subject to exceptions, restricting or limiting our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries 
to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, grant liens, and engage in certain investment, acquisition and disposition 
transactions. The Credit Agreement also contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of 
default, including payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant defaults and cross defaults. If an event of 
default occurs, the interest rate would increase and the administrative agent would be entitled to take various actions, including 
the acceleration of amounts due under the loan. 

Operating Leases

Our operating leases are principally for facilities and equipment. We currently lease office space in the U.S. and foreign 

countries to support our operations as a global organization.

We believe that our administrative office space is adequate to meet our needs for the foreseeable future. We also believe that 

our research and development facilities and our manufacturing facility, together with third party manufacturing facilities, will be 
adequate for our on-going activities. 

73

Commercial Commitments

Our commercial commitments consist of research and development, license, operational, clinical development, and 
manufacturing cost commitments, along with anticipated supporting arrangements, subject to certain limitations and cancellation 
clauses. The timing and level of our commercial scale manufacturing costs, which may or may not be realized, are contingent 
upon the progress of our clinical development programs and our commercialization plans. Our commercial commitments are 
represented principally by our supply agreement with Lonza described above. Our commitments with Lonza do not include 
amounts for estimated CPI adjustments.

Item 7A. 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
(amounts in millions, except percentages)

Interest Rate Risk

As of December 31, 2016, we invested our cash in a variety of financial instruments, principally money market funds, 

corporate bonds, municipal bonds, commercial paper and government-related obligations. Most of our interest-bearing 
securities are subject to interest rate risk and could decline in value if interest rates fluctuate. Our investment portfolio is 
comprised of marketable securities of highly rated financial institutions and investment-grade debt instruments, and we have 
guidelines to limit the term-to-maturity of our investments. Based on the type of securities we hold, we do not believe a change 
in interest rates would have a material impact on our financial statements. If interest rates were to increase or decrease by 1%, 
the fair value of our investment portfolio would (decrease) increase by approximately $(4) and $4, respectively.

In June 2015, we entered into the Credit Agreement with interest at a rate per annum equal to either a base rate or a 
Eurodollar rate plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margins on base rate loans range from 0.25% to 1.00% 
and the applicable margins on Eurodollar loans range from 1.25% to 2.00%, in each case depending upon our consolidated net 
leverage ratio (as calculated in accordance with the Credit Agreement). Changes in interest rates related to the Credit 
Agreement could have a material effect on our financial statements. 

To achieve a desired mix of floating and fixed interest rates on our term loan, we entered into two interest rate swap 
agreements in June 2016 that qualified for and are designated as cash flow hedges. The first agreement had a notional amount 
of $3,281 and was effective from June 30, 2016 through December 30, 2016. This agreement hedged the contractual floating 
interest rate of our term loan. As a result of this agreement, the interest rate for our term loan was fixed at 0.535%, plus the 
borrowing spread, until December 30, 2016. The second agreement has a notional amount of $656 and is effective December 
31, 2016 through December 31, 2019. The second agreement converts the floating rate on a portion of our term loan to a fixed 
rate of 0.98%, plus a borrowing spread, from December 31, 2016 through December 2019. The impact of a hypothetical 
increase or decrease in interest rates on the fair value of our interest rate swap contract would be offset by a change in the value 
of the underlying liability. If interest rates were to increase or decrease by 1%, annual interest expense, beginning in 2017, 
would increase or decrease by $24, based on the unhedged portion of our outstanding term loan.

Foreign Exchange Market Risk

Our operations include activities in many countries outside the U.S., including countries in Europe, Latin America and 
Asia Pacific. As a result, our financial results are impacted by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or 
weak economic conditions in the foreign markets where we operate. We have exposure to movements in foreign currency 
exchange rates, the most significant of which are the Euro and Japanese Yen, against the U.S. dollar. We are a net receiver of 
many foreign currencies, and our consolidated financial results benefit from a weaker U.S. dollar and are adversely impacted 
by a stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies in which we sell our product.  

Our monetary exposures on our balance sheet arise primarily from cash, accounts receivable, intercompany receivables 

and payables denominated in foreign currencies. Approximately 51% of our product sales were denominated in foreign 
currencies during 2016, and our revenues are also exposed to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates over time. In 
certain foreign countries, we may sell in U.S. dollar, but our customers may be impacted adversely in fluctuations in foreign 
currency exchange rates which may also impact the timing and amount of our revenue.

Both positive and negative impacts to our international product sales from movements in foreign currency exchange rates 

are only partially mitigated by the natural, opposite impact that foreign currency exchange rates have on our international 
operating expenses. Additionally, we have operations based in Switzerland and Ireland, and accordingly, our expenses are 
impacted by fluctuations in the value of the Swiss Franc and Euro against the U.S. dollar.

We currently have a derivative program in place to achieve the following: 1) limit the foreign currency exposure of our 
monetary assets and liabilities on our balance sheet, using contracts with durations of approximately 90 days and 2) hedge a 
portion of our forecasted product sales (in some currencies), including intercompany sales, using contracts with durations of up 

74

 
 
to 60 months. The objectives of this program are to reduce the volatility of our operating results due to fluctuation of foreign 
exchange and to increase the visibility of the foreign exchange impact on forecasted revenues. This program utilizes foreign 
exchange forward contracts intended to reduce, not eliminate, the volatility of operating results due to fluctuations in foreign 
exchange rates.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we held foreign exchange forward contracts with notional amounts totaling $2,389 
and $2,536, respectively. The decrease in outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts resulted primarily from increases in 
forecasted revenues and, for certain currencies, extended duration of hedges. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, our 
outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts had a net fair value of $140 and $148, respectively. 

We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes. The counterparties to these foreign 
exchange forward contracts are large domestic and multinational commercial banks. We believe the risk of counterparty 
nonperformance is not material.

Based on our foreign currency exchange rate exposures at December 31, 2016, a hypothetical 10% adverse fluctuation in 
exchange rates would decrease the fair value of our foreign exchange forward contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges 
by approximately $162 at December 31, 2016. The resulting loss on these forward contracts would be offset by the gain on the 
underlying transactions and therefore would have minimal impact on future anticipated earnings and cash flows. Similarly, 
adverse fluctuations in exchange rates that would decrease the fair value of our foreign exchange forward contracts that are not 
designated as hedge instruments would be offset by a positive impact of the underlying monetary assets and liabilities.

Credit Risk

As a result of our foreign operations, we are exposed to changes in the general economic conditions in the countries in 

which we conduct business. The majority of our receivables are due from wholesale distributors, public hospitals and other 
government entities. We monitor the financial performance and creditworthiness of our large customers so that we can properly 
assess and respond to changes in their credit profile. We continue to monitor these conditions, including the volatility 
associated with international economies and the relevant financial markets, and assess their possible impact on our business. 
Although collection of our accounts receivables from certain countries may extend beyond our standard credit terms, we do not 
expect any such delays to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations

Item 8. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

The consolidated financial statements and supplementary data of the Company required in this item are set forth 

beginning on page F-1.

Item 9. 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None. 

Item 9A. 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

We have established disclosure controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that information is accumulated 
and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate 
to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we 
file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act) is recorded, processed, summarized and 
reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. 

Our management, with the participation of our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the 

effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, 
as of December 31, 2016. Based on this evaluation, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded 
that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2016, due to the material weakness in 
internal control over financial reporting that was previously disclosed in our Form 10-Q filed on January 4, 2017 and described 
below, which was not remediated as of December 31, 2016. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial 
reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a 
process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial 

75

 
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent 
limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any 
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in 
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2016 based on the framework in  Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of 
deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement 
of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. 

We did not maintain an effective control environment as our senior management failed to set an appropriate Tone at the 

Top. Specifically, senior management failed to reinforce the need for compliance with the Company’s policies and procedures, 
which resulted in inappropriate business conduct. This control deficiency did not result in a misstatement to the Company’s 
consolidated financial statements. However, this control deficiency could result in a misstatement to disclosures that would 
result in a material misstatement to our annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or 
detected. Accordingly, our management has determined that this control deficiency constitutes a material weakness.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 has been audited by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included 
herein.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended 
December 31, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial 
reporting.

Remediation Plan and Activities

Management is engaged in remedial activities to address the material weakness described above.  The remedial activities 

include the following: 

•  The Board of Directors has and will reinforce to key leadership the importance of setting appropriate Tone at 
the Top and of appropriate behavior with respect to the Company’s commitment to ethics and compliance programs in 
the performance of the Company’s mission, as well as adherence to the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting framework;

•  Members of senior management, with the participation and input of the Audit and Finance Committee and the 

Board of Directors, have and will increase communication with, and training of employees regarding:

Our commitment to ethical standards and the integrity of our business practices;

Requirements for compliance with applicable laws, our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and 

other Company policies; and

Availability of and processes for reporting suspected violations of law or our Code of Ethics and 

Business Conduct.

•  Revised financial reporting processes to ensure that all employees annually confirm compliance with the 

Company’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and that deviations are identified and timely remediated; and

•  The Board of Directors, together with management, is evaluating certain Company practices and procedures, 
including those related to compensation, planning and forecasting, as well as the Company’s organizational structure, 
to determine which practices and procedures should be modified or terminated, and management is assessing roles and 
responsibilities to enhance controls and compliance.

In addition, on December 11, 2016, our Board of Directors oversaw a change in the Company’s senior leadership when it 

appointed a new Interim Chief Executive Officer and a new Chief Financial Officer following the departures of our former 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as other personnel changes.

The Company is committed to maintaining a strong internal control environment. Management believes the foregoing 

efforts will effectively remediate the material weakness. We will provide further updates to the Company’s Board on an 
ongoing basis with measurable milestones and responsibilities regarding the progress of our remediation efforts. 

Item 9A(T). 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Not applicable

76

Item 9B. 

OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

77

 
PART III

Item 10. 

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

The information required by this item with respect to our executive officers is provided under the caption entitled 
“Executive Officers of the Company” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated by reference herein. 
The information required by this item with respect to our directors and our audit committee and audit committee financial 
expert will be set forth in our definitive Proxy Statement under the captions “General Information About the Board of 
Directors” and “Election of Directors”, to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

The information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 required by this Item 

will be set forth in our definitive Proxy Statement under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting 
Compliance”, to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and is 
incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement.

CODE OF ETHICS

We have adopted the Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Code of Conduct, or code of ethics, that applies to directors, officers 

and employees of Alexion and its subsidiaries and complies with the requirements of Item 406 of Regulation S-K and the 
listing standards of the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Our code of ethics is located on our website (http://
ir.alexionpharm.com/corporate-governance.cfm). We amended the code of ethics in September 2015 and any future 
amendments or waivers to our code of ethics will be promptly disclosed on our website and as required by applicable laws, 
rules and regulations of the SEC and NASDAQ.

Item 11. 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed within 120 days after 

the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy 
Statement.

Item 12. 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed within 120 days after 

the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy 
Statement.

Item 13. 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed within 120 days after 

the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy 
Statement.

Item 14. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our definitive Proxy Statement under the caption “Independent 
Registered Public Accounting Firm”, to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement.

78

 
 
 
 
 
Item 15. 

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

PART IV

Item 15(a) 

(1)  Financial Statements

The financial statements required by this item are submitted in a separate section beginning on page F-1 of this report.

(2)  Financial Statement Schedules

Schedules have been omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required 

information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto beginning on page F-1 of this report.

(3)  Exhibits:

2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Alexion, TPCA Corporation, Taligen Therapeutics, Inc., each

stockholder of Taligen that signed the Agreement as a seller of Series Bl Call Rights, and, only for the limited
purposes described therein as Stockholders’ Representatives (and not in their individual capacities), Nick Galakatos,
Ed Hurwitz and Timothy Mills, dated as of January 28, 2011.(1)+

2.2 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Alexion, EMRD Corporation, Enobia Pharma Corp., and the

Stockholder Representatives named therein, dated as of December 28, 2011.(2)+

2.3 Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 28, 2011, by and among Alexion, EMRD
Corporation, Enobia Pharma Corp., and the Stockholder Representatives named therein, dated February 1, 2012.(3)

2.4 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated May 5, 2015, among Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pulsar Merger 

Sub Inc., Galaxy Merger Sub LLC and Synageva BioPharma Corp. (4)

3.1 Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.(5)

3.2 Certificate  of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation.(6)

3.3 Bylaws, as amended.(7)

4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate.(8)

10.1 Consulting Agreement, by and between Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Dr. Leonard Bell, dated April 1, 2015.(9)

10.2 Amendment to the April 1, 2015,Consulting Agreement by and between Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Dr.

Leonard Bell, dated September 21, 2016.(26)

10.3 Letter Agreement, by and between Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Dr. Leonard Bell, dated April 1, 2015.(9)

10.4 Confidential Separation Agreement and Release by and between Vikas Sinha and Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

dated December 11, 2016.

10.5 Confidential Release and Separation Agreement by and between David Hallal and Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

dated December 11, 2016.

10.6 Employment Agreement, dated as of December 11, 2016, by and between David Brennan and Alexion

Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

10.7 Employment Agreement, dated as of December 12, 2016, by and between David J. Anderson and Alexion

Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

10.8 Employment Agreement, dated February 26, 2016, by and between Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Clare

Carmichael.(27)**

10.9 Employment Agreement, dated February 26, 2016, by and between Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Martin

Mackay.(27)**

10.10 Employment Agreement, dated February 26, 2016, by and between Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and John

Moriarty.(27)**

10.11 Form of Employment Agreement (Senior Vice Presidents).(10)**

10.12 Form of Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreements (Senior Vice Presidents). (11)**

79

 
10.13 Form of Indemnification Agreement for Officers and Directors. (12)

10.14 Lease, dated November 15, 2012, between Alexion and WE Route 34, LLC.(14)

10.15 Alexion’s 2000 Stock Option Plan, as amended.(15)**

10.16 Alexion’s 1992 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan, as amended.(16)**

10.17 Alexion’s Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Plan.(17)**

10.18 License Agreement dated March 27, 1996 between Alexion and Medical Research Council.(18)+

10.19 Master Manufacturing and Supply Agreement, dated December 16, 2014 between Alexion Pharma International 
Trading, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Lonza Group AG, Lonza Biologics Tuas PTE LTD and Lonza Sales AG. 
(24)*

10.20 Form of Stock Option Agreement for Directors.(20)**

10.21 Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers (Form A).(21)**

10.22 Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers (Form B).(21)**
10.23 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Executive Officers (Form A).(22)**

10.24 Form of Stock Option Agreement (Incentive Stock Options).(19)

10.25 Form of Stock Option Agreement (Nonqualified Stock Options).(19)

10.26 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement.(19)

10.27 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.(23)

10.28 Form of Stock Option Agreement for Participants in France.(19)**

10.29 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Participants in France.(19)**

10.30 Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2015, by and among Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc, as administrative

borrower, the guarantors referred to therein, the lenders referred to therein and Bank of America, N.A., as
administrative agent. (25)

21.1 Subsidiaries of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

31.1 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14, as adopted pursuant to

Section 302 Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14, as adopted pursuant to

Section 302 of Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section

906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act.

32.2 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section

906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act.

101 The following materials from the Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended

December 31, 2016 formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Statements
of Operations, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets,
(iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows and (vi) related notes, tagged as blocks of text.

_____________________

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4) 
(5) 

(6) 
(7) 
(8) 

Incorporated by reference to our Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 3, 2011.
Incorporated by reference to our Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 4, 2012.
Incorporated by reference to our Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 7, 2012.
Incorporated by reference to our Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 6, 2015.
Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Reg. No. 333-128085), filed on September 2, 
2005. 
Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
Incorporated by reference to our Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 8, 2016.
Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-00202).

80

(9) 
(10) 
(11) 
(12) 
(13) 
(14) 
(15) 
(16) 
(17) 
(18) 
(19) 
(20) 
(21) 
(22) 
(23) 
(24) 
(25) 
(26) 
(27) 

Incorporated by reference to our Report on Form 8-K, filed April 7, 2015.
Incorporated by reference to our Report on Form 8-K filed on February 16, 2006.
Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
Incorporated by reference to our Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 17, 2010. 
Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Reg. No. 333-36738) filed on May 10, 2000.
Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013.
Incorporated by reference to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2004. 
Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-71879) filed on February 5, 1999.
Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996.
Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. 
Incorporated by reference to our report on Form 8-K, filed on December 16, 2004. 
Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2005. 
Incorporated by reference to our report on Form 8-K, filed on March 14, 2005. 
Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. 
Incorporated by reference to our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
Incorporated by reference to our report on Form 8-K, filed on June 23, 2015.
Incorporated by reference to our report on Form 8-K, filed on September 22, 2016.
Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.

+     

Confidential treatment was granted for portions of such exhibit.

* 

Confidential treatment requested under 17 C.F.R. §§200.80(b)(4) and 24b-2. The confidential portions of this exhibit 
have been omitted and are marked accordingly. The confidential portions have been filed separately with the SEC 
pursuant to the confidential treatment request.

** 
Form 10-K.

Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed pursuant to Item 15(b) of 

Item 15(b) Exhibits

See (a) (3) above.

Item 15(c) Financial Statement Schedules

See (a) (2) above.

Item 16 Form 10-K Summary

Not applicable.

81

 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly 

caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

By:

By:

/s/    David R. Brennan

David R. Brennan

Interim Chief Executive Officer                                                                                                                                       

(principal executive officer)

Dated: February 16, 2017

/s/    David J. Anderson       

David J. Anderson,                                                                                                                                                   

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
Dated: February 16, 2017

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following 

persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

/s/    David R. Brennan
David R. Brennan

/s/    David J. Anderson
David J. Anderson

/s/    Daniel A. Bazarko
Daniel A. Bazarko, C.P.A.

Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer) February 16, 2017

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial
officer)

February 16, 2017

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (principal accounting
officer)

February 16, 2017

/s/    Leonard Bell

Chairman

Leonard Bell, M.D.

/s/    Felix J. Baker
Felix J. Baker, Ph.D.

/s/    M. Michele Burns
M. Michele Burns

Director

Director

/s/    Christopher J. Coughlin Director

Christopher J. Coughlin

/s/    John T. Mollen
John T. Mollen

/s/    R. Douglas Norby
R. Douglas Norby

/s/    Alvin S. Parven
Alvin S. Parven

/s/   Andreas Rummelt
Andreas Rummelt, Ph.D.

/s/   Ann M. Veneman
Ann M. Veneman

Director

  Director

Director

Director

Director

February 16, 2017

February 16, 2017

February 16, 2017

February 16, 2017

February 16, 2017

February 16, 2017

February 16, 2017

February 16, 2017

February 16, 2017

 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Contents
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Page(s)

F-2

F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7 to F-8
F-9 to F-44

F-1

 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, 
comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of  December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their 
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016 in conformity with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company did not maintain, 
in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established 
in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (COSO) because a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting existed as of that date related to 
not maintaining an effective control environment as senior management failed to set an appropriate tone at the top. Specifically, 
senior management failed to reinforce the need for compliance with the Company’s policies and procedures, which resulted in 
inappropriate business conduct. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over 
financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial 
statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weakness referred to above is described in 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. We considered this material 
weakness in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2016 consolidated financial 
statements, and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not 
affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial 
statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of 
internal control over financial reporting included in management’s report referred to above. Our responsibility is to express 
opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated 
audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in 
all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the 
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting 
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness 
exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our 
audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our 
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for the 
classification of debt issuance costs and the manner in which it accounts for certain elements of its employee share-based 
payments in 2016.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures 
that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and 
dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit 
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and 
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the 
company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
February 16, 2017

F-2

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets
(amounts in millions, except per share amounts)

Assets
Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Marketable securities
Trade accounts receivable, net
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment, net
Intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities:

Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Deferred revenue
Current portion of long-term debt
Current portion of contingent consideration
Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt, less current portion
Contingent consideration
Facility lease obligation
Deferred tax liabilities
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders’ Equity:

Common stock, $.0001 par value; 290 shares authorized; 232 and 230 shares issued
at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Treasury stock, at cost, 8 and 5 shares at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively

Accumulated other comprehensive income
Retained earnings

Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

December 31,

2016

2015

$

$

$

966
327
650
375
260
2,578
1,036
4,303
5,037
299
13,253

64
508
37
167
24
23
823
2,888
129
233
396
90
4,559

—
7,957

(1,141)
60
1,818
8,694
13,253

$

1,010
375
533
290
208
2,416
697
4,708
5,048
228
13,097

57
403
21
166
56
6
709
3,254
121
151
529
74
4,838

—
7,727

(711)
62
1,181
8,259
13,097

$

$

$

$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-3

 
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations
(amounts in millions, except per share amounts)

Net product sales
Other revenue

Total revenues

Cost of sales
Operating expenses:

Research and development
Selling, general and administrative
Amortization of purchased intangible assets
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
Acquisition-related costs
Restructuring expenses
Impairment of intangible assets

Total operating expenses
Operating income
Other income and expense:
Investment income
Interest expense
Foreign currency gain (loss)

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense
Net income
Earnings per common share
Basic
Diluted
Shares used in computing earnings per common share
Basic
Diluted

$

$

$
$

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$
$

3,082
2
3,084
258

757
954
322
36
2
3
85
2,159
667

11
(97)
(5)
576
177
399

1.78
1.76

224
227

$

$

$
$

2,603
1
2,604
233

709
863
117
64
39
42
—
1,834
537

8
(48)
1
498
354
144

0.68
0.67

213
216

2,234
—
2,234
174

514
630
—
20
—
15
12
1,191
869

8
(3)
(2)
872
215
657

3.32
3.26

198
202

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4

 
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(amounts in millions)

Net income
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

399

$

144

$

657

Foreign currency translation
Unrealized losses on marketable securities
Unrealized gains (losses) on pension obligation
Unrealized (losses) gains on hedging activities, net of tax of $0, $6
and $45, respectively

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

Comprehensive income

$

(4)
—
3

(1)
(2)
397

$

(6)
(1)
7

6
6
150

$

(6)
—
(5)

91
80
737

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-5

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-
F

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(amounts in millions)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:

2016

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2014

$

399

$

144

$

657

Depreciation and amortization
Impairment of intangible assets
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
Share-based compensation expense
Deferred taxes
Change in excess tax benefit from stock options
Other

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effect of acquisitions:

Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
Deferred revenue

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of available-for-sale securities
Proceeds from maturity or sale of available-for-sale securities
Purchases of trading securities
Proceeds from sale of trading securities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Purchases of other investments
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
Other

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Debt issuance costs
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
Payments on revolving credit facility
Proceeds from term loan
Payments on term loan
Equity issuance costs for shares issued in connection with acquisition of business
Change in excess tax benefit from stock options
Repurchase of common stock
Net proceeds from issuance of stock under share-based compensation 
arrangements

Payment of contingent consideration
Proceeds from development-related grants
Other

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

396
85
36
192
104
—
10

(122)
(84)
(97)
150
17
1,086

(667)
718
(8)
4
(333)
—
—
(1)
(287)

—
—
—
—
(375)
—
—
(430)

37
(60)
—
(8)
(836)
(7)
(44)
1,010
966

$

167
—
64
227
395
90
3

(116)
(88)
(57)
(116)
(38)
675

(520)
1,160
(15)
10
(286)
—
(3,939)
5
(3,585)

(45)
200
(200)
3,500
(101)
(4)
(90)
(328)

82
(50)
26
(5)
2,985
(9)
66
944
1,010

$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-7

47
12
20
114
(154)
(251)
37

(28)
(67)
(18)
265
6
640

(664)
620
(3)
—
(137)
(38)
—
(1)
(223)

—
—
—
—
(55)
—
251
(303)

114
—
—
—
7
(10)
414
530
944

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(amounts in millions)

Supplemental cash flow disclosures:

Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized)
Cash paid for income taxes

Supplemental cash flow disclosures from investing and financing activities:

Common stock issued in acquisition of business
Capitalization of construction costs related to facility lease obligations
Accrued expenses for purchases of property, plant and equipment

2016

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2014

$
$

$
$
$

80
38

$
$

— $
$
103
$
23

41
123

4,918
41
30

$
$

$
$
$

2
91

—
75
17

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-8

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

1. 

Business Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Alexion, the Company, we, our or us) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on serving 

patients with devastating and ultra-rare disorders through the innovation, development and commercialization of life-
transforming therapeutic products. 

In our complement franchise, Soliris® is the first and only therapeutic approved for patients with either paroxysmal 

nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a life-threatening and ultra-rare genetic blood disorder, or atypical hemolytic uremic 
syndrome (aHUS), a life-threatening and ultra-rare genetic disease. PNH and aHUS are two disorders resulting from chronic 
uncontrolled activation of the complement component of the immune system.

  In our metabolic franchise, we commercialize Strensiq® for the treatment of patients with Hypophosphatasia (HPP) and 
Kanuma® for the treatment of patients with Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency (LAL-D). HPP is an ultra-rare genetic disease 
characterized by defective bone mineralization that can lead to deformity of bones and other skeletal abnormalities. LAL-D is a 
serious, life threatening ultra-rare disease in which genetic mutations result in decreased activity of the Lysosomal Acid Lipase 
(LAL) enzyme leading to marked accumulation of lipids in vital organs, blood vessels and other tissues. We initiated sales of 
these products in the third quarter 2015.

We are also evaluating additional potential indications for eculizumab in other severe and devastating diseases in which 

uncontrolled complement activation is the underlying mechanism, and we are progressing in various stages of development 
with additional product candidates as potential treatments for patients with devastating and ultra-rare disorders.  

In June 2015, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Synageva BioPharma Corp. (Synageva), a 

publicly-held clinical-stage biotechnology company. The acquisition furthered our objective to develop and commercialize life-
transforming therapies for patients with devastating and ultra-rare diseases.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alexion and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. 
All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For each of our business combinations, all 
of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their respective fair values as of the date of acquisition, and their 
results of operations are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.  

Dividend Policy

We have never paid a cash dividend on shares of our stock. We currently intend to retain our earnings to finance future 

operations and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our stock in the foreseeable future.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting 
principles generally accepted in the U.S., requires us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that may affect the reported 
amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our financial 
statements. We believe the most complex judgments result primarily from the need to make estimates about the effects of 
matters that are inherently uncertain and are significant to our consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on 
historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable, the results of which form the basis for 
making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates, judgments and assumptions on 
an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The most significant areas involving estimates, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated 

financial statements are as follows:

•  Revenue recognition;

•  Contingent liabilities;

• 

• 

Inventories;

Share-based compensation;

F-9

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

•  Valuation of goodwill, acquired intangible assets and in-process research and development (IPR&D);

•  Valuation of contingent consideration; and

• 

Income taxes.

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial statements of our subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. 

dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities, historical exchange rates for stockholders’ equity and weighted 
average exchange rates for operating results. Translation gains and losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss), net of tax, in stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the results of 
operations in other income and expense.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value, and include short-term 

highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, 

other assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities. 
Our marketable securities are valued based upon pricing of securities with similar investment characteristics and holdings. Our 
derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value using observable market inputs such as forward rates, interest rates, 
our own credit risk and our counterparties’ credit risks. Our debt obligations are carried at historical cost, which approximates 
fair value. Our contingent consideration liabilities related to our acquisitions are valued based on various estimates, including 
probability of success, estimated revenues, discount rates and amount of time until the conditions of the milestone payments are 
met.  

Marketable Securities

We invest our excess cash balances in marketable securities of highly rated financial institutions and investment-grade 

debt instruments. We seek to diversify our investments and limit the amount of investment concentrations for individual 
institutions, maturities and investment types. We classify these marketable securities as available-for-sale and, accordingly, 
record such securities at fair value. We classify these marketable securities as current assets as these investments are intended to 
be available to the Company for use in funding current operations.

Unrealized gains and losses that are deemed temporary are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as 

a separate component of stockholders’ equity. If any adjustment to fair value reflects a significant decline in the value of the 
security, we evaluate the extent to which the decline is determined to be other-than-temporary and would mark the security to 
market through a charge to our consolidated statement of operations. Credit losses are identified when we do not expect to 
receive cash flows sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of a security. In the event of a credit loss, only the amount 
associated with the credit loss is recognized in operating results, with the amount of loss relating to other factors recorded in 
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

We sponsor a nonqualified deferred compensation plan which allows certain highly-compensated employees to elect to 
defer income to future periods.  Participants in the plan earn a return on their deferrals based on several investments options, 
which mirror returns on underlying mutual fund investments. We choose to invest in the underlying mutual fund investments to 
offset the liability associated with our nonqualified deferred compensation plan. These securities are classified as trading 
securities and are carried at fair value with gains and losses included in investment income. The changes in the underlying 
liability to the employee are recorded in operating expenses.

Accounts Receivable

Our standard credit terms vary based on the country of sale and range from 30 to 120 days. Our consolidated average 

days’ sales outstanding ranges from 60 to 80 days. We evaluate the creditworthiness of customers on a regular basis. In certain 
European countries, sales by us are subject to payment terms that are statutorily determined. This is primarily the case in 
countries where the payer is government-owned or government-funded, which we consider to be creditworthy. The length of 
time from sale to receipt of payment in certain countries exceeds our credit terms. In countries in which collections from 

F-10

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

customers extend beyond normal payment terms, we seek to collect interest. We record interest on customer receivables as 
interest income when collected. For non-interest bearing receivables with an estimated payment beyond one year, we discount 
the accounts receivable to present value at the date of sale, with a corresponding adjustment to revenue. Subsequent 
adjustments for further declines in credit rating are recorded as bad debt expense as a component of selling, general and 
administrative expense. We also use judgments as to our ability to collect outstanding receivables and provide allowances for 
the portion of receivables if and when collection becomes doubtful, and we also assess on an ongoing basis whether 
collectibility is reasonably assured at the time of sale.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk are limited to cash equivalents, 
marketable securities, accounts receivable and our foreign exchange derivative contracts. We invest our cash reserves in money 
market funds or high-quality marketable securities in accordance with our investment policy. The stated objectives of our 
investment policy is to preserve capital, provide liquidity consistent with forecasted cash flow requirements, maintain 
appropriate diversification and generate returns relative to these investment objectives and prevailing market conditions.

At December 31, 2016, three customers accounted for 47% of the accounts receivable balance, with these individual 
customers ranging from 14% to 19% of the accounts receivable balance. At December 31, 2015, three customers accounted for 
51% of the accounts receivable balance, with these individual customers ranging from 14% to 22% of the accounts receivable 
balance. For the year ended December 31, 2016, three customers accounted for 37% of our product sales, with these individual 
customers ranging from 10% to 16% of our product sales. For the year ended December 31, 2015, three customers accounted 
for 38% of our product sales, with these individual customers ranging from 10% to 18% of our product sales. No other 
customers accounted for more than 10% of accounts receivable or net product sales. David Anderson, Alexion’s Executive Vice 
President and Chief Financial Officer since December 2016, has been a member of the Board of Directors of Cardinal Health, 
Inc. since April 2014.  Cardinal Health, Inc. and its affiliates provide product distribution and other services to Alexion in the 
United States.

As a result of our foreign operations, we are exposed to changes in the general economic conditions in the countries in 
which we conduct business. Substantially all of our accounts receivable due from these countries are due from or backed by 
sovereign or local governments, and the amount of non-sovereign accounts receivable is not material. We continue to monitor 
economic conditions, including volatility associated with international economies and the associated impacts on the financial 
markets and our business. Although collection of our accounts receivables due from certain countries may extend beyond our 
standard credit terms, we do not expect any such delays to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of 
operations.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value. We determine the cost of inventory on a standard 

cost basis, which approximates average costs.

The components of inventory are as follows:

Raw materials
Work-in-process
Finished goods

December 31,

2016

2015

$

$

17
143
215
375

$

$

18
180
92
290  

F-11

 
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Capitalization of Inventory Costs

We capitalize inventory produced for commercial sale, which may include costs incurred for certain products awaiting 

regulatory approval. We capitalize inventory produced in preparation of product launches sufficient to support estimated initial 
market demand. Capitalization of such inventory begins when we have (i) obtained positive results in clinical trials that we 
believe are necessary to support regulatory approval, (ii) concluded that uncertainties regarding regulatory approval have been 
sufficiently reduced, and (iii) determined that the inventory has probable future economic benefit. In evaluating whether these 
conditions have been met, we consider clinical trial results for the underlying product candidate, results from meetings with 
regulatory authorities, and the compilation of the regulatory application. If we are aware of any material risks or contingencies 
outside of the standard regulatory review and approval process, or if there are any specific negative issues identified relating to 
the safety, efficacy, manufacturing, marketing or labeling of the product that would have a significant negative impact on its 
future economic benefits, the related inventory would not be capitalized. We had no inventory capitalized for products awaiting 
regulatory approval as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Products that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other regulatory authorities are 

also used in clinical programs to assess the safety and efficacy of the products for usage in diseases that have not been approved 
by the FDA or other regulatory authorities. The form of the products utilized for both commercial and clinical programs is 
identical and, as a result, the inventory has an “alternative future use” as defined in authoritative guidance. Raw materials and 
purchased drug product associated with clinical development programs are included in inventory and charged to research and 
development expense when the product enters the research and development process and no longer can be used for commercial 
purposes and, therefore, does not have an “alternative future use”.

 For products which are under development and have not yet been approved by regulatory authorities, purchased drug 

product is charged to research and development expense upon delivery. Delivery occurs when the inventory passes quality 
inspection and ownership transfers to us. Nonrefundable advance payments for research and development activities, including 
production of purchased drug product, are deferred and capitalized until the goods are delivered. We also recognize expense for 
raw materials purchased for developmental purposes when the raw materials pass quality inspection and we have an obligation 
to pay for the materials. 

Inventory Write-Offs

We analyze our inventory levels to identify inventory that may expire prior to sale, inventory that has a cost basis in 
excess of its estimated realizable value, or inventory in excess of expected sales requirements. Although the manufacturing of 
our product is subject to strict quality control, certain batches or units of product may no longer meet quality specifications or 
may expire, which requires adjustments to our inventory values. We also apply judgment related to the results of quality tests 
that we perform throughout the production process, as well as our understanding of regulatory guidelines, to determine if it is 
probable that inventory will be saleable. These quality tests are performed throughout the pre-and post-production process, and 
we continually gather additional information regarding product quality for periods after the manufacture date. Our products 
currently have a maximum estimated life ranging from 36 to 48 months and, based on our sales forecasts, we expect to realize 
the carrying value of our inventory. In the future, reduced demand, quality issues or excess supply beyond those anticipated by 
management may result in a material adjustment to inventory levels, which would be recorded as an increase to cost of sales.

The determination of whether or not inventory costs will be realizable requires estimates by our management. A critical 
input in this determination is future expected inventory requirements based on internal sales forecasts. We then compare these 
requirements to the expiry dates of inventory on hand. For inventories that are capitalized in preparation of product launch, we 
also consider the expected approval date in assessing realizability. To the extent that inventory is expected to expire prior to 
being sold, we will write down the value of inventory.

Derivative Instruments

We record the fair value of derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. The accounting for 
gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value is dependent on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and 
qualifies for hedge accounting.

All qualifying hedging activities are documented at the inception of the hedge and must meet the definition of highly 
effective in offsetting changes to future cash. The effectiveness of the qualifying hedge contract is assessed quarterly. We record 
the fair value of the qualifying hedges in other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities and other liabilities. Gains or 
losses resulting from changes in the fair value of qualifying hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until the 
forecasted transaction occurs. When the forecasted transaction occurs, this amount is reclassified into revenue or interest 

F-12

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

expense, based on the nature of the derivative instrument. Any non-qualifying portion of the gains or losses resulting from 
changes in fair value, if any, is reported in other income and expense.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives 

of the assets. We estimate economic lives as follows:

•  Building and improvements—fifteen to thirty five years

•  Machinery and laboratory equipment—five to fifteen years 

•  Computer hardware and software—three to seven years

• 

Furniture and office equipment— five to ten years

Leasehold improvements and assets under capital lease arrangements are amortized over the lesser of the asset’s 

estimated useful life or the term of the respective lease. Maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Construction-in-progress reflects amounts incurred for property, plant, or equipment construction or improvements that 

have not been placed in service.

Manufacturing Facilities

We capitalize costs incurred for the construction of facilities which support commercial manufacturing. We also capitalize 

costs related to validation activities which are directly attributable to preparing the facility for its intended use, including 
engineering runs and inventory production necessary to obtain approval of the facility from government regulators for the 
production of a commercially approved drug. When the facility is substantially complete and ready for its intended use and 
regulatory approval for commercial production has been received, we will place the asset in service.

The production of inventory for preparing the facility for its intended use requires two types of production: engineering 

runs which are used for testing purposes only and do not result in saleable inventory, and validation runs which are used for 
validating equipment and may result in saleable inventory. The costs associated with inventory produced during engineering 
runs and normal production losses during validation runs are capitalized to fixed assets and depreciated over the asset’s useful 
life. Saleable inventory produced during the validation process is initially treated as a fixed asset; however, upon regulatory 
approval, this inventory is reclassified to inventory and expensed in cost of goods sold as product is sold, or in research and 
development expenses as product is utilized in R&D activities. Abnormal production costs incurred during the validation 
process are expensed as incurred.

Acquisitions

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of 
accounting, the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are recorded as of the acquisition date at their 
respective fair values. We evaluate a business as an integrated set of activities and assets that is capable of being managed for 
the purpose of providing a return in the form of dividends, lower costs or other economic benefits and consists of inputs and 
processes that provide or have the ability to provide outputs. In an acquisition of a business, the excess of the fair value of the 
consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. In an acquisition of net assets 
that does not constitute a business, no goodwill is recognized.

Our consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of an acquired business after the completion of the 

acquisition.

Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets consist of licenses, patents, purchased technology and acquired in-process research and development 

(IPR&D).  Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized based on their pattern of economic benefit over their estimated 
useful lives and reviewed periodically for impairment.  

Intangible assets related to IPR&D projects are considered to be indefinite-lived until the completion or abandonment of 
the associated research and development efforts. During the period the assets are considered indefinite-lived, they will not be 
amortized but will be tested for impairment. If and when development is complete, which generally occurs when regulatory 

F-13

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

approval to market a product is obtained, the associated assets are deemed finite-lived and are amortized over a period that best 
reflects the economic benefits provided by these assets. 

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination and is 

not amortized. Goodwill is subject to impairment testing at least annually or when a triggering event occurs that could indicate 
a potential impairment. We are organized and operate as a single reporting unit and therefore the goodwill impairment test is 
performed using our overall market value, as determined by our traded share price, compared to our book value of net assets. 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Our long-lived assets are primarily comprised of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment. We evaluate our 

finite-lived intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate the carrying value of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. If these circumstances exist, recoverability of assets 
to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows 
expected to be generated by the asset group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is 
measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. 

In addition, indefinite-lived intangible assets, comprised of IPR&D, are reviewed for impairment annually and whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired by comparing the fair value 
to the carrying value of the asset.  

Contingent Consideration

 We record contingent consideration resulting from a business combination at its fair value on the acquisition date. On a 
quarterly basis, we revalue these obligations and record increases or decreases in their fair value as an adjustment to operating 
earnings. Changes to contingent consideration obligations can result from adjustments to discount rates, accretion of the 
liability due to the passage of time, changes in our estimates of the likelihood or timing of achieving development or 
commercial milestones, changes in the probability of certain clinical events or changes in the assumed probability associated 
with regulatory approval.

Contingent Liabilities

We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings. On a quarterly basis, we review the status of each 
significant matter and assess its potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim, asserted or unasserted, or 
legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated 
loss. Because of uncertainties related to claims and litigation, accruals are based on our best estimates based on available 
information. On a periodic basis, as additional information becomes available, or based on specific events such as the outcome 
of litigation or settlement of claims, we may reassess the potential liability related to these matters and may revise these 
estimates.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock is accounted for using the cost method, with the purchase price of the common stock recorded separately 

as a deduction from stockholders’ equity.

Revenue Recognition

Our principal source of revenue is product sales. We recognize revenue from product sales when persuasive evidence of 
an arrangement exists, title to product and associated risk of loss has passed to the customer, the price is fixed or determinable, 
collection from the customer is reasonably assured, and we have no further performance obligations. Depending on these 
criteria, revenue is usually recorded upon receipt of the product by the end customer, which is typically a hospital, physician’s 
office, private or government pharmacy or other healthcare facility. On a regular basis, we review revenue arrangements, such 
as distributor relationships, to determine whether changes in these criteria have an impact on revenue recognition. Amounts 
collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities, such as value-added taxes (VAT) in foreign jurisdictions, are 
presented on a net basis in our consolidated statements of operations and do not impact net product sales.

F-14

 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Our customers are primarily comprised of distributors, pharmacies, hospitals, hospital buying groups, and other 

healthcare providers. In some cases, we may also sell to governments and government agencies. 

Because of factors such as the price of our products, the limited number of patients, the short period from product sale to 

patient infusion and the lack of contractual return rights, our customers often carry limited inventory. We also monitor inventory 
within our sales channels to determine whether deferrals are appropriate based on factors such as inventory levels compared to 
demand, contractual terms, financial strength of distributors and our ability to estimate returns. In some cases, exact quantities 
of inventory in the channel are not precisely known, requiring us to estimate these amounts. If actual amounts of inventory 
differ from these estimates, these adjustments could have an impact in the period in which these estimates change. 

In addition to sales in countries where our products are commercially available, we have also recorded revenue on sales 

for patients receiving treatment through named-patient programs. The relevant authorities or institutions in those countries have 
agreed to reimburse for product sold on a named-patient basis where our products have not received final approval for 
commercial sale.  

We record estimated rebates payable under governmental programs, including Medicaid in the U.S. and other programs 
outside the U.S., as a reduction of revenue at the time of product sale. Our calculations related to these rebate accruals require 
analysis of historical claim patterns and estimates of customer mix to determine which sales will be subject to rebates and the 
amount of such rebates. We update our estimates and assumptions each period and record any necessary adjustments, which 
may have an impact on revenue in the period in which the adjustment is made. Generally, the length of time between product 
sale and the processing and reporting of the rebates is three to six months.

We have entered into volume-based arrangements with governments in certain countries in which reimbursement is 
limited to a contractual amount. Under this type of arrangement, amounts billed in excess of the contractual limitation are 
repaid to these governments as a rebate. We estimate incremental discounts resulting from these contractual limitations, based 
on estimated sales during the limitation period, and we apply the discount percentage to product shipments as a reduction of 
revenue. Our calculations related to these arrangements require estimation of sales during the limitation period, and adjustments 
in these estimates may have a material impact in the period in which these estimates change.

We record distribution and other fees paid to our customers as a reduction of revenue, unless we receive an identifiable 

and separate benefit for the consideration and we can reasonably estimate the fair value of the benefit received.  If both 
conditions are met, we record the consideration paid to the customer as an operating expense. These costs are typically known 
at the time of sale, resulting in minimal adjustments subsequent to the period of sale.

We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge exposures resulting from portions of our forecasted revenues, 
including intercompany revenues, that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. These hedges are designated as 
cash flow hedges upon inception. We record the effective portion of these cash flow hedges to revenue in the period in which 
the sale is made to an unrelated third party and the derivative contract is settled.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses are comprised of costs incurred in performing research and development activities 
including payroll and benefits, pre-clinical, clinical trial and related clinical manufacturing costs, manufacturing development 
and scale-up costs, product development and regulatory costs, contract services and other outside contractor costs, research 
license fees, depreciation and amortization of lab facilities, and lab supplies. These costs are expensed as incurred. We accrue 
costs for clinical trial activities based upon estimates of the services received and related expenses incurred that have yet to be 
invoiced by the contract research organizations, clinical study sites, laboratories, consultants, or other clinical trial vendors that 
perform the activities.

Share-Based Compensation

We have two share-based compensation plans pursuant to which awards are currently being made: (i) the Amended and 

Restated 2004 Incentive Plan (2004 Plan) and (ii) the 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Under the 2004 Plan, 
restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options and other stock-related awards may be granted to our directors, officers, 
employees and consultants or advisors of the Company or any subsidiary. Under the ESPP, eligible employees can purchase 
shares of common stock at a discount semi-annually through payroll deductions. To date, share-based compensation issued 
under the plans consists of incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, including 
restricted stock units with market and non-market performance conditions, and shares issued under our ESPP. 

F-15

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Compensation expense for our share-based awards is recognized based on the estimated fair value of the awards on the 

grant date. Compensation expense reflects an estimate of the number of awards expected to vest and is primarily recognized on 
a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the individual grants, which typically equals the vesting period. 
Compensation expense for awards with performance conditions is recognized using the graded-vesting method. 

Our estimates of employee stock option values rely on estimates of factors we input into the Black-Scholes model. The 

key factors involve an estimate of future uncertain events. Significant assumptions include the use of historical volatility to 
determine the expected stock price volatility. We also estimate expected term until exercise and the reduction in the expense 
from expected forfeitures. We currently use historical exercise and cancellation patterns as our best estimate of future estimated 
life. 

For our non-market performance-based awards, we estimate the anticipated achievement of the performance targets, 

including forecasting the achievement of future financial targets. These estimates are revised periodically based on the 
probability of achieving the performance targets and adjustments are made throughout the performance period as necessary.   
We use payout simulation models to estimate the grant date fair value of market performance-based awards. The payout 
simulation models assume volatility of our common stock and the common stock of a comparator group of companies, as well 
as correlations of returns of the price of our common stock and the common stock prices of the comparator group.

The purchase price of common stock under our ESPP is equal to 85% of the lower of (i) the market value per share of the 

common stock on the first business day of an offering period or (ii) the market value per share of the common stock on the 
purchase date. The fair value of the discounted purchases made under our ESPP is calculated using the Black-Scholes model. 
The fair value of the look-back provision plus the 15% discount is recognized as compensation expense over the 6 month 
purchase period.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares 

of common stock outstanding. For purposes of calculating diluted EPS, the denominator reflects the potential dilution that could 
occur if stock options, unvested restricted stock units or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into 
common stock, using the treasury stock method.

The following table summarizes the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 

2014:

Net income used for basic and diluted calculation

Shares used in computing earnings per common share—basic

Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities:

Stock awards

Shares used in computing earnings per common share—diluted

Earnings per common share:

Basic

Diluted

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

399

224

3

227

1.78

1.76

$

$

$

144

213

3

216

0.68

0.67

$

$

657

198

4

202

3.32

3.26

$

$

$

F-16

 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

We exclude from EPS the weighted-average number of securities whose effect is anti-dilutive.  Excluded from the 

calculation of EPS for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were 4, 2, and 1 shares of common stock, 
respectively, because their effect is anti-dilutive. 

Income Taxes

We utilize the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and 
liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. We periodically 
evaluate the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets and reduce the carrying amount of these deferred tax assets by a 
valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized.

We recognize the benefit of an uncertain tax position that has been taken or we expect to take on income tax returns if 

such tax position is more likely than not to be sustained. The tax benefit recognized in the financial statements for a particular 
tax position is based on the largest benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits is 
adjusted, as appropriate, for changes in facts and circumstances, such as significant amendments to existing tax law, new 
regulations or interpretations by the taxing authorities, or new information obtained during a tax examination or resolution of an 
examination. We also accrued for potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax 
expense.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income 
(loss) includes changes in equity that are excluded from net income, such as changes in pension liabilities, unrealized gains and 
losses on marketable securities, unrealized gains and losses on hedge contracts and foreign currency translation adjustments. 
Certain of these changes in equity are reflected net of tax.

Other Investments

We invest in companies with securities that are not publicly traded and where fair value is not readily available. Other 

investments include an investment in the preferred stock of the non-public entity Moderna Therapeutics, Inc. During 2014, we 
purchased $38 of preferred equity of Moderna. We recorded our investment at cost within other assets in our condensed 
consolidated balance sheets. We regularly monitor these investments to evaluate whether there has been an other-than-
temporary decline in its fair value, based on the implied value of recent company financings, public market prices of 
comparable companies, and general market conditions. The carrying value of these investments was not impaired as of 
December 31, 2016.

Reclassifications and Adjustments

Certain items in the prior year’s consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current 

presentation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a comprehensive new standard which amends 

revenue recognition principles and provides a single set of criteria for revenue recognition among all industries. The new 
standard provides a five step framework whereby revenue is recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to a 
customer at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or 
services. The standard also requires enhanced disclosures pertaining to revenue recognition in both interim and annual periods.  
The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and allows for adoption using a full 
retrospective method, or a modified retrospective method. Entities may elect to early adopt the standard for annual periods 
beginning after December 15, 2016. We currently anticipate adopting the standard using the modified retrospective method.  We 
do not expect the implementation of this new standard to have a material impact on our financial position and results of 
operations. 

In April 2015, the FASB issued a new standard simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. The new standard 
aligns the treatment of debt issuance costs with debt discounts and premiums and requires debt issuance costs be presented as a 
direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt. We adopted the provisions of this standard in the first quarter 

F-17

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

2016 and reclassified $9 of deferred financing costs from prepaid expenses and other current assets to the current portion of 
long-term debt and $27 from other assets to long-term debt, less current portion in our consolidated balance sheets as of 
December 31, 2015.

In April 2015, the FASB issued a new standard clarifying the accounting for a customer’s fees paid in a cloud computing 
arrangement. Under this standard, if a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer would account 
for the software license consistent with other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software 
license, the customer would account for the arrangement as a service contract. We adopted the provisions of this standard in the 
first quarter 2016. The adoption did not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

In February 2016, the FASB issued a new standard requiring that the rights and obligations arising from leases be 

recognized on the balance sheet by recording a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability. The new standard also 
requires qualitative and quantitative disclosures to understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from 
leases, as well as significant management estimates utilized. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning 
after December 15, 2018 and requires a modified retrospective adoption. We are currently assessing the impact of this standard 
on our financial condition and results of operations.

In March 2016, the FASB issued a new standard intended to simplify certain aspects of the accounting for employee 
share-based payments. We elected to early adopt this standard during the third quarter of 2016. One aspect of the standard 
requires an entity to recognize all excess tax benefits and deficiencies associated with stock-based compensation as a reduction 
or increase to tax expense in the income statement. Previously, such amounts were recognized in additional paid-in capital. This 
aspect of the new standard was adopted prospectively, and accordingly we recorded tax benefits of $10, within income tax 
expense for the year ended December 31, 2016. The amendments require recognition of excess tax benefits regardless of 
whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period. As a result, $238 associated with previously unrecognized 
excess tax benefits was recorded as a deferred tax asset and an increase in retained earnings as of the beginning of 2016. 
Furthermore, the amendment requires that excess tax benefits be classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash 
flows instead of a financing activity. We elected to adopt this provision of the standard prospectively and thus, prior periods 
have not been adjusted. We have also elected to continue to estimate the impact of forfeitures when determining the amount of 
compensation cost to be recognized each period rather than account for forfeitures as they occur.

In October 2016 the FASB issued a new standard that eliminates the prohibition of immediate recognition of current and 

deferred income tax impacts for an intra-entity asset transfer other than inventory. Under the new standard, entities should 
recognize the income tax consequences on an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. 
This new standard will be effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and requires a modified 
retrospective adoption through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of 
adoption. We are currently assessing the impact of this standard on our financial condition and results of operations.

2. 

Acquisitions

On June 22, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Synageva, in a transaction accounted for under the acquisition method 

of accounting for business combinations. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed from Synageva were recorded as of the acquisition date at their respective fair values. Synageva’s results of operations 
are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The acquisition furthered our objective to 
develop and commercialize life-transforming therapies to an increasing number of patients with devastating and rare diseases.  
Synageva’s lead product candidate was Kanuma, an enzyme replacement therapy for patients suffering with LAL-D, a life-
threatening, ultra-rare disease for which there were no approved treatments at the closing of the business combination. 

We acquired all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Synageva for $4,565 in cash and 26 shares of common 
stock. We financed the cash consideration with existing cash and proceeds from our new credit facility described further in Note 
8.

The aggregate consideration to acquire Synageva consisted of: 

Stock consideration
Cash consideration
Total purchase price

$

$

4,918
4,565
9,483

F-18

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

Cash
Inventory
In-process research and development (IPR&D)
Deferred tax liabilities, net
Other assets and liabilities
Net assets acquired

Goodwill
Total purchase price

$

$

626
24
4,236
(160)
(26)
4,700
4,783
9,483

 The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were initially based upon preliminary calculations, and our 

estimates and assumptions were subject to change as we obtained additional information for our estimates during the 
measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date). During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded fair 
value adjustments of $11 primarily due to tax related items.

We acquired $24 of Kanuma inventory. The estimated fair value of work-in-process and finished goods inventory was 

determined utilizing the comparative sales method, based on the expected selling price of the inventory, adjusted for 
incremental costs to complete the manufacturing process and for direct selling efforts, as well as for a reasonable profit 
allowance. The estimated fair value of raw material inventory was valued at replacement cost, which is equal to the value a 
market participant would pay to acquire the inventory.

Intangible assets associated with IPR&D projects primarily relate to Kanuma. The estimated fair value of IPR&D assets 

of $4,236 was determined using the multi-period excess earnings method, a variation of the income approach. The multi-period 
excess earnings method estimates the value of an intangible asset equal to the present value of the incremental after-tax cash 
flows attributable to that intangible asset. The fair value using the multi-period excess earnings method was dependent on an 
estimated weighted average cost of capital for Synageva of 10%, which represents a rate of return that a market participant 
would expect for these assets. 

The excess of purchase price over the fair value amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed represents the 

goodwill amount resulting from the acquisition. The goodwill, which is not tax-deductible, has been recorded as a noncurrent 
asset and is not amortized, but is subject to an annual review for impairment. The goodwill represents future economic benefits 
arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized and expected synergies 
that are specific to our business and not available to market participants, including our unique ability to commercialize therapies 
for rare diseases, our existing relationships with specialty physicians who can identify patients with LAL-D, a global 
distribution network to facilitate drug delivery and other benefits that we believe will result from combining the operations of 
Synageva within our operations.

We recorded a net deferred tax liability of $160. This amount was primarily comprised of $603 of deferred tax liabilities 
related to the IPR&D and inventory acquired, offset by $443 of deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards 
(NOLs), tax credits, and other temporary differences, which we expect to utilize.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded $96 of pre-tax operating losses associated with the continuing 

operations of Synageva in our consolidated statements of operations.

Pro forma financial information (unaudited)

The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined results of Alexion and Synageva as if the 
acquisition of Synageva had been completed on January 1, 2014, with adjustments to give effect to pro forma events that are 
directly attributable to the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma results do not reflect operating efficiencies or potential cost 
savings which may result from the consolidation of operations. Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma financial information is 
not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have had we completed the transaction on January 1, 2014. 

F-19

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Pro forma revenues
Pro forma net income
Earnings per common share

Basic
Diluted

Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

$

$
$

2,606
21

0.09
0.09

$

$
$

2,240
261

1.16
1.14

The unaudited pro forma consolidated results include the following pro forma adjustments related to non-recurring 

activity:

•  Alexion and Synageva expenses of $33 and $127, respectively, associated with the accelerated vesting of stock based 
compensation as a result of the acquisition were excluded from net income for the year ended December 31, 2015. 
These expenses were included in net income for the year ended December 31, 2014;

•  Alexion and Synageva acquisition-related and restructuring costs of $53 and $62, respectively, were excluded from 
income for the year ended December 31, 2015. These expenses were included in net income for the year ended 
December 31, 2014.

Acquisition-Related Costs

Acquisition-related costs associated with our business combinations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 

2014 include the following:

Transaction costs (1)
Integration costs

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

$

— $

2
2

$

27
12
39

$

$

—
—
—

(1) Transaction costs include investment advisory, legal, and accounting fees

The acquisition of Synageva resulted in $13 of restructuring related charges for the year ended December 31, 2015. 

Synageva restructuring related charges were not material for the year ended December 31, 2016. See Note 17 for additional 
details.

3. 

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

A summary of property, plant and equipment is as follows: 

Land
Buildings and improvements
Machinery and laboratory equipment
Computer hardware and software
Furniture and office equipment
Construction-in-progress

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

December 31,
2016

December 31,
2015

$

$

10
450
126
123
25
495
1,229
(193)
1,036

$

$

9
252
92
84
16
420
873
(176)
697

Included in construction-in-progress at December 31, 2015 was $227 of costs associated with the construction of our 

facility in New Haven, Connecticut. This facility was placed into service in 2016.  Additionally, there were costs of $118 and 
$19 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, included within construction-in-process associated with the construction of a new 
manufacturing facility. Although we will not legally own these premises, we are deemed to be the owner of the buildings during 
F-20

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

the construction period based on applicable accounting guidance for build-to-suit leases, see Note 9, “Facility Lease 
Obligations” for additional information. 

In connection with the construction of the facility in New Haven, Connecticut, we entered into an agreement with the 

State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development which provides for a forgivable loan and grants 
totaling $26 and tax credits of up to $25. The program requires that we meet certain criteria in order to prevent forfeiture or 
repayment of the loan, grants and credits, which include (i) maintaining corporate headquarters in Connecticut for ten years; (ii) 
satisfying minimum employment obligations; and (iii) minimum capital spending requirements. In the third quarter 2015, we 
received $26 for the forgivable loan and grants.  In 2016, we satisfied the second and third criteria. The proceeds reduce the 
costs of our assets associated with the project. As of December 31, 2016, we have not received any tax credits associated with 
our agreement with the State of Connecticut. 

Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment was approximately $64, $44 and $35 for the years ended 

December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, computer software costs included in property, plant and equipment were $37 and $20, 
respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense for capitalized computer software costs was $12, $10 and $7 for the years 
ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

4. 

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible assets and goodwill, net of accumulated amortization, are as follows:

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Licenses
Patents
Purchased technology
Acquired IPR&D
Total
Goodwill

Estimated
Life (years)
6-8
7
6-16
Indefinite

Indefinite

Cost

29
11
4,711
31
4,782
5,040

$

$
$

$
$

Accumulated
Amortization
$

(29) $
(11)
(439)
—
(479) $
(3) $

Net

Cost

— $
—
4,272
31
4,303
5,037

$
$

29
11
4,709
116
4,865
5,051

$
$

Accumulated
Amortization
$

(29) $
(11)
(117)
—
(157) $
(3) $

Net

—
—
4,592
116
4,708
5,048

Amortization expense was $322, $117 and $11 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  

Assuming no changes in the gross cost basis of intangible assets, the total estimated amortization expense for finite-lived 
intangible assets is $320 for each of the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2021.

During the fourth quarter 2016, we reviewed SBC-103, an early stage clinical indefinite-lived intangible asset related to 

the Synageva acquisition as part of our annual impairment testing. The fair value of this IPR&D asset was determined using the 
income approach and included significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs.  These unobservable inputs included, among other 
things, expected development, regulatory and commercial time lines, risk-adjusted forecasted future cash flows to be generated 
by this asset, contributory asset charges for other assets employed in this IPR&D project and the determination of an 
appropriate discount rate based on a weighted cost of capital of 12% to be applied in calculating the present value of future cash 
flows. Based on our strategic portfolio evaluation, increases in development, regulatory and commercial time lines and updated 
cash flows, the estimated value that can be obtained for this asset from a market participant in an arm’s length transaction is 
$31, which was lower than the carrying amount of the asset. As a result, in the fourth quarter 2016, we recognized an 
impairment charge of $85 to write-down this asset to fair value.  The impairment was recorded in operating expenses in our 
consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. In February 2017, the Board of Directors of 
Alexion made the decision to reduce our investment in SBC-103.  The current Phase I/II clinical trial will not be expanded and 
no new patients will be added to the trial.  Patients currently enrolled in the trial will continue to receive therapy.  We will 
reassess the value of this asset on a go forward basis for indicators of impairment.

F-21

 
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill: 

Balance at December 31, 2014

Goodwill resulting from the Synageva acquisition

Balance at December 31, 2015

Change in goodwill associated with prior acquisition

Balance at December 31, 2016

5. 

Marketable Securities

$

$
$
$

254
4,794
5,048
(11)
5,037

The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and estimated fair value of available-

for-sale investments by type of security at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows:

$

$

$

$

Commercial paper

Corporate bonds

Municipal bonds

Other government related obligations:

U.S.

Foreign

Bank certificates of deposit

Total available-for-sale debt securities

Equity securities

Total available-for-sale securities

Commercial paper

Corporate bonds

Municipal bonds

Other government related obligations:

U.S.

Foreign

Bank certificates of deposit

December 31, 2016

Amortized Cost

Gross Unrealized
Holding Gains

Gross Unrealized
Holding Losses

Fair Value

114

124

91

28

73

5

435

—

435

$

$

$

— $

—

—

—

—

—

— $

1

1

$

— $
(1)
—

—
(1)
—
(2) $
—
(2) $

114

123

91

28

72

5

433

1

434

Amortized Cost

Gross Unrealized
Holding Gains

Gross Unrealized
Holding Losses

Fair Value

December 31, 2015

254

133

87

25

164

27

$

— $

—

—

—

—

—

— $

—

—

—
(1)
—
(1) $

254

133

87

25

163

27

689

Total available-for-sale securities

$

690

$

— $

The aggregate fair value of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2016 and 
December 31, 2015 was $265 and $294. Investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than 12 
months were not material. As of December 31, 2016 we believe that the cost basis of our available-for-sale investments is 
recoverable.

The fair values of available-for-sale securities by classification in the consolidated balance sheet were as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

$

$

120

314

434

$

$

323

366

689

F-22

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

The fair values of available-for-sale debt securities at December 31, 2016, by contractual maturity, are summarized as 

follows:

Due in one year or less

Due after one year through three years

Due after three years through five years

December 31, 2016

$

$

236

197

—

433

As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the fair value of our trading securities was $13 and $9.

We utilize the specific identification method in computing realized gains and losses. Realized gains and losses on our 

available-for-sale and trading securities were not material for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. 

6. 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We operate internationally and, in the normal course of business, are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange 
rates. The exposures result from portions of our revenues, as well as the related receivables, and expenses that are denominated 
in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily the Euro and Japanese Yen. We are also exposed to fluctuations in interest 
rates on our outstanding term loan debt. We manage these exposures within specified guidelines through the use of 
derivatives. All of our derivative instruments are utilized for risk management purposes, and we do not use derivatives for 
speculative trading purposes.

We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts, with durations of up to 60 months, to hedge exposures resulting from 
portions of our forecasted revenues, including intercompany revenues, that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. 
dollar. The purpose of these hedges is to reduce the volatility of exchange rate fluctuations on our operating results and to 
increase the visibility of the foreign exchange impact on forecasted revenues. These hedges are designated as cash flow hedges 
upon contract inception. At December 31, 2016, we had open foreign exchange forward contracts with notional amounts 
totaling $1,742 that qualified for hedge accounting.

To achieve a desired mix of floating and fixed interest rates on our term loan, we entered into two interest rate swap 
agreements in June 2016 that qualified for and are designated as cash flow hedges. The first agreement had a notional amount 
of $3,281 and was effective from June 30, 2016 through December 30, 2016. This agreement hedged the contractual floating 
interest rate of our term loan. As a result of this agreement, the interest rate for our term loan was fixed at 0.535%, plus the 
borrowing spread, until December 30, 2016. The second agreement has a notional amount of $656 and is effective December 
31, 2016 through December 31, 2019. The second agreement converts the floating rate on a portion of our term loan to a fixed 
rate of 0.98%, plus a borrowing spread, from December 31, 2016 through December 2019. In the first quarter of 2017,  we 
entered into an additional interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $300 that is effective from January 31,  2017 
through December 31, 2018 that converts the floating rate on a portion of our term loan to a fixed rate of 1.29%, plus a 
borrowing spread, from January 2017 through December 2018.

The impact on accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and earnings from derivative instruments that qualified 

as cash flow hedges, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

Foreign Exchange Contracts:

Gain recognized in AOCI, net of tax
Gain reclassified from AOCI to net product sales (effective portion), net of tax
Gain reclassified from AOCI to other income and expense (ineffective portion), net of
tax

Interest Rate Contracts:

Gain recognized in AOCI, net of tax

Gain reclassified from AOCI to interest expense, net of tax

Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016

40
47

$
$

— $

6

$

— $

111
103

2

—

—

$
$

$

$

$

Assuming no change in foreign exchange rates or LIBOR-based interest rates from market rates at December 31, 2016, 
$78 of gains recognized in AOCI will be reclassified to revenue over the next 12 months. The amount of gains recognized in 
AOCI that will be reclassified to interest expense over the next 12 months is immaterial.

F-23

 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts, with durations of approximately 90 days, designed to limit the balance 
sheet exposure of monetary assets and liabilities. We enter into these hedges to reduce the impact of fluctuating exchange rates 
on our operating results. Hedge accounting is not applied to these derivative instruments as gains and losses on these hedge 
transactions are designed to offset gains and losses on underlying balance sheet exposures. As of December 31, 2016, the 
notional amount of foreign exchange contracts where hedge accounting is not applied was $647.

We recognized a (loss) gain of $(5), $5 and $26, in other income and expense, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 

2015 and 2014, respectively, associated with the foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments. These 
amounts were largely offset by gains or losses in monetary assets and liabilities.

The following tables summarize the fair value of outstanding derivatives at December 31, 2016 and 2015:

December 31, 2016

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Balance Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Prepaid expenses and other
current assets

Other assets
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets

$

80 Other current liabilities

$

59 Other liabilities

— Other current liabilities

Other assets

10 Other liabilities

Derivatives designated as
hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange forward
contracts

Foreign exchange forward
contracts

Interest rate contracts

Interest rate contracts
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange forward
contracts

Prepaid expenses and other
current assets

17 Other current liabilities

Total fair value of derivative
instruments

$

166

$

December 31, 2015

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Balance Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Prepaid expenses and other
current assets

$

85 Other current liabilities

$

Other assets

66 Other liabilities

Derivatives designated as
hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange forward
contracts

Foreign exchange forward
contracts

Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange forward
contracts

Prepaid expenses and other
current assets

7 Other current liabilities

Total fair value of derivative
instruments

$

158

$

2

4

—

—

10

16

1

5

4

10

F-24

 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Although we do not offset derivative assets and liabilities within our condensed consolidated balance sheets, our 

International Swap and Derivatives Association agreements provide for net settlement of transactions that are due to or from the 
same counterparty upon early termination of the agreement due to an event of default or other termination event. The following 
tables summarize the potential effect on our consolidated balance sheets of offsetting our foreign exchange forward contracts 
and interest rate contracts subject to such provisions:

December 31, 2016

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet

Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets/Liabilities

Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Net Amounts of
Assets/Liabilities
Presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Description

Derivative
Financial
Instruments

Cash Collateral
Received
(Pledged)

Net Amount

Derivative assets

$

Derivative liabilities

166

$

(16)

— $

—

$

166
(16)

(16) $
16

— $

—

150

—

December 31, 2015

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet

Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets/Liabilities

Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Net Amounts of
Assets/Liabilities
Presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Description

Derivative
Financial
Instruments

Cash Collateral
Received
(Pledged)

Net Amount

Derivative assets

$

Derivative liabilities

158

$

(10)

— $

—

$

158
(10)

(10) $
10

— $

—

148

—

7. 

Accrued Expenses 

Accrued expenses consist of the following: 

Royalties
Payroll and employee benefits
Taxes payable
Rebates payable
Clinical
Manufacturing
Other

8. 

Debt

December 31,
2016

December 31,
2015

$

$

20
121
39
70
64
52
142
508

$

$

30
115
12
56
57
19
114
403

On June 22, 2015, Alexion entered into a credit agreement (Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of banks, which provides 

for a $3,500 term loan facility and a $500 revolving credit facility maturing in five years. Borrowings under the term loan are 
payable in quarterly installments equal to 1.25% of the original loan amount, beginning December 31, 2015.  Final repayment 
of the term loan and revolving credit loans are due on June 22, 2020. In addition to borrowings in which prior notice is 
required, the revolving credit facility includes a sublimit of $100 in the form of letters of credit and borrowings on same-day 
notice, referred to as swingline loans, of up to $25. Borrowings can be used for working capital requirements, acquisitions and 
other general corporate purposes. With the consent of the lenders and the administrative agent, and subject to satisfaction of 
certain conditions, we may increase the term loan facility and/or the revolving credit facility in an amount that does not cause 
our consolidated net leverage ratio to exceed the maximum allowable amount. 

Under the Credit Agreement we may elect that the loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum 
equal to either a base rate or a Eurodollar rate plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margins on base rate 
loans range from 0.25% to 1.00% and the applicable margins on Eurodollar loans range from 1.25% to 2.00%, in each case 

F-25

 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

depending upon our consolidated net leverage ratio (as calculated in accordance with the Credit Agreement). At December 31, 
2016, the interest rate on our outstanding loans under the Credit Agreement was 2.52%. Our obligations under the credit 
facilities are guaranteed by certain of Alexion’s foreign and domestic subsidiaries and secured by liens on certain of Alexion’s 
and its subsidiaries’ equity interests, subject to certain exceptions.

The Credit Agreement requires us to comply with certain financial covenants on a quarterly basis. Under these financial 
covenants, we are required to deliver to the administrative agent, not later than 50 days after each fiscal quarter, our quarterly 
financial statements, and within 5 days thereafter, a compliance certificate.  In November 2016, we obtained a waiver from the 
necessary lenders for this requirement and the due date for delivery of the third quarter 2016 financial statements and 
compliance certificate was extended to January 18, 2017.  The posting of the Third Quarter report on Form 10-Q on our website 
on January 4, 2017 satisfied the financial statement covenant, and we simultaneously delivered the required compliance 
certificate, as required by the lenders. 

Further, the Credit Agreement includes negative covenants, subject to exceptions, restricting or limiting our ability and the 

ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, grant liens, and engage in certain investment, 
acquisition and disposition transactions. The Credit Agreement also contains customary representations and warranties, 
affirmative covenants and events of default, including payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant 
defaults and cross defaults. If an event of default occurs, the interest rate would increase and the administrative agent would be 
entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the loan. 

In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement, we paid $45 in financing costs which are being amortized as 

interest expense over the life of the debt. Amortization expense associated with deferred financing costs for the years ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $10 and $6, respectively. Amortization expense associated with deferred financing costs for 
the year ended December 31, 2014 was not material.

In connection with the acquisition of Synageva in June 2015, we borrowed $3,500 under the term loan facility and $200 
under the revolving facility, and we used our available cash for the remaining cash consideration. We made principal payments 
of $375 during the year ended December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, we had $3,081 outstanding on the term loan and 
zero outstanding on the revolving facility. At December 31, 2016, we had open letters of credit of $15, and our borrowing 
availability under the revolving facility was $485.     

The fair value of our long term debt, which is measured using Level 2 inputs, approximates book value.

The contractual maturities of our long-term debt obligations due subsequent to December 31, 2016 are as follows:

Year
2017
2018
2019
2020

$

—
150
175
2,756

Based upon our intent and ability to make payments during 2017, we included $175 within current liabilities on our 

consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016, net of current deferred financing costs.

9. 

Facility Lease Obligations

New Haven Facility Lease Obligation

In November 2012, we entered into a lease agreement for office and laboratory space to be constructed in New Haven, 

Connecticut. The term of the lease commenced in 2015 and will expire in 2030, with a renewal option of 10 years. Although we 
do not legally own the premises, we are deemed to be the owner of the building due to the substantial improvements directly 
funded by us during the construction period based on applicable accounting guidance for build-to-suit leases. Accordingly, the 
landlord’s costs of constructing the facility during the construction period are required to be capitalized, as a non-cash 
transaction, offset by a corresponding facility lease obligation in our consolidated balance sheet.

Construction of the new facility was completed and the building was placed into service in the first quarter 2016. The 
imputed interest rate on this facility lease obligation as of December 31, 2016 was approximately 11%. For the year ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2015, we recognized $14 and $5, respectively, of interest expense associated with this arrangement. As 
of December 31, 2016 and 2015, our total facility lease obligation was $136 and $133, respectively, recorded within other 
current liabilities and facility lease obligation on our consolidated balance sheets.

F-26

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Aggregate future minimum non-cancellable commitments under the New Haven facility lease obligation, as of 

December 31, 2016 are as follows:

Year
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

$

16
15
16
16
16
146

Lonza Facility Lease Obligation

During the third quarter 2015, we entered into a new agreement with Lonza Group AG and its affiliates (Lonza) whereby 
Lonza will construct a new manufacturing facility dedicated to Alexion at one of its existing facilities. The agreement requires 
us to make certain payments during the construction of the new manufacturing facility and annual payments for ten years 
thereafter. As a result of our contractual right to full capacity of the new manufacturing facility, a portion of the payments under 
the agreement are considered to be lease payments and a portion as payment for the supply of inventory.  Although we will not 
legally own the premises, we are deemed to be the owner of the manufacturing facility during the construction period based on 
applicable accounting guidance for build-to-suit leases due to our involvement during the construction period. As of 
December 31, 2016 and 2015, we recorded a construction-in-process asset of $118 and $19, respectively, and an offsetting 
facility lease obligation of $107 and $15, respectively, associated with the manufacturing facility.

Payments to Lonza under the agreement are allocated to the purchases of inventory and the repayment of the facility lease 
obligation on a relative fair value basis. In 2016, we incurred $58 of payments to Lonza under this agreement, of which $8 was 
applied against the outstanding facility lease obligation and $50 was recognized as a prepayment of inventory. See Note 10 for 
minimum fixed payments due under Lonza agreements.

10. 

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

License Agreements

We have entered into a number of license agreements since our inception in order to advance and obtain technologies and 

services related to our business. License agreements generally provide for us to pay an initial fee followed by milestone and 
royalty payments if certain conditions are met. Certain agreements call for future payments upon the attainment of agreed upon 
development and/or commercial milestones. These agreements may also require minimum royalty payments based on sales of 
products developed from the applicable technologies, if any.

In March 2015, we entered into an agreement with a third party that allowed us to exercise an option with another third 

party for exclusive, worldwide, perpetual license rights to a specialized technology and other intellectual property, and we 
simultaneously exercised the option. Due to the early stage of these assets, we recorded expense for the payments of $47 during 
the first quarter 2015. 

In March 2015, we entered into a collaboration agreement with a third party that allows us to identify and optimize drug 

candidates. Alexion will have the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize products arising from the 
collaboration. Due to the early stage of the assets we are licensing in connection with the collaboration, we recorded expense 
for the upfront payment of $15 during the first quarter 2015. In addition, as of December 31, 2016, we could be required to pay 
up to an additional $249 if certain development, regulatory, and commercial milestones are met over time, as well as royalties 
on commercial sales.

In January 2015, we entered into a license agreement with a third party to obtain an exclusive research, development and 

commercial license for specific therapeutic molecules. Due to the early stage of these assets, we recorded expense for the 
upfront payment of $50 during the first quarter 2015. In addition, we could be required to pay up to an additional $822 if certain 
development, regulatory, and commercial milestones are met over time, as well as royalties on commercial sales. 

In December 2014, we entered into an agreement with X-Chem Pharmaceuticals (X-Chem) that allows us to identify 
novel drug candidates from X-Chem’s proprietary drug discovery engine. Alexion will have the exclusive worldwide rights to 

F-27

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

develop and commercialize products arising from the collaboration in up to three program targets. Due to the early stage of 
these assets, we recorded expense for an upfront payment of $8. In addition, for each program target, for a maximum of three 
targets, we could be required to make additional payments upon the achievement of specified research, development and 
regulatory milestones up to $75, as well as royalties on commercial sales.

In January 2014, we entered into an agreement with Moderna Therapeutics, Inc. (Moderna) that allows us to purchase ten
product options to develop and commercialize treatments for rare diseases with Moderna’s messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics 
platform. Alexion will lead the discovery, development and commercialization of the treatments produced through this broad, 
long-term strategic agreement, while Moderna will retain responsibility for the design and manufacture of the messenger RNA 
against selected targets. Due to the early stage of these assets, we recorded expense for an upfront payment of $100. We will also 
be responsible for funding research activities under the program. In addition, for each drug target, up to a maximum of ten targets, 
we could be required to make an option exercise payment of $15 and to pay up to an additional $120 with respect to a rare disease 
product and $400 with respect to a non-rare disease product in development and sales milestones if the specific milestones are 
met over time as well as royalties on commercial sales.

Manufacturing Agreements

We have various manufacturing development agreements to support our clinical and commercial product needs. 

We rely on Lonza, a third party manufacturer, to produce a portion of commercial and clinical quantities of Soliris and 

Strensiq. We have various agreements with Lonza, with remaining total non-cancellable future commitments of approximately 
$1,148. If we terminate certain supply agreements with Lonza without cause, we will be required to pay for product scheduled 
for manufacture under our arrangement. Under an existing arrangement with Lonza, we also pay Lonza a royalty on sales of 
Soliris manufactured at Alexion Rhode Island Manufacturing Facility (ARIMF) and a payment with respect to sales of Soliris 
manufactured at Lonza facilities. 

In addition to Lonza, we have non-cancellable commitments of $27 with other third party manufacturers.  

Contingent Liabilities

We are currently involved in various claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings. On a quarterly basis, we review the status of 
each significant matter and assess its potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim, asserted or unasserted, or 
legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated 
loss. Because of uncertainties related to claims and litigation, accruals are based on our best estimates based on available 
information. On a periodic basis, as additional information becomes available, or based on specific events such as the outcome 
of litigation or settlement of claims, we may reassess the potential liability related to these matters and may revise these 
estimates, which could result in a material adverse adjustment to our operating results.

We have in the past received, and may in the future receive, notices from third parties claiming that their patents may be 

infringed by the development, manufacture or sale of our products. Under the guidance of ASC 450, Contingencies, we record a 
royalty accrual based on our best estimate of the fair value percent of net sales of our products that we could be required to pay 
the owners of patents for technology used in the manufacture and sale of our products. A costly license, or inability to obtain a 
necessary license, could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. 

In May 2015, we received a subpoena in connection with an investigation by the Enforcement Division of the U.S. 
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requesting information related to our grant-making activities and compliance with 
the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in various countries. In addition, in October 2015, Alexion received a request from 
the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for the voluntary production of document and other information pertaining to Alexion’s 
compliance with FCPA. The SEC and DOJ also seek information related to Alexion’s recalls of specific lots of Soliris and 
related securities disclosures. Alexion is cooperating with these investigations. At this time, Alexion is unable to predict the 
duration, scope or outcome of these investigations. While it is possible that a loss related to these matters may be incurred, 
given the ongoing nature of these investigations, management cannot reasonably estimate the potential magnitude of such loss 
or range of loss, if any.

Several securities class action lawsuits have been filed against the Company and former officers in federal district court 

alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b), and Rule 10b-5, 
promulgated thereunder, alleging that defendants made misstatements and/or omissions concerning the Company’s sales of 
Soliris.  

F-28

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

On November 17, 2016, a shareholder filed a putative class action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of 
New York.  While the litigation was in the early stages, and before defendants had responded to the complaint, on December 
30, 2016 plaintiffs filed a notice of voluntary dismissal and dismissed all claims without prejudice. This case is now closed.

On December 29, 2016, a second shareholder filed a putative class action against the Company and certain former 

employees in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, alleging that defendants made misrepresentations and 
omissions about Soliris between February 10, 2014 and December 9, 2016.  On January 17, 2017, three parties filed motions to 
be named lead plaintiff in this action. Briefing on these motions is ongoing. The litigation is in the early stages, and defendants 
have not yet responded to the complaint.  Given the early stages of this litigation, management does not currently believe that a 
loss related to this matter is probable or that the potential magnitude of such loss or range of loss, if any, can be reasonably 
estimated.  

In December 2016, we received a subpoena from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts requesting 

documents relating generally to our support of 501(c)(3) organizations that provide financial assistance to Medicare patients 
taking drugs sold by Alexion,  Alexion’s provision of free drug to Medicare patients, and Alexion compliance policies and 
training materials concerning the anti-kickback statute or payments to any 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial 
assistance to Medicare patients.  Other companies have disclosed similar inquiries. We are cooperating with this inquiry.

In March 2013, we received a Warning Letter (Warning Letter) from the FDA regarding compliance with current Good 

Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) at ARIMF. The Warning Letter followed receipt of a Form 483 Inspectional Observations by 
the FDA in connection with an FDA inspection that concluded in August 2012. The observations relate to commercial and 
clinical manufacture of Soliris at ARIMF. We responded to the Warning Letter in a letter to the FDA dated in April 2013.  As 
previously disclosed, the FDA issued Form 483s in August 2014 and August 2015 related to observations at ARIMF and the 
inspectional observations from the August 2014 and 2015 Forms 483s have since been closed out by the FDA. During July 
2016, the FDA completed a routine inspection at ARIMF and have since confirmed receipt of our responses to the inspectional 
observations included in the Form 483 received during that inspection. The observations are inspectional and do not represent a 
final FDA determination of compliance. We continue to manufacture products, including Soliris, in this facility. While the 
resolution of the issues raised in the Warning Letter is difficult to predict, we do not currently believe a loss related to this 
matter is probable or that the potential magnitude of such loss or range of loss, if any, can be reasonably estimated.

Operating Leases

As of December 31, 2016, we have operating leases for office and laboratory space in U.S. and foreign locations to 

support our operations as a global organization.

Aggregate lease expense was $29, $28 and $23 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

Lease expense is being recorded on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease terms.

Aggregate future minimum annual rental payments, for the next five years and thereafter under non-cancellable operating 

leases (including facilities and equipment) as of December 31, 2016 are:

Year
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

$

21
19
13
7
6
24

F-29

 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

11. 

Income Taxes

The income tax expense is based on income before income taxes as follows:

U.S.

Non-U.S.

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

$

(165) $
741
576

$

(126) $
624
498

$

222

650
872

During the fourth quarter of 2013, in connection with the centralization of our global supply chain and technical 

operations in Ireland, our U.S. parent company became a direct partner in a captive foreign partnership. The partnership 
income, which is derived in foreign jurisdictions, is classified as “non-U.S. income” for purposes of financial reporting. 
Substantially all non-U.S. income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 relates to income from our captive foreign 
partnership.

The components of the income tax expense are as follows:

Domestic

Current
Deferred

Current
Deferred

Current
Deferred

Foreign

Total

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

4
107
111

69
(3)
66

73
104
177

$

(88) $
389
301

49
4
53

(39)
393
354

$

285
(112)
173

82
(40)
42

367
(152)
215

We continue to maintain a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets where realization is not certain. 

We continue to pay cash taxes in U.S. Federal, various U.S. state, and foreign jurisdictions where we have utilized all of 

our tax attributes or have met the applicable limitation for attribute utilization.

At December 31, 2016, we have tax effected federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $57 and $5, 
respectively.  Our NOL’s expire between 2020 and 2036. We also have federal and state income tax credit carryforwards of 
$536 and $11, respectively. These income tax credits expire between 2019 and 2036. 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate. The reconciliation of the statutory 

U.S. federal income tax rate to our effective income tax rate is as follows:

F-30

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

U.S. federal statutory tax rate
State and local income taxes
Foreign income tax rate differential
Tax credits, net of nondeductible expenses
Foreign income tax credits
Foreign income subject to U.S. taxation
U.S. deferred taxes on foreign earnings
Other permanent differences
Effective income tax rate

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

35.0 %
4.1 %
(33.8)%
(6.0)%
(8.4)%
26.6 %
16.5 %
(3.3)%
30.7 %

35.0 %
(0.8)%
(32.5)%
(7.6)%
(7.6)%
24.3 %
60.1 %
0.1 %
71.0 %

35.0 %
0.9 %
(16.5)%
(2.5)%
(4.8)%
15.8 %
— %
(3.2)%
24.7 %

During the fourth quarter of 2013, in connection with the centralization of our global supply chain and technical 
operations in Ireland, our U.S. parent company became a direct partner in a captive foreign partnership. Starting in 2014, a 
significant portion of the non-U.S. income flows through the partnership and the portion of the partnership income that is 
attributable to our U.S. parent company’s ownership percentage is taxed in the U.S. The remainder of the non-U.S. income is 
taxed based on the tax rate enacted in the local foreign jurisdictions in which the income is earned.

We have operations in many foreign tax jurisdictions, which impose income taxes at different rates than the U.S. The 

impact of these rate differences is included in the foreign income tax rate differential that we disclose in our reconciliation of 
the U.S. statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate. Additionally, included in the foreign income tax rate differential line 
item is the impact of taxes attributable to intercompany transactions in the amount of approximately $22, $24, and $23 of tax 
expense for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Provisions have been made for deferred taxes based on the differences between the basis of the assets and liabilities for 

financial statement purposes and the basis of the assets and liabilities for tax purposes using currently enacted tax rates and 
regulations that will be in effect when the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The components of the deferred 
tax assets and liabilities are as follows: 

Deferred tax assets:

Net operating losses
Income tax credits
Stock compensation
Accruals and allowances
Research and development expenses
Accrued royalties

Valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciable assets
Unrealized gains
Investment in foreign partnership
Intangible assets
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax (liability) asset

December 31,

December 31,

2016

2015

$

$

58
537
89
91
15
23
813
(4)
809

(95)
(44)
(546)
(502)
(1,187)

$

(378) $

168
209
74
86
19
16
572
(5)
567

(83)
(47)
(409)
(543)
(1,082)
(515)

In the second quarter of 2016, we adopted the new share-based compensation guidance.  Under the prior guidance, the 

effect of certain windfall tax benefit deductions were not recognized in deferred tax.  The new guidance fully incorporates the 
deferred tax impact of these deductions. As a result, we recorded an increase to the deferred tax asset for income tax credits for 
F-31

 
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

the period ended December 31, 2016. Consistent with this new guidance, deferred tax balances for the period ended December 
31, 2015 have not been restated.

The decrease in our net operating losses is due to the utilization of historical Synageva net operating loss carryforwards.  
The increase in income tax credits is primarily attributable to the adoption of new share-based compensation guidance and the 
corresponding recognition of “windfall” tax benefits.  The increase in our investment in foreign partnership deferred tax 
liability is due to 2016 distributions from our captive foreign partnership.  

We follow authoritative guidance regarding accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, which prescribes a recognition 

threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or 
expected to be taken in a tax return. The interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and 
penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures, and transition.

The beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits reconciles as follows: 

Beginning of period balance
Increases for tax positions taken during a prior period
Decreases for tax positions taken during a prior period
Increases for tax positions taken during the current period
Decreases for tax positions related to settlements
Decreases for tax positions related to lapse of statute

2016

2015

2014

$

$

114
3
(1)
23
—
—
139

$

$

29
2
—
85
(1)
(1)
114

$

$

46
1
(2)
9
(25)
—
29

The total amount of accrued interest and penalties was not significant as of December 31, 2016. The total amount of tax 
benefit recorded during 2016, 2015, and 2014 which related to unrecognized tax benefits was $22, $83, and $17, respectively. 
All of our unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would have a favorable impact on the effective tax rate.

It is reasonably possible that a portion of our unrecognized tax benefits could reverse within the next twelve months. 

Reversal of these amounts is contingent upon the completion of field audits by the taxing authorities in several jurisdictions, 
whether a tax adjustment is proposed, the nature and amount of any adjustment, and the administrative path to resolving the 
proposed adjustment.  We cannot reasonably estimate the range of the potential change.   

We file federal and state income tax returns in the U.S. and in numerous foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. and foreign 
jurisdictions have statutes of limitations ranging from 3 to 5 years. However, the limitation period could be extended due to our 
tax attribute carryforward position in a number of our jurisdictions. The tax authorities generally have the ability to review 
income tax returns for periods where the limitation period has previously expired and can subsequently adjust tax attribute 
values. 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has commenced an examination of our U.S. income tax returns for 2013 and 2014. 

We anticipate this audit will conclude within the next twelve months. As of February 16, 2017, we have not been notified of any 
significant proposed adjustments by the IRS.

We do not record U.S. tax expense on the undistributed earnings of our controlled foreign corporation (CFC) subsidiaries. 

We intend to reinvest these earnings permanently outside the U.S. or repatriate the earnings only when it is tax efficient to do 
so. Accordingly, we believe that U.S. tax on any earnings that might be repatriated would be substantially offset by other tax 
attributes, such as foreign tax credits or deficits in the foreign earnings and profits account. At December 31, 2016, the 
cumulative amount of these earnings was approximately $1,462.  

During the fourth quarter of 2013, in connection with the centralization of our global supply chain and technical 
operations in Ireland, our U.S. parent company became a direct partner in a captive foreign partnership. To the extent that our 
U.S. parent company receives its allocation of partnership income, the amounts will be taxable in the U.S. each year.  The 
permanent reinvestment assertion is inapplicable to such earnings. 

We do not have any present or anticipated future need for cash held by our CFCs, as cash generated in the U.S., as well as 

borrowings, are expected to be sufficient to meet U.S. liquidity needs for the foreseeable future.

It is not practicable to estimate the amount of additional taxes which might be payable on our CFCs’ undistributed 
earnings due to a variety of factors, including the timing, extent and nature of any repatriation. While our expectation is that all 
foreign undistributed earnings, other than our U.S. parent company’s share of the foreign partnership profits, are permanently 

F-32

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

invested, there could be certain unforeseen future events that could impact our permanent reinvestment assertion. Such events 
include acquisitions, corporate restructuring or tax law changes not currently contemplated.

12. 

Share-based Compensation

Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Plan

The 2004 Plan was approved by our stockholders in May 2013 and is a broad based plan that provides for the grant of 
equity awards including restricted stock and restricted stock units (collectively referred to as Restricted Stock), incentive and 
non-qualified stock options, and other stock-related awards to our directors, officers, key employees and consultants, for up to a 
maximum of 48 shares. Stock options granted under the 2004 Plan have a maximum contractual term of ten years from the date 
of grant, have an exercise price not less than the fair value of the stock on the grant date and generally vest over four years.  
Restricted stock awards also generally vest over four years, with performance-based restricted stock units having a three-year 
vesting period.

Stock Options

A summary of the status of our stock option plans at December 31, 2016, and changes during the year then ended is 

presented in the table and narrative below: 

Weighted
Average 
Exercise
Price

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)

Aggregate 
Intrinsic
Value

Number of
shares

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited and canceled

Outstanding at December 31, 2016

Vested and unvested expected to vest at December 31,
2016

Exercisable at December 31, 2016

6

$

2
(1)
(1)
6

6

4

$

$

$

110.15

139.71

55.36

157.80

116.65

116.08

97.02

6.02

5.97

4.59

$

$

$

177

177

175

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $42, $168 

and $460, respectively. We primarily utilize newly issued shares to satisfy the exercise of stock options. The total fair value of 
options vested during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $58, $51 and $36, respectively.

The fair value of options at the date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following ranges of 

weighted average assumptions: 

Expected life in years

Interest rate

Volatility

Dividend yield

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

2016

2015

2014

3.82 - 6.29

3.57 - 9.00

3.64 - 5.30

0.87% - 1.66%

0.84% - 2.17%

0.97% - 1.74%

33.45% - 37.61% 33.35% - 38.13% 32.15% - 34.87%

—

—

—

The expected stock price volatility rates are based on historical volatilities of our common stock. The risk-free interest 

rates are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of 
the option. The average expected life represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be 
outstanding. We have evaluated three distinct employee groups in determining the expected life assumptions, and we estimate 
the expected life of stock options based on historical experience of exercises, cancellations and forfeitures of our stock options.

The weighted average fair value at the date of grant for options granted during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 

and 2014 was $41.46, $53.03 and $51.22 per option, respectively.

F-33

 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Restricted Stock

A summary of the status of our nonvested Restricted Stock and changes during the period then ended is as follows: 

Nonvested Restricted Stock at December 31, 2015
Shares granted
Shares forfeited
Shares vested
Nonvested Restricted Stock at December 31, 2016

Number of
Shares

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value

2
2
—
(1)
3

$

$

167.21
133.35
165.23
155.03
149.48

The fair value of restricted stock at the date of grant is based on the fair market value of the shares of common stock 
underlying the awards on the date of grant. The weighted average fair value at the date of grant for restricted stock awards 
granted during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, including restricted stock units with performance 
conditions, was $133.35, $184.09 and $174.22 per share, respectively. The total weighted average grant date fair value of 
restricted stock vested during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $124, $135 and $41, respectively.

We also grant market-based performance awards to senior management which provide the recipient the right to receive 
restricted stock at the end of a three year performance period, based on pre-established market-based performance goals. We 
use payout simulation models to estimate the grant date fair value of the awards. Expense recognized for market-based 
performance awards was not material for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

During 2015, the Company adopted the ESPP under which employees can purchase shares of our common stock based on 
a percentage of their compensation subject to certain limits. The purchase price per share is equal to the lower of 85% of the fair 
market value of our common stock on the offering date or the purchase date with a six month look-back feature. Under the 
ESPP, up to 1 shares of common stock may be issued to eligible employees who elect to participate in the purchase plan. Shares 
issued and compensation expense recognized under the ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were not 
material.

Share-Based Compensation Expense

The following table summarizes the share-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of 

operations: 

Cost of sales
Research and development

Selling, general and administrative

Total share-based compensation expense

Income tax effect

Total share-based compensation expense, net of tax

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

$

11

57

124

192
(70)
122

$

$

7

64

156

227
(84)
143

$

$

4

36

74

114
(42)
72

Share-based compensation expense capitalized to inventory during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

was $12, $8, and $10, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016, there was $356 of total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to non-vested 

share-based compensation arrangements granted under the 2004 Plan. The expense is expected to be recognized over a 
weighted-average period of 2.71 years.

F-34

 
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

13. 

Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

In June 2015, in connection with our acquisition of Synageva, we issued 26 shares of common stock to former Synageva 

stockholders and employees. The fair value of the stock was $4,914, and we incurred $4 of issuance costs.

Share Repurchases

In November 2012, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program. The repurchase program does not have 

an expiration date, and we are not obligated to acquire a particular number of shares. The repurchase program may be 
discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion. In May 2015, our Board of Directors increased the authorization to 
acquire shares with an aggregate value of up to $1,000 for future purchases under the repurchase program, which superseded all 
prior repurchase programs.  Under the program, we repurchased 3 and 2 shares of our common stock at a cost of $430 and $328 
during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the 
pendency of the Synageva acquisition in the second quarter of 2015 and the Company began repurchasing shares again in the 
third quarter 2015. 

In February 2017, our Board of Directors increased the authorization to acquire shares with an aggregate value of up to 

$1,000 for future purchases under the repurchase program, which superseded all prior repurchase programs.  As of February 16, 
2017, there is a total of $1,000 remaining for repurchases under the repurchase program.

14. 

Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table summarizes the changes in AOCI, by component, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 

2014:

Defined Benefit
Pension Plans

Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
from Marketable
Securities

Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
from Hedging
Activities

Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment

Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Balances, December 31, 2013

Other comprehensive income before
reclassifications

Amounts reclassified from other
comprehensive income

Net other comprehensive income
(loss)

Balances, December 31, 2014

Other comprehensive income before
reclassifications

Amounts reclassified from other
comprehensive income

Net other comprehensive income
(loss)

Balances, December 31, 2015

Other comprehensive income before
reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from other
comprehensive income
Net other comprehensive income
(loss)

Balances, December 31, 2016

$

$

$

$

(12) $

— $

(4) $

(8) $

(6)

1

(5)
(17) $

(2)

9

7

—

—

—
— $

(1)

—

(1)

(10) $

(1) $

2

1

3

—

—

—

110

(19)

91
87

111

(105)

6

93

46

(47)

(1)

$

$

(6)

—

(6)
(14) $

(6)

—

(6)

(20) $

(4)

—

(4)

(7) $

(1) $

92

$

(24) $

(24)

98

(18)

80
56

102

(96)

6

62

44

(46)

(2)

60

F-35

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

The table below provides details regarding significant reclassifications from AOCI during the years ended December 31, 

2016, 2015 and 2014: 

Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Components

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Hedging Activity

Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income during the year ended
December 31,

2016

2015

2014

Affected Line Item in the
Consolidated Statements of
Operations

Effective portion of foreign exchange contracts

$

73 $

118 $

19 Net product sales

Ineffective portion of foreign exchange contracts

Defined Benefit Pension Items

Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial
losses

Curtailment

—
73

(26)
47 $

(1) $
—
(1)
—
(1) $

$

$

$

2

120
(15)
105 $

(1) $
(10)
(11)
2
(9) $

Foreign currency gain
(loss)

Income tax expense

3

22
(3)
19

(a)

(1)
— (a)
(1)
— Income tax expense
(1)

(a)  This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension benefit cost (see Note 16 for additional 
details).

15. 

Fair Value Measurement

Authoritative guidance establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to the valuation used to measure fair 

value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in 
active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active 
markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for 
substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions 
used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value.

F-36

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

The following tables present information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring 

basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to 
determine such fair value. 

Fair Value Measurement at
December 31, 2016

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

266

70

10

40

13

44

113

51

100

5

1

97

59

12

4

10

24

129

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

13

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

266

70

10

40

$

$

$

$

— $

44

113

51

100

5

$

$

$

$

$

1

$

— $

97

59

12

4

10

$

$

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

—

— $

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

24

— $

129

Balance Sheet Classification
Cash equivalents

Type of Instrument
Money market funds

Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents
Cash equivalents

Commercial paper

Corporate bonds
Municipal bonds

Marketable securities

Mutual funds

Marketable securities

Commercial paper

Marketable securities

Marketable securities

Marketable securities

Corporate bonds

Municipal bonds

Other government-related
obligations

Marketable securities

Bank certificates of deposit

Marketable securities
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets

Other assets

Other current liabilities

Other liabilities

Equity securities
Foreign exchange forward
contracts

Foreign exchange forward
contracts

Foreign exchange forward
contracts

Foreign exchange forward
contracts

Other assets
Current portion of contingent
consideration

Interest rate contracts
Acquisition-related contingent
consideration

Contingent consideration

Acquisition-related contingent
consideration

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

F-37

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Type of Instrument

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fair Value Measurement at
December 31, 2015

Balance Sheet Classification
Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents
Marketable securities

Marketable securities

Marketable securities

Marketable securities

Marketable securities

Prepaid expenses and other
current assets

Other assets

Other current liabilities

Other liabilities

Money market funds

Commercial paper

Corporate bonds

Municipal bonds

Other government-related
obligations

Bank certificates of deposit

Mutual funds

Commercial paper

Corporate bonds

Municipal bonds

Other government-related
obligations

Foreign exchange forward
contracts

Foreign exchange forward
contracts

Foreign exchange forward
contracts

Foreign exchange forward
contracts

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

180

192

13

60

31

27

9

62

120

27

157

92

66

5

5

56

121

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

180

192

13

60

31

27

$

$

$

$

$

$

9

$

— $

62

120

27

157

92

66

5

5

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

56

Current portion of contingent
consideration

Acquisition-related contingent
consideration

Contingent consideration

Acquisition-related contingent
consideration

— $

121

There were no securities transferred between Level 1, 2 and 3 during the year ended December 31, 2016.

Valuation Techniques

We classify mutual fund investments and equity securities, which are valued based on quoted market prices in active 

markets with no valuation adjustment, as Level 1 assets within the fair value hierarchy. 

Cash equivalents and marketable securities classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy consist of institutional 

money market funds, commercial paper, municipal bonds, U.S. and foreign government-related debt, corporate debt securities 
and certificates of deposit. We estimate the fair values of these marketable securities by taking into consideration valuations 
obtained from third-party pricing sources. These pricing sources utilize industry standard valuation models, including both 
income and market-based approaches, for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, to estimate 
fair value. These inputs include market pricing based on real-time trade data for the same or similar securities, issuer credit 
spreads, benchmark yields, and other observable inputs. We validate the prices provided by our third-party pricing sources by 
understanding the models used, obtaining market values from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain 
instances.

F-38

 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Our derivative assets and liabilities include foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives that are measured at fair value 

using observable market inputs such as forward rates, interest rates, our own credit risk as well as an evaluation of our 
counterparties’ credit risks. Based on these inputs, the derivative assets and liabilities are classified within Level 2 of the 
valuation hierarchy.  

Contingent consideration liabilities related to acquisitions are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy and are 

valued based on various estimates, including probability of success, discount rates and amount of time until the conditions of 
the milestone payments are met.

As of December 31, 2016, there has not been any impact to the fair value of our derivative liabilities due to our own 
credit risk. Similarly, there has not been any significant adverse impact to our derivative assets based on our evaluation of our 
counterparties’ credit risks.

Contingent Consideration

In connection with prior acquisitions, we may be required to pay future consideration that is contingent upon the 
achievement of specified development, regulatory approvals or sales-based milestone events. We determine the fair value of 
these obligations on the acquisition date using various estimates that are not observable in the market and represent a Level 3 
measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The resulting probability-weighted cash flows were discounted using a cost of 
debt of 4.7% for developmental milestones and a weighted average cost of capital ranging from 10% to 21% for sales-based 
milestones.

Each reporting period, we adjust the contingent consideration to fair value with changes in fair value recognized in 
operating earnings. Changes in fair values reflect new information about the probability and timing of meeting the conditions of 
the milestone payments. In the absence of new information, changes in fair value will only reflect the interest component of 
contingent consideration related to the passage of time. 

Estimated future contingent milestone payments related to prior business combinations range from zero if no milestone 

events are achieved, to a maximum of $766 if all development, regulatory and sales-based milestones are reached. As of 
December 31, 2016, the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration was $153. The following table represents a 
roll-forward of our acquisition-related contingent consideration:

Balance at beginning of period

Milestone payments

Changes in fair value

Balance at end of period

December 31, 2016

$

$

(177)
60
(36)
(153)

 In the fourth quarter 2016, the criteria was met for the achievement of a milestone payment associated with our 

acquisition of Enobia Pharma Corp.  In connection with this, $60 was paid in December 2016.

16. 

Employee Benefit Plans

Deferred Compensation Plan

We have a nonqualified deferred compensation plan which allows certain highly-compensated employees to make 
voluntary deferrals of up to 80% of their base salary and incentive bonuses. The plan is designed to work in conjunction with 
the 401(k) plan and provides for a total combined employer match of up to 6% of an employee’s eligible earnings, up to the IRS 
annual 401(k) contribution limitations. Deferred compensation amounts under this plan as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 
were $13 and $9, respectively, and are included in other liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets. Employer matching 
contributions under the plan for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were not material.

Defined Contribution Plan

We have one qualified 401(k) plan covering all eligible employees. Under the plan, employees may contribute up to the 
statutory allowable amount for any calendar year. We make matching contributions equal to $1.00 for each dollar contributed 
up to the first 6% of an individual’s base salary and incentive cash bonus up to the annual IRS maximum. For the years ended 
December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we recorded matching contributions of approximately $17, $11, and $9 respectively.

F-39

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Defined Benefit Plans

We maintain defined benefit plans for employees in certain countries outside the U.S., including retirement benefit plans 

required by applicable local law. The plans are valued by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The 
liabilities correspond to the projected benefit obligations of which the discounted net present value is calculated based on years 
of employment, expected salary increases, and pension adjustments.

In 2015 we recorded the impacts of a curtailment related to our Swiss plan as a result of a reduction of employees due to 

the relocation of our European headquarters as discussed in Note 17, “Restructuring”.

The following table sets forth the funded status and the amounts recognized for defined benefit plans, including the 

impacts of the 2015 curtailment:

December 31,

2016

2015

45
—
8
—
(1)
—
—
(4)
(3)
—
3
48
41

$

$
$

December 31,

2016

2015

$

22
—
3
2
—
(1)
—
2
28
$
(20) $

51
—
10
1
2
4
(25)
—
—
2
—
45
42

27
—
4
2
(13)
—
2
—
22
(23)

$

$
$

$

$

$

Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year

Prior service cost
Service cost
Interest cost
Change in assumptions
Recognized actuarial net loss
Curtailment
Plan amendment
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Net transfers to (from) plan
Other

Projected benefit obligation, end of year
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year

Return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Plan participants' contributions
Curtailment
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Net transfers to (from) plan
Other

Fair value of plan assets, end of year

Funded status at end of year

F-40

 
 
 
 
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

The Company measures the fair value of plan assets based on the prices that would be received to sell an asset or paid to 
transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following table presents 
total plan assets by investment category as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the classification of each investment category 
within the fair value hierarchy with respect to the inputs used to measure fair value:

Cash and cash equivalents
Equity security funds
Debt security funds
Real estate funds

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Fair Value
(Level 2)

as % of total
plan assets

Fair Value
(Level 2)

as % of total
plan assets

$

$

—
2
22
4
28

— % $
7 %
79 %
14 %
100% $

—
2
17
3
22

— %
9 %
77 %
14 %
100%

All plan asset investments are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy and are valued utilizing observable 

prices for similar instruments and quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active. Plan assets 
are managed by an independent investment fiduciary and are primarily invested in debt and equity securities and real estate 
funds in order to maximize the overall return from investment income considering asset allocation limits as determined by 
pension law. 

At December 31, 2016, we have recorded a liability of $20 in other noncurrent liabilities and a charge to accumulated 

other comprehensive income, net of tax, of $7 related to an additional minimum liability.

The following table provides the weighted average assumptions used to calculate net periodic benefit cost and the 

actuarial present value of projected benefit obligations:

Weighted average assumptions - Net Periodic Benefit Cost:

Discount rate
Long term rate of return on assets
Rate of compensation increase

Weighted average assumptions - Projected Benefit Obligation:

Discount Rate
Rate of compensation increase

December 31,

2016

2015

0.6%
3.0%
1.4%

0.7%
1.4%

1.4%
3.5%
1.5%

0.6%
1.4%

The discount rates used to determine the net periodic benefit cost and projected benefit obligation represent the yield on 

high quality AA-rated corporate bonds for periods that match the duration of the benefit obligations.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets represents a weighted average of expected returns per asset category. 

The rate of return considers historical and estimated future risk free rates of return as well as risk premiums for the relevant 
investment categories. 

The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows: 

Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Employee contributions
Amortization of prior service costs
Curtailment
Amortization and deferral of actuarial gain

Total net periodic benefit cost

F-41

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

$

8
—
—
(2)
—
—
1
7

$

$

10
1
(1)
(2)
—
(2)
1
7

$

$

8
1
(1)
(2)
—
—
1
7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI are as follows: 

Amount included in AOCI - December 31, 2014
Prior service cost
Net loss arising during the period
Change in assumptions
Amortization of net gain
Plan assets losses
Curtailment
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Taxes
Amount included in AOCI - December 31, 2015
Prior service cost
Net loss arising during the period
Plan amendment
Change in assumptions
Amortization of net gain
Plan assets losses
Curtailment
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Taxes
Other
Amount included in AOCI - December 31, 2016

$

$

$

(17)
—
(4)
(2)
1
(1)
10
—
3
(10)
—
—
4
1
1
—
—
—
(1)
(2)
(7)

We estimate that we will pay employer contributions of approximately $3 in 2017. The expected future benefits to be paid 

in respect of the pension plans as of December 31, 2016 were as follows: 

Year
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022 to 2026

17. 

Restructuring

$

2
1
1
1
1
5

In connection with the completion of our new corporate headquarters located in New Haven, Connecticut, we entered into 
a lease termination agreement for the previous corporate headquarters located in Cheshire, Connecticut during December 2015. 
As a result of this action, we recorded restructuring expense of $11 for contract termination costs in the fourth quarter of 2015. 

In connection with the acquisition and integration of Synageva in 2015, we recorded restructuring expense of $13 

primarily related to employee costs during 2015. Synageva restructuring charges were not material in 2016. 

In the fourth quarter 2014, we announced plans to relocate our European headquarters from Lausanne to Zurich, 
Switzerland. The relocation of our European headquarters supports our operational needs based on growth in the European 
region. As a result of this action, we recorded restructuring expenses of $15 related to employee costs in the fourth quarter of 
2014. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred additional restructuring costs of $4 and $18, 
respectively. 

F-42

 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

The following table presents a reconciliation of the restructuring reserve recorded within accrued expenses on the 

Company’s consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively:

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Employee
Separation
Costs

Contract
Termination
Costs

Other
Costs

Employee
Separation
Costs

Contract
Termination
Costs

Other
Costs

Total

Total

Liability, beginning of period

$

Restructuring expenses

Cash settlements

Adjustments to previous estimates

$

6

—

(5)

(1)

1

2

(4)

1

$ — $

7

$

15

$

— $ — $

1
(1)
—

3
(10)
—

22
(35)
4

12
(11)
—

4
(4)
—

Liability, end of period

$

— $

— $ — $ — $

6

$

1

$ — $

15

38
(50)
4

7

18. 

Segment Information

We operate in a single segment, focusing on serving patients with devastating and ultra-rare disorders through the 

innovation, development and commercialization of life-transforming therapeutic products. Consistent with our operational 
structure, our chief operating decision maker manages and allocates resources at a global, consolidated level.  Therefore, results 
of our operations are reported on a consolidated basis for purposes of segment reporting, consistent with our management 
reporting. Disclosures about net product sales and long-lived assets by geographic area are presented below.

Net product sales

Net product sales by product are as follows:

Net product sales:
Soliris (1)
Strensiq
Kanuma

Geographical information

Net product sales:
United States
Europe (1)
Asia Pacific
Rest of World

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

$

2,843
210
29
3,082

$

$

2,591
12
—
2,603

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

1,257
961
318
546
3,082

$

$

951
841
276
535
2,603

$

$

$

$

2,234
—
—
2,234

730
836
244
424
2,234

2014

(1)  Included within the Soliris and Europe revenues for 2014 is a reimbursement of $88 for shipments made in years prior to
January 1, 2014 as a result of an agreement with the French government.

F-43

 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Long-lived assets (2):
United States
Europe
Other

December 31,

2016

2015

$

$

490
538
8
1,036

$

$

444
248
5
697

(2)  Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment.

19. 

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

The following condensed quarterly financial information is for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

March 31

June 30

September 30

December 31

2016:

Revenues
Cost of sales
Operating expenses
Operating income
Net income (loss)
Earnings (loss) per common share

Basic
Diluted

2015:

Revenues
Cost of sales
Operating expenses
Operating income
Net income (loss)
Earnings (loss) per common share

Basic
Diluted

$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

701
59
476
166
92

0.41
0.41

March 31

600
69
427
104
91

0.46
0.45

$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

753
60
498
195
120 (2)

0.54 (2)
0.53 (2)

June 30

636
52
403
181
170

0.84
0.83

$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

799
71
549
179
94

0.42
0.42

September 30

667
54
458
155
(184) (3)

(0.81)
(0.81)

$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

831
68
636 (1)
127
93

0.41
0.41

December 31

701
58
546
97
67

0.30
0.29

(1) 
early stage clinical indefinite-lived intangible asset .

Included within operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2016 is an impairment charge of $85 associated with an 

Included within net income for the second quarter of 2016 are tax benefits of $5 resulting from our adoption of new 

(2) 
share-based compensation guidance during the third quarter of 2016. This resulted in an increase in basic EPS and diluted EPS 
of $0.03 and $0.02, respectively.

Included within net income for the third quarter of 2015 is a one-time tax expense of $316 resulting from our 
(3) 
integration of the Synageva business with and into the Alexion business. This tax expense is attributable to the change in our 
deferred tax liability for the outside basis difference resulting from the movement of assets into our captive foreign partnership.

F-44

 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.4

CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

This Confidential Separation Agreement and Release (“Agreement”), is made effective as of 

December 11, 2016, by and between Vikas Sinha, his agents, assignees, heirs, executors, 
administrators, beneficiaries, trustees, legal representatives and assigns ("SINHA"), and Alexion 
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., its subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions and related entities, and its and their 
successors, assigns, present or former directors, officers, agents, fiduciaries or employees or any 
person acting on behalf of any of them (“ALEXION”).

WHEREAS, SINHA and ALEXION are parties to an agreement of employment dated February 

26, 2016, attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Employment Agreement”); 

WHEREAS, the Employment Agreement has been terminated; and

WHEREAS, SINHA and ALEXION wish to enter into this Agreement to fully resolve any 
actual or potential claims arising out of SINHA’s employment with and/or separation from ALEXION.  

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants set forth herein, 

SINHA and ALEXION agree as follows:

1. 

Separation from Employment.  ALEXION will provide SINHA with his final 

paycheck, as well as all accrued, unused vacation pay, no later than the next regular payday following 
December 11, 2016 (the “Separation Date”).  The parties will work together to prepare a mutually 
acceptable announcement regarding the nature of and reasons for SINHA's separation from 
ALEXION.  SINHA acknowledges that (i) with the receipt of his final paycheck, he will have received 
all compensation and benefits that were due to him through the Separation Date as a result of services 
performed for ALEXION except as provided in this Agreement; (ii) he has reported to ALEXION any 
and all work-related injuries incurred during employment; and (iii) ALEXION has properly provided 
any leave of absence because of SINHA's or a family member's health condition, and SINHA has not 
been subjected to any improper treatment, conduct or actions due to a request for or taking such leave.

2. 

Benefits Continuation.  Regardless of whether SINHA executes this Agreement, and 

assuming that SINHA was enrolled in ALEXION's group health insurance plans prior to the Separation 
Date, SINHA and his eligible dependents (if any) may continue to participate in ALEXION's group 
medical, dental, vision and/or employee assistance plans for up to eighteen (18) months following the 
Separation Date, subject to the terms of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 
("COBRA") and provided that SINHA timely and properly elects COBRA coverage and pays the 
employee premiums associated with such coverage.  SINHA may also continue to participate in 
ALEXION's Health Care Flexible Spending Account plan through the end of the calendar year if 
SINHA has a balance in the plan as of the Separation Date.  SINHA will receive information regarding 
COBRA in a separate communication.

3. 

Consideration.  Provided that SINHA timely executes this Agreement and does not 
revoke it as set forth in Section 20, ALEXION will provide SINHA with the following payments in 
accordance with a termination pursuant to Section 9(c) of the Employment Agreement:

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

a payment of 1.5 times the sum of (A) SINHA’s annual base salary as of the 
Separation Date plus (B) the amount equal to SINHA’s annual bonus target 
under ALEXION’s bonus plan, as determined by ALEXION, for 2016. Subject 
to Section 9(g) of the Employment Agreement, such amounts will be paid to 
SINHA on the sixtieth (60th) day after the Separation Date in a cash lump sum 
of $1,820,700, less applicable deductions and withholdings;

an additional lump sum which, after all applicable deductions and withholdings 
have been taken, is sufficient to cover the costs of eighteen (18) months of 
COBRA continuation coverage for SINHA and his eligible dependents; and

all equity awards shall be treated as provided under Section 9(c) of the 
Employment Agreement; provided, however, that all stock options will instead 
expire upon the earlier of (A) the ninetieth (90th) day following the expiration 
of any applicable trading blackout or similar restrictions, or (B) the expiration of 
the full original ten-year term of the applicable stock option.  To the extent that 
SINHA is subject to any trading blackout or similar restrictions at the time of the 
vesting and/or exercise of any equity award, ALEXION will, at the election of 
SINHA, net settle the equity award (or applicable portion thereof) for tax and/or 
exercise price payments, as applicable.

4. 

Non-Admission.  ALEXION's offer of this Agreement to SINHA and any payments 

made under this Agreement do not constitute an admission by ALEXION that SINHA has any claim of 
any kind against ALEXION or that ALEXION admits to any liability. 

5. 

Release.  In exchange for the consideration described in Section 3 of this Agreement, 

and in accordance with Section 9(e) of the Employment Agreement, SINHA agrees to release 
ALEXION with respect to and from any and all claims, wages, agreements, contracts, covenants, 
actions, suits, causes of action, expenses, attorneys’ fees, damages, and liabilities of whatever kind or 
nature in law, equity, or otherwise, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, and whether 
or not concealed or hidden, which SINHA has at any time heretofore owned or held against 
ALEXION, including, without limitation, those arising out of or in any way connected with SINHA’s 
employment relationship with ALEXION or separation from employment with ALEXION.  This 
means that SINHA gives up these claims to the fullest extent permitted by law, including:

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

claims for any pay, compensation or benefits, including bonuses, commissions, 
costs, damages, expenses, incentive pay, insurance, interest, paid or unpaid leave 
or time off, salary, separation or severance pay or benefits, or wages;

claims concerning any express or implied employment contracts, covenants or 
duties;

claims for defamation; detrimental reliance; impairment/loss of business/
economic opportunity; intentional/negligent infliction of emotional distress; 
interference with contractual or legal rights; invasion of privacy; loss of 
consortium; misrepresentation; negligence including negligent hiring/retention/ 

2

(d) 

supervision; personal injury; promissory estoppel; retaliatory discharge; 
termination notice insufficiency; tortious interference; posting requirement 
violations; records access violations; wrongful termination; or any other federal, 
state, local or common law claims;

claims of discrimination based on age, ancestry, benefit entitlement, color, 
concerted activity, disability, failure to accommodate, gender, gender identity or 
expression, genetics, harassment, income source, leave rights, marital status, 
military status, national origin, parental status, perception of a protected 
characteristic, political affiliation, race, religion, retaliation, sex, sexual 
orientation, union activity, veteran status or other legally protected status; claims 
that any payment under this Agreement was affected by any such 
discrimination; or any other claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 
1964; the Civil Rights Act of 1866; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Equal Pay 
Act of 1963; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) and the 
Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the 
Family and Medical Leave Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act 
of 1974 (“ERISA”); the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; the False Claims Act; the 
Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act, Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 46a-51 et seq.; 
the Connecticut Human Rights and Opportunities Act, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 
46a-60; the Connecticut Equal Pay Law, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-75; or the 
Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Law, Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 31-51kk et 
seq.; each as amended; or 

(e) 

any right to be or remain a member of any class or collective action against 
ALEXION.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, SINHA does not release (i) any claim or right to 
receive the consideration provided under this Agreement; (ii) any claim or right to indemnification by 
ALEXION under the Employment Agreement, the Indemnification Agreement between the parties 
attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Indemnification Agreement”), or otherwise, and any rights under 
directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage; or (iii) any claim or right to continuation coverage 
pursuant to COBRA.

6. 

Disclosure.  In addition to the foregoing, and in further exchange for the consideration 

described in Section 3 of this Agreement, SINHA specifically represents and warrants that as of the 
date that he executes this Agreement, either (i) he has disclosed to ALEXION’s General Counsel or to 
another member of ALEXION’s internal Legal Department in writing any matter that he knows or 
suspects could constitute an actual or potential violation of the ALEXION Code of Ethics and Business 
Conduct or of any internal or external legal, regulatory or compliance requirement applicable to 
ALEXION in any jurisdiction in which it does business, or (ii) he has no information concerning any 
such matter.

7. 

Promise Not to Sue.  SINHA promises not to sue ALEXION for any claims covered by 

Section 5 of this Agreement and not excluded by any other section of this Agreement.  This promise 

3

not to sue is separate from and in addition to SINHA’s promises in Section 5 of this Agreement, and 
does not apply to a claim under the ADEA.

8. 

Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure.  SINHA agrees that, except as required by 

applicable federal, state, or local law, including tax laws, SINHA will keep all the terms of this 
Agreement strictly confidential, including the amount of the payment provided to SINHA under this 
Agreement.  Except as required by law, SINHA will not disclose any of the terms of this Agreement to 
anyone except his immediate family members and his legal/financial advisors.  Each of them is bound 
by this non-disclosure provision, and a disclosure by any of them will be considered a disclosure by 
SINHA.  SINHA further represents that prior to executing this Agreement, he has not disclosed its 
terms in a manner inconsistent with this confidentiality provision.

9. 

Continuing Obligations and Non-Solicitation.  SINHA acknowledges and agrees that 

the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement and the Policy Statement as to Confidential 
Information , both of which he signed upon the start of his employment, survive SINHA’s separation 
from ALEXION and remain in full force and effect.  SINHA further acknowledges and agrees that he 
continues to be bound by the Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, and Non-Disparagement provisions 
in section 5 of the Employment Agreement, which survive SINHA’s separation from ALEXION and 
remain in full force and effect.  This Section 9 shall be subject to written waivers that may be obtained 
by SINHA from ALEXION.

10. 

Return of ALEXION Assets.  SINHA agrees that he has returned or will return 

immediately, and no later than the Separation Date, all ALEXION property or assets that he had or 
controlled during his employment, including: his identification badge; key fob; lab notebooks; laptop, 
desktop and handheld computers; smartphones; personal digital assistants (PDAs); secure ID cards; 
keys; tools and tool boxes; personal protective equipment; external hard drives; flash drives; power 
and sync cables; all originals and soft or hard copies of documents such as e-mails, facsimiles, 
handbooks, letters, manuals, or memoranda; any personal documents or materials containing 
confidential ALEXION information, including personal notebooks or planners; and any other 
ALEXION related communications, material, hardware, equipment or property.  The requirements of 
this Section 10 apply regardless whether such property, assets, documents or other materials are 
located or stored (a) at ALEXION’s offices or other location (including but not limited to SINHA’s 
personal residence) or (b) on ALEXION’s systems or equipment or any other system or equipment 
(including but not limited to SINHA’s personal system or equipment). 

11. 

Cooperation.  SINHA agrees to cooperate with, and assist, ALEXION to ensure a 

smooth transition of his work responsibilities.  At any time following the Separation Date, SINHA will 
provide such information as ALEXION may reasonably request with respect to any ALEXION-related 
transaction or other matter in which SINHA was involved in any way while employed by ALEXION.  
SINHA further agrees to assist and cooperate with ALEXION in connection with the defense, 
prosecution, government investigation, or internal investigation of any claim or matter that may be 
made against, concerning, or by ALEXION.  Such assistance and cooperation shall include timely, 
comprehensive, and truthful disclosure of all relevant facts known to SINHA, including through in-
person interview(s) with ALEXION’s internal Legal Department or outside counsel for ALEXION. 
SINHA shall be entitled to reimbursement for all properly documented expenses incurred in 

4

connection with rendering services under this Section 11, including, but not limited to, reimbursement 
for all reasonable travel, lodging, and meal expenses.

12. 

Non-Disparagement.  SINHA agrees that he will not do or say anything that disparages 

ALEXION, reflects negatively on ALEXION, or encourages any adverse action against ALEXION, 
except as required by law.

13. 

Indemnification.  ALEXION shall indemnify SINHA subject to and in accordance with 

the terms of the Indemnification Agreement, which survives SINHA's separation from ALEXION and 
remains in full force and effect.

14. 

Non-Interference with Rights.  The release set forth in Section 5 of this Agreement 

excludes any claims which cannot be waived by law, such as claims for unemployment/worker 
compensation, or claims for vested/earned benefits under ERISA-covered employee benefit plans as 
applicable on the date that SINHA signs this Agreement.  Further, SINHA understands, agrees and 
acknowledges that nothing contained in this Agreement, including but not limited to Sections 5 
(Release), 6 (Disclosure), 7 (Promise Not to Sue), 8 (Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure), 9 
(Continuing Obligations), 10 (Return of ALEXION Assets), 11 (Cooperation), 12 (Non-
Disparagement), or 16 (Remedies), shall prohibit or restrict SINHA from filing a charge or complaint 
with, reporting possible violations of any law or regulation, making disclosures to, and/or participating 
in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal 
Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Securities and Exchange 
Commission, and/or any other governmental agency or entity, or from exercising rights under Section 
7 of the National Labor Relations Act to engage in joint activity with other employees, and that 
notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, SINHA is not required to seek authorization 
from ALEXION or to notify ALEXION before doing so.

15. 

Choice of Law and Forum.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under 

the laws of the State of Connecticut, without regard to its conflicts of law rules, except that matters 
relating to indemnification shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of 
Delaware.  The parties hereby consent to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in the 
State of Connecticut to resolve any disputes arising out of the interpretation or administration of this 
Agreement.

16. 

Remedies.  If any party to this Agreement seeks to enforce its rights under this 

Agreement by legal proceedings or otherwise, the prevailing party as determined by a court or tribunal 
of competent jurisdiction (including in any action for preliminary injunctive relief) shall be entitled to 
seek payment of attorneys' fees, costs and expenses from the non-prevailing party.  

17. 

Successors.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of SINHA, 
ALEXION, and their respective heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, successors, insurers, 
and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of each and all of the released parties.

18. 

Severability.  The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and if any part of it is 
found to be unenforceable or invalid, the other provisions shall remain fully valid and enforceable.  

19. 

Representations.  SINHA acknowledges and agrees that:

5

(a) 

he has, by being given a copy of this Agreement, been advised to consult with 
an attorney of his own choice with regard to its terms, and he has been given the 
opportunity to do so prior to signing this Agreement; 

(b) 

he has not been promised anything other than what is in this Agreement; 

(c) 

(d) 

the payments described in this Agreement provide adequate and sufficient 
consideration to support this Agreement; 

he has reviewed this Agreement and is signing this Agreement knowingly and 
voluntarily;

(e) 

he has not been coerced or threatened into signing this Agreement;

(f) 

(g) 

he does not have any pending court or administrative complaint against 
ALEXION; and

this Agreement can only be modified in a written document signed by both 
SINHA and ALEXION.

20. 

Time Periods.  SINHA has been given at least twenty-one (21) days to consider this 

Agreement before executing it.  If SINHA signs this Agreement prior to the end of the 21 day period, 
such signature constitutes a voluntary waiver of this 21 day period.  In the event that SINHA executes 
this Agreement prior to the Separation Date, ALEXION reserves the right to request that SINHA 
reaffirm the terms of this Agreement in writing on the Separation Date.

After signing this Agreement, SINHA will have seven (7) days to revoke this Agreement (the 
“Revocation Period”) by providing written notice to ALEXION during this 7 day Revocation Period.  
Any revocation must be made in writing, postmarked no later than the close of business of the 7th day 
of the Revocation Period and addressed to:

Clare Carmichael
Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
100 College Street
New Haven, CT 06510

This Agreement will not become effective or enforceable until the Revocation Period has 

expired.  If SINHA does not revoke this Agreement, he will receive the consideration described in 
Section 3 of this Agreement.

21. 

Entire Agreement.  This Agreement (together with the applicable provisions of the 

other agreements referenced herein) constitutes and contains the entire agreement and understanding 
concerning SINHA's employment and separation of employment, and the other subject matter 
addressed herein between the parties, and supersedes and replaces all prior negotiations and all prior 
agreements proposed or otherwise, whether written or oral, concerning the subject matter hereof, 

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
including the Employment Agreement, except that SINHA shall continue to be obligated to comply 
with Sections 4 and 5 of the Employment Agreement, and except as otherwise expressly stated herein.  
The drafting of this Agreement shall be deemed a mutual endeavor by all parties, and shall not be 
construed against any single party as the drafter. 
this Agreement and any other document concerning severance benefits, the provisions of this 
Agreement shall prevail. The headings in this Agreement are provided for reference only and shall not 
affect the substance of this Agreement.

To the extent of any conflict between the terms of 

22. 

Execution.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of 

which shall be deemed an original, and together, all of which shall constitute one original document.  
Original signatures that are transmitted by fax or electronic mail shall be considered original signatures 
under this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement.

 /s/Vikas Sinha                    Date: Dec. 11, 2016
VIKAS SINHA

ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

By: /s/ Clare Carmichael        Date: Dec. 11, 2016
Name: Clare Carmichael
Title:  Executive Vice President and CHRO

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.5

CONFIDENTIAL RELEASE AND SEPARATION AGREEMENT

This Confidential Release and Separation Agreement (“Agreement”), is made effective as of 

December 11, 2016, by and between DAVID HALLAL, his agents, assignees, heirs, executors, 
administrators, beneficiaries, trustees, legal representatives and assigns (“HALLAL”), and Alexion 
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., its subsidiaries, parents, affiliates, divisions and related entities, and its and their 
successors, predecessors, assigns, present or former directors, officers, executives, agents, attorneys, 
shareholders, fiduciaries or employees or any person acting on behalf of any of them (“ALEXION”). 

WHEREAS, HALLAL and ALEXION are parties to an agreement of employment dated 

February 26, 2016 (the “Employment Agreement”); 

WHEREAS, the Employment Agreement has been terminated; 

WHEREAS, HALLAL and ALEXION wish to enter into this Agreement to fully resolve any 

actual or potential claims arising out of HALLAL’s employment with and/or separation from 
ALEXION; and

WHEREAS, ALEXION offers this Agreement without prejudice to any position ALEXION 

might take in any future proceeding regarding the reason for the termination of the Employment 
Agreement; 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants set forth herein, 

HALLAL and ALEXION agree as follows:

1. 

End of Employment.  HALLAL’s employment with ALEXION will end effective 
December 11, 2016 (the “Separation Date”).  HALLAL will be paid pursuant to section 9(a) of the 
Employment Agreement for all work that he performs through the Separation Date and for all accrued, 
unused vacation. HALLAL acknowledges that (i) with the receipt of his final paycheck, he will have 
received all compensation and benefits that were due to him through the Separation Date as a result of 
services performed for ALEXION except as provided in this Agreement; (ii) HALLAL has reported to 
ALEXION any and all work-related injuries incurred during employment; and (iii) that ALEXION 
properly provided any leave of absence because of HALLAL’s or a family member’s health condition 
and HALLAL has not been subjected to any improper treatment, conduct or actions due to a request 
for or taking such leave.

2. 

Benefits Continuation.  Regardless of whether HALLAL executes this Agreement, and 

assuming that HALLAL was enrolled in ALEXION’s group health insurance plans prior to the 
Separation Date, HALLAL and his eligible dependents (if any) may continue to participate in 
ALEXION’s group medical, dental, vision and/or employee assistance (EAP) plans for up to eighteen 
(18) months following the Separation Date, subject to the terms of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget 
Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) and provided that HALLAL timely and properly elects 
COBRA continuation coverage and pays the premiums associated with such coverage.  HALLAL may 
also continue to participate in ALEXION’s Health Care Flexible Spending Account plan through the 
end of the calendar year if HALLAL has a balance in the plan as of the Separation Date.  HALLAL 
will receive information regarding COBRA in a separate mailed communication.

3. 

Consideration.  Provided that HALLAL timely executes this Agreement, as 

consideration for this Agreement, ALEXION shall provide HALLAL with a total payment equal to 
$3,652,616 less applicable deductions and withholdings, payable in eight (8) equal quarterly 
installments commencing January 1, 2017, with each subsequent payment paid on the first business 
day of each quarter; provided that such payments shall cease should HALLAL fail to fully abide by the 
provisions of this Agreement.

4. 

Non-Admission.  ALEXION’s offer of this Agreement to HALLAL and any payments 
made under this Agreement do not constitute an admission by ALEXION that HALLAL has any claim 
of any kind against ALEXION or that ALEXION admits to any liability.

5. 

Release.  In exchange for the consideration described in Section 3 of this Agreement, 

HALLAL agrees to release ALEXION with respect to and from any and all claims, wages, agreements, 
contracts, covenants, actions, suits, causes of action, expenses, attorneys’ fees, damages, and liabilities 
of whatever kind or nature in law, equity, or otherwise, whether known or unknown, suspected or 
unsuspected, and whether or not concealed or hidden, which HALLAL has at any time heretofore 
owned or held against ALEXION, including, without limitation, those arising out of or in any way 
connected with HALLAL’s employment relationship with ALEXION or separation from employment 
with ALEXION.  This means that HALLAL gives up these claims to the fullest extent permitted by 
law, including:

(a) 

claims for any pay, compensation or benefits, including bonuses, commissions, costs, 
damages, expenses, incentive pay, insurance, interest, paid or unpaid leave or time off, 
salary, separation or severance pay or benefits, or wages;

(b) 

claims concerning any express or implied employment contracts, covenants or duties;

(c) 

(d) 

claims for defamation; detrimental reliance; impairment/loss of business/economic 
opportunity; intentional/negligent infliction of emotional distress; interference with 
contractual or legal rights; invasion of privacy; loss of consortium; misrepresentation; 
negligence including negligent hiring/retention/ supervision; personal injury; 
promissory estoppel; retaliatory discharge; termination notice insufficiency; tortious 
interference; posting requirement violations; records access violations; wrongful 
termination; or any other federal, state, local or common law claims;

claims of discrimination based on age, ancestry, benefit entitlement, color, concerted 
activity, disability, failure to accommodate, gender, gender identity or expression, 
genetics, harassment, income source, leave rights, marital status, military status, 
national origin, parental status, perception of a protected characteristic, political 
affiliation, race, religion, retaliation, sex, sexual orientation, union activity, veteran 
status or other legally protected status; claims that any payment under this Agreement 
was affected by any such discrimination; or any other claims under Title VII of the Civil 
Rights Act of 1964; the Civil Rights Act of 1866; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the 
Equal Pay Act of 1963; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) and the 
Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Family 
and Medical Leave Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act; the Sarbanes-

2

Oxley Act of 2002; the False Claims Act; the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices 
Act, Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 46a-51 et seq.; the Connecticut Human Rights and 
Opportunities Act, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-60; the Connecticut Equal Pay Law, Conn. 
Gen. Stat. § 31-75; or the Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Law, Conn. Gen. Stat. 
§§ 31-51kk et seq.; each as amended; or 

(e) 

any right to be or remain a member of any class or collective action against ALEXION.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, HALLAL does not release (i) any claim or right to 
receive the consideration provided under this Agreement; (ii) any claim or right to indemnification by 
the Company under the Employment Agreement or the Indemnification Agreement between 
ALEXION and HALLAL entered into as of September 27, 2010; or (iii) any claim or right to 
continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act.

6. 

Disclosure.  In addition to the foregoing, and in further exchange for the consideration 
described in Section 3 of this Agreement, HALLAL specifically represents and warrants that as of the 
date that he executes this Agreement, either (i) he has disclosed to ALEXION’s General Counsel or to 
another member of ALEXION’s internal Legal Department in writing any matter that he knows or 
suspects could constitute an actual or potential violation of the ALEXION Code of Ethics and Business 
Conduct or of any internal or external legal, regulatory or compliance requirement applicable to 
ALEXION in any jurisdiction in which it does business, or (ii) he has no information concerning any 
such matter.

7. 

Promise Not to Sue.  HALLAL promises not to sue ALEXION for any claims covered 
by Section 5 of this Agreement and not excluded by any other section of this Agreement.  This promise 
not to sue is separate from and in addition to HALLAL’s promises in Section 5 of this Agreement, and 
does not apply to a claim under the ADEA.

8. 

Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure.  HALLAL agrees that, except as required by 

applicable federal, state, or local law, HALLAL will keep all the terms of this Agreement strictly 
confidential, including the amount of the payment provided to HALLAL under this Agreement.  
Except as required by law, HALLAL will not disclose any of the terms of this Agreement to anyone 
except his immediate family members and his legal/financial advisors.  Each of them is bound by this 
non-disclosure provision, and a disclosure by any of them will be considered a disclosure by 
HALLAL.  HALLAL further represents that prior to executing this Agreement, he has not disclosed its 
terms in a manner inconsistent with this confidentiality provision.  

9. 

Continuing Obligations, Condition.  HALLAL acknowledges and agrees that all 
confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations survive HALLAL’s separation from ALEXION and 
remain in full force and effect. HALLAL further agrees, as a condition of this Agreement, to execute 
the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement attached as Addenda hereto. HALLAL further 
acknowledges and agrees that he continues to be bound by the Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, and 
Non-Disparagement provisions in section 5 of the Employment Agreement, which survive HALLAL’s 
separation from ALEXION and remain in full force and effect.

3

10. 

Return of ALEXION Assets.  HALLAL agrees that he has returned or will return 
immediately, and no later than the Separation Date, all ALEXION property or assets that he had or 
controlled during his employment, including: his identification badge; key fob; lab notebooks; laptop, 
desktop and handheld computers; smartphones; personal digital assistants (PDAs); secure ID cards; 
keys; tools and tool boxes; personal protective equipment; external hard drives; flash drives; power 
and sync cables; all originals and soft or hard copies of documents such as e-mails, facsimiles, 
handbooks, letters, manuals, or memoranda; any personal documents or materials containing 
confidential ALEXION information, including personal notebooks or planners; and any other 
ALEXION related communications,  material, hardware, equipment or property.  The requirements of 
this Section apply regardless whether such property, assets, documents or other materials are located or 
stored (a) at ALEXION’s offices or other location (including but not limited to HALLAL’s personal 
residence) or (b) on ALEXION’s systems or equipment or any other system or equipment (including 
but not limited to HALLAL’s personal system or equipment). 

11. 

Resignation. By signing this Agreement, HALLAL hereby resigns from any and all 

positions that he holds as a director or officer of ALEXION or its affiliates, including his positions as 
Chief Executive Officer, member of the Board of Directors, and member of the Board of Directors for 
the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.  HALLAL agrees to execute the letter of 
resignation attached hereto as Exhibit A.  

12. 

Agreed Statements.  The parties agree that ALEXION and HALLAL will issue public 

statements regarding HALLAL’s resignation substantially in the forms attached hereto as Exhibit B 
and will limit any public statements regarding HALLAL’s termination of employment with ALEXION 
to such agreed statements. The parties agree that the release of said public statements will not violate 
the terms of any confidentiality provision, or any other provision, contained in this Agreement or any 
other agreement between the parties.  The public statements attached hereto are incorporated herein by 
reference.  If ALEXION is contacted for a reference, ALEXION will confirm dates of employment and 
job title in accordance with ALEXION policy and will not make any other statements to the party 
requesting a reference. 

13. 

Cooperation.  HALLAL agrees to cooperate with, and assist, ALEXION to ensure a 
smooth transition of his work responsibilities.  At any time following the Separation Date, HALLAL 
will provide such information as ALEXION may reasonably request with respect to any ALEXION-
related transaction or other matter in which HALLAL was involved in any way while employed by 
ALEXION.  HALLAL further agrees to assist and cooperate with ALEXION in connection with the 
defense, prosecution, government investigation, or internal investigation of any claim or matter that 
may be made against, concerning, or by ALEXION. Such assistance and cooperation shall include 
timely, comprehensive, and truthful disclosure of all relevant facts known to HALLAL, including 
through in-person interview(s) with ALEXION’s internal Legal Department or outside counsel for 
ALEXION.  HALLAL shall be entitled to reimbursement for all properly documented expenses 
incurred in connection with rendering services under this Section, including, but not limited to, 
reimbursement for all reasonable travel, lodging, and meal expenses.

14. 

Non-Interference with Rights.  The Release set forth in Section 5 of this Agreement 

excludes any claims which cannot be waived by law, such as claims for unemployment/worker 

4

compensation, or claims for vested/earned benefits under ERISA-covered employee benefit plans as 
applicable on the date that HALLAL signs this Agreement.  Further, HALLAL understands, agrees and 
acknowledges that nothing contained in this Agreement, including but not limited to Sections 5 
(Release), 6 (Disclosure), 7 (Promise Not to Sue), 8 (Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure), 9 
(Continuing Obligations), 10 (Return of ALEXION Assets), 12 (Agreed Statement), 13 (Cooperation), 
or 15 (Remedies), shall prohibit or restrict HALLAL from filing a charge or complaint with, reporting 
possible violations of any law or regulation, making disclosures to, and/or participating in any 
investigation or proceeding conducted by the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment 
Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Securities and Exchange Commission, 
and/or any other governmental agency or entity, or from exercising rights under Section 7 of the 
National Labor Relations Act to engage in joint activity with other employees, and that 
notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, HALLAL is not required to seek authorization 
from ALEXION or to notify ALEXION before doing so.

15. 

Remedies.  HALLAL agrees that if he is found by ALEXION to have violated this 
Agreement, ALEXION will cease any remaining payments under Section 3 and HALLAL will pay 
ALEXION’s reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and other expenses to enforce this Agreement, in 
addition to any other available relief.

16. 

Choice of Law and Forum.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under 

the laws of the State of Connecticut, without regard to its conflicts of law rules.  The parties hereby 
consent to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in the State of Connecticut to resolve 
any disputes arising out of the interpretation or administration of this Agreement.  

17. 

Successors.  This Release shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of HALLAL, 
ALEXION, and their respective heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, successors, insurers, 
and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of each and all of the Released Parties.

18. 

Severability.  The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and if any part of it is 

found to be unenforceable or invalid, the other Sections shall remain fully valid and enforceable.  

19. 

Representations.  HALLAL acknowledges and agrees that:

(a) 

he has, by being given a copy of this Agreement, been advised to consult with 
an attorney of his own choice, and he has been given the opportunity to do so 
prior to signing this Agreement; 

(b) 

he has not been promised anything besides what is in this Agreement; 

(c) 

(d) 

the payment described in this Agreement exceeds the amount that he otherwise 
would receive at the end of his employment with ALEXION, and provides 
adequate and sufficient consideration to support this Agreement; 

he has reviewed this Agreement and is signing this Agreement knowingly and 
voluntarily;

5

(e) 

he has not been coerced or threatened into signing this Agreement;

(f) 

(g) 

he was not required to waive any attorneys’ fees as a condition of this 
Agreement; and

this Agreement can only be modified in a written document signed by both 
HALLAL and ALEXION.

20. 

Entire Agreement, Acknowledgement.  This Agreement sets forth the entire 

agreement between the parties on the subject matter herein.  HALLAL is not relying on any other 
agreements or oral representations not fully addressed in this Agreement.  Any prior agreements 
between or directly involving HALLAL and ALEXION, including the Employment Agreement, are 
superseded by this Agreement, except that HALLAL acknowledges that (i) this Agreement shall not in 
any way affect, modify, or nullify any prior agreement that HALLAL entered into with ALEXION 
regarding confidentiality, trade secrets, inventions, or unfair competition, and (ii) section 5 (Non-
Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disparagement) of the Employment Agreement shall survive 
and remain in full force and effect. HALLAL further acknowledges that the restraints set forth in 
section 5 of the Employment Agreement are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of 
ALEXION and are reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time, and geographic area.  To the 
extent of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and any other document concerning 
severance benefits, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail. The headings in this Agreement are 
provided for reference only and shall not affect the substance of this Agreement.

21. 

Execution.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of 

which shall be deemed an original, and together, all of which shall constitute one original document.  
Original signatures that are transmitted by fax or electronic mail shall be considered original signatures 
under this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement.

__/s/ David Hallal______   Date: __12/11/16____
DAVID HALLAL

ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

By: /s/ Clare Carmichael_____Date: 12/11/16
Name: Clare Carmichael
Title:    Executive Vice President and 

Chief Human Resources Officer

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.6

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) dated as of December 12, 2016 

by and between Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and 
David Brennan (the “Employee”).

WHEREAS, the Company agrees to employ the Employee on an interim basis during the 

Company’s search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer, subject to the terms and conditions 
contained in this Agreement; and

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS, the Employee agrees to accept employment with the Company, subject to 

the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and 

agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. 

Employment Duties and Acceptance.

(a) 

The Company hereby employs the Employee, for the Interim Term (as hereinafter 

defined), to render full-time services to the Company as Interim Chief Executive Officer 
(“Interim CEO”) and to perform such duties commensurate with such office or other office as the 
Employee shall reasonably be directed by the Company to perform. The Employee hereby 
accepts such employment and agrees to render the services described above. In his capacity as 
Interim CEO the Employee shall report to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). 
During the Interim Term, the Company expects that Employee will also continue to serve as a 
Director on the Board.

(b) 

During the Interim Term, the Employee shall devote his full business time and his 

best efforts, business judgment, skill and knowledge exclusively to the advancement of the 
business and interests of the Company and its Affiliates and to the discharge of his duties and 
responsibilities hereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, although the 
Employee shall provide services as a full time employee, it is understood that the Employee, 
with consent of the Board, may (1) have non full-time academic appointments; (2) participate in 
professional activities; (3) publish academic articles; (4) participate in community and/or 
philanthropic activities; and (5) serve on a board of directors, governing body, or in any other 
capacity with a company or organization engaged in activities unrelated to the business of the 
Company and may receive compensation in exchange for such service (collectively, “Permitted 
Activities”); provided, however, that such Permitted Activities do not interfere with the 
Employee’s duties to the Company or create a conflict of interest for the Employee. The 
Employee shall perform Employee’s duties in compliance with (i) this Agreement, (ii) all 
applicable laws and regulations, and (iii) Company’s policies and practices, including its 
Employee Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Equal Opportunity and Anti-Harassment 
policies, and compliance policies. 

2. 

Term of Employment.

(a) 

The term of the Employee’s interim employment under this Agreement shall 

commence as of December 12, 2016 (the “Effective Date”) and shall end the sooner of twenty-
six (26) weeks after the Effective Date and the date on which a permanent successor CEO is 
hired and commences employment with the Company, unless sooner terminated as described in 
Section 2(b). Unless notice is given by the Employee or the Company at least thirty (30) days 
prior to the expiration of the Term of this Agreement (or at least thirty (30) days prior to the 
expiration of any extension hereof), the Term of the Agreement shall, if it has not previously 
terminated, be automatically extended by one (1) month from the date it would otherwise end 
(whether upon expiration of the original Term or any extension(s) thereof). The term of this 
Agreement as from time to time extended or renewed is hereafter referred to as the “Term of this 
Agreement” or the “Interim Term.”

(b) 

During the Interim Term, the Employee’s employment service is “at will” and 

may be terminated by the Employee or the Company at any time, with or without cause, with 30 
days’ advanced written notice by either party to the other. The Company expects that the 
Employee will remain on the Board as a non-employee director following the end of the Interim 
Term. 

3. 

Compensation and Benefits.

(a) 

As compensation for services to be rendered pursuant to this Agreement, the 

Company agrees to pay the Employee, during the Term, an annualized salary of $6,000,000 (the 
“Salary”), payable pro rata in bi-weekly installments in accordance with the Company’s regular 
payroll practices. 

(b) 

Equity.

(i)  While the Employee serves as both Interim CEO and a director of the 

Board, the Employee shall not earn any non-employee director cash retainers, equity grants, or 
other compensation under the Company’s Director Compensation Program for his services as 
Director; however, the Employee will be entitled to receive the same type of annual equity award 
with respect to the same number of shares of the Company’s common stock as the Employee 
would have been entitled to receive had he continued to serve as one of the Company’s non-
employee directors (the “New Equity Award”), such award for 2017 to be granted to the 
Employee at the same time as 2017 annual awards are made to our non-employee directors, on or 
about May 2017 (the “Grant Date”). 

(ii) 

The Employee’s existing outstanding equity awards will continue to vest 

and/or become exercisable, or be settled in shares, as applicable, during and after the Interim 
Term in accordance with their original schedules, provided the Employee continues to provide 
services to the Company. 

(iii)  Unless the Compensation Committee of the Board otherwise determines in 
its sole discretion, and to the extent consistent with applicable law, (A) the Employee will not be 
eligible to participate in any Company cash-based or equity-based incentive plans or programs 
applicable to the Company’s Senior Officers (collectively, the “Senior Officer Plans”), including, 

2

without limitation, any severance plan, change in control plan, cash bonus plan, and (B) the 
Employee will not be eligible to participate in any Company compensation or employee benefit 
plan, program, or agreement or policy (collectively with the Senior Officer Plans, “Plans”), 
except as set forth in this Agreement or otherwise required by applicable regulations. 

(c) 

The Company shall pay or reimburse the Employee for all reasonable, customary 

and necessary business expenses actually incurred or paid by the Employee during the Term in 
the performance of services under this Agreement, subject to travel and other policies and such 
reasonable substantiation and documentation as may be required by the Company from time to 
time, subject to Section 12(g) of this Agreement. During the Term, the Company agrees to pay 
the Employee a housing allowance of $5,000 per month and to reimburse the Employee for 
reasonable commuting expenses, including but not limited to use of a rental car and airfare or 
other transportation costs from the Employee’s personal residences  to New Haven, CT, 
consistent with the Company’s travel policies, subject to Section 12(g) of this Agreement. 

4. 

Confidentiality.

As part of the consideration for the compensation and benefits to be paid to the Employee 

hereunder, and as additional incentive for the Company to enter into this Agreement, the 
Employee agrees to execute prior to the Effective Date, and to abide by, the Proprietary 
Information and Inventions Agreement previously entered into with the Company, the terms of 
which shall survive the termination of this Agreement. 

5. 

Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disparagement.

During the Term, the Employee shall not (1) provide any services, directly or indirectly, 
to any other business or commercial entity without the consent of the Company, which may be 
withheld in the Company’s sole discretion, or (2) participate in the formation of any business or 
commercial entity without the consent of the Company, which may be withheld in the 
Company’s sole discretion; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section 5 shall be 
deemed to prohibit the Employee from acquiring, solely as an investment, shares of capital stock 
(or other interests) of any corporation (or other entity) not exceeding 2% of such corporation’s 
(or other entity’s) then outstanding shares of capital stock and provided, further, that nothing 
contained herein shall be deemed to limit the Employee’s Permitted Activities pursuant to 
Section 1(b).

6. 

Cooperation.

At any time following the termination of his employment for any reason, Employee will 
provide such information as the Company may reasonably request with respect to any Company-
related transaction or other matter in which Employee was involved in any way while employed 
by the Company. Employee further agrees to assist and cooperate with the Company in 
connection with the defense, prosecution, government investigation, or internal investigation of 
any claim or matter that may be made against, concerning, or by the Company. Such assistance 
and cooperation shall include timely, comprehensive, and truthful disclosure of all relevant facts 
known to the Company, including through in-person interview(s) with the Company’s internal 

3

Legal Department or outside counsel for the Company. Employee shall be entitled to 
reimbursement for all properly documented expenses incurred in connection with rendering 
services under this Section, including, but not limited to, reimbursement for all reasonable travel, 
lodging, and meal expenses.

7. 

Indemnification.

The Company shall indemnify the Employee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable 
law and its then-current articles of incorporation and by-laws. The Employee agrees to promptly 
notify the Company of any actual or threatened claim arising out of or as a result of his 
employment with the Company. The Company shall provide, at its expense, Directors and 
Officers insurance for the Employee in amounts reasonably satisfactory to the Employee, to the 
extent such insurance is available at reasonable rates, which determination shall be made by the 
Board. 

8. 

Representations by Employee.

The Employee represents and warrants that he has full right, power and authority to 

execute the terms of this Agreement; this Agreement has been duly executed by the Employee 
and such execution and the performance of this Agreement by the Employee does not result in 
any conflict, breach or violation of or default under any other agreement or any judgment, order 
or decree to which the Employee is a party or by which he is bound. 

9. 

Arbitration.

Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach 
thereof, or arising out of Employee’s employment and the termination of such employment, shall 
be settled by arbitration in Connecticut, in accordance with the employment dispute rules then 
existing of the American Arbitration Association, before a single arbitrator appointed in 
accordance with such rules. The arbitrator shall have authority to grant any form of appropriate 
relief, whether legal or equitable in nature. Judgment on the award may be entered in any court 
having jurisdiction. The parties shall be free to pursue any remedy before the arbitrator that they 
shall be otherwise permitted to pursue in a court of competent jurisdiction. As a material part of 
this agreement to arbitrate claims, the Employee and the Company expressly waive all rights to a 
jury trial in court on all statutory or other claims. The award of the arbitrator shall be final and 
binding. The costs of the American Arbitration Association and the arbitrator will be borne 
equally by the Company and the Employee. Nothing contained herein, however, shall limit the 
right of the Company or any of its Affiliates to seek equitable or other relief from any court of 
competent jurisdiction for violation of any provision of Sections 4 and 5 above.

10. 

Recoupment.

The Employee hereby acknowledges and agrees that the equity award described in 

Section 3(b) and all other payments of incentive-based compensation payable to the Employee 
by the Company or its Affiliates (whether under this Agreement or otherwise) shall be subject to 
any applicable clawback or recoupment policy of the Company, as such policy may be amended 

4

and in effect from time to time, and shall be subject to recoupment as otherwise required by 
applicable law or applicable stock exchange listing standards, including, without limitation, 
Section 10D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

11. 

Notices.

All notices, requests, consents and other communications required or permitted to be 

given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if sent by 
private overnight mail service (delivery confirmed by such service), registered or certified mail 
(return receipt requested and received), telecopy (confirmed receipt by return fax from the 
receiving party) or delivered personally, as follows (or to such other address as either party shall 
designate by notice in writing to the other in accordance herewith):

If to the Company:

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
100 College Street
New Haven, Connecticut 06510
Telephone: (203) 272-2596
Fax: (203) 271-8198
Attn: General Counsel

If to the Employee: to the Employee’s Address on file with the Company.

12. 

General.

(a) 

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance 

with the laws of the State of Connecticut applicable to agreements made and to be performed 
entirely in Connecticut by Connecticut residents.

(b) 

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties 

relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements and 
understandings, written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof, except for the Proprietary 
Information and Inventions Agreement and the Indemnification Agreement. No representation, 
promise or inducement has been made by either party that is not embodied in this Agreement, 
and neither party shall be bound by or liable for any alleged representation, promise or 
inducement not so set forth.

(c) 

This Agreement may be amended, modified, superseded, canceled, renewed or 

extended, and the terms or covenants hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument 
executed by the parties hereto, or in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance. The 
failure of a party at any time or times to require performance of any provision hereof shall in no 
manner affect the right at a later time to enforce the same. No waiver by a party of the breach of 
any term or covenant contained in this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, or any one 
or more or continuing waivers of any such breach, shall constitute a waiver of the breach of any 
other term or covenant contained in this Agreement.

5

(d) 

This Agreement shall be binding upon the legal representatives, heirs, 

distributees, successors and assigns of the parties hereto. The Company may not assign its rights 
and obligation under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Employee, except to 
a successor of substantially all the Company’s business which expressly assumes the Company’s 
obligations hereunder in writing. In the event of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of 
the Company, the Company shall use its best efforts to cause the purchaser to expressly assume 
this Agreement. The Employee may not assign, transfer, alienate or encumber any rights or 
obligations under this Agreement, except by will or operation of law, provided that the Employee 
may designate beneficiaries to receive any payments permitted under the terms of the Company’s 
benefit plans.

(e) 

If any portion or provision of this Agreement shall to any extent be declared 

illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the remainder of this 
Agreement, or the application of such portion or provision in circumstances other than those as 
to which it is so declared illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each portion 
and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by 
law.

(f) 

Provisions of this Agreement shall survive any termination of employment if so 
provided herein or if necessary or desirable fully to accomplish the purposes of other surviving 
provisions, including without limitation, the obligations of the Employee under Section 5 hereof. 
Upon termination of the Employee’s employment hereunder by either the Employee or the 
Company as permitted hereby, all rights, duties and obligations of the Employee and the 
Company to each other pursuant to this Agreement shall cease, except for the provisions hereof 
that contemplate performance after termination, including without limitation the obligations of 
the Employee under Section 5 hereof.

(g) 

This Agreement is intended to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 

409A and shall be construed accordingly. Each payment made under this Agreement shall be 
treated as a separate payment and the right to a series of installment payments under this 
Agreement is to be treated as a right to a series of separate payments. In no event shall the 
Company have any liability relating to the failure or alleged failure of any payment or benefit 
under this Agreement to comply with, or be exempt from, the requirements of Section 409A. Any 
taxable reimbursement due under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid no later than 
December 31 of the year after the year in which the expense is incurred and shall comply with 
Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv).

6

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first 

above written. 

ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

By: ___/s/ Clare Carmichael______________
Name: Clare A. Carmichael
Title: EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer

EMPLOYEE

__/s/ David Brennan_____________________
David Brennan

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Exhibit 10.7

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is dated as of December 12, 

2016, by and between Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), 
and David J. Anderson (the “Employee”).

WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Company agrees to employ the Employee subject to the terms and 

conditions contained in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Employee agrees to accept employment with the Company, subject to 

the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement,

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants and 

agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. 

Employment Duties and Acceptance.

(a) 

The Company hereby employs the Employee, for the Term (as hereinafter 

defined), to render full-time services to the Company as Chief Financial Officer and to perform 
such duties commensurate with such office or other office as the Employee shall reasonably be 
directed by the Company to perform. The Employee hereby accepts such employment and agrees 
to render the services described above. The Employee shall report to the Company’s Chief 
Executive Officer or Interim Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”).

(b) 

During the Term, the Employee shall devote his full business time and his best 

efforts, business judgment, skill and knowledge exclusively to the advancement of the business 
and interests of the Company and its affiliates and to the discharge of his duties and 
responsibilities hereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, although the 
Employee shall provide services as a full-time employee, it is understood that the Employee, 
with written consent of the CEO, may (1) have non full-time academic appointments; (2) 
participate in professional activities; (3) publish academic articles; (4) participate in community 
and/or philanthropic activities and (5) serve on a board of directors, governing body or in any 
other capacity with up to one company or organization engaged in activities unrelated to the 
business of the Company and may receive compensation in exchange for such service (“External 
board service”) (collectively, “Permitted Activities”), only to the extent that such Permitted 
Activities do not interfere with the Employee’s duties to the Company or create a conflict of 
interest for the Employee. Employee shall obtain written consent from the Board of Directors of 
the Company (the “Board”) before engaging in any External board service that would result in 
the Employee’s participation on more than one external board; however, the parties agree that (i) 
the Employee may continue the External board service specified in Exhibit B, (ii) the Employee 
will not accept any new committee chair positions during the Term but may continue to serve in 
such capacity if he held the position as of the Effective Date (as hereinafter defined), and (iii) the 
Company may periodically review whether and any External board service should be reduced or 
eliminated. The CEO or the Board may withdraw consent for any Permitted Activity at any time 

1

if, in the judgment of the CEO or the Board, such Permitted Activity interferes with the 
Employee’s duties to the Company or creates a conflict of interest for the Employee.

(c) 

The Employee shall perform the Employee’s duties in compliance with (i) this 
Agreement, (ii) all applicable laws and regulations, and (iii) Company’s policies and practices, 
including its Employee Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Equal Opportunity Employment 
and Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment policies, and compliance policies.

2. 

Term of Employment.

The term of the Employee’s employment under this Agreement (the “Term”) shall 
commence as of December 12, 2016 (the “Effective Date”) and shall end on the first anniversary 
of the Effective Date, unless sooner terminated pursuant to Section 6 or 7 of this Agreement. 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless notice is given by the Employee or the Company at least 
thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the Term (or at least thirty (30) days prior to the 
expiration of any extension hereof), the Term shall be automatically extended by three (3) 
months from the date it would otherwise end (whether upon expiration of the original Term or 
any extension(s) thereof), unless sooner terminated pursuant to Section 6, 7, or 8 hereof. 

3. 

Compensation and Benefits.

(a) 

As compensation for services to be rendered pursuant to this Agreement, the 

Company agrees to pay the Employee, during the Term, an annualized salary of $4,550,000 (the 
“Salary”), payable pro rata in bi-weekly installments in accordance with the Company’s regular 
payroll practices. 

(b) 

Except as set forth in this Agreement, unless the Compensation Committee of the 

Board otherwise determines in its sole discretion, and to the extent consistent with applicable 
law, (A) the Employee will not be eligible to participate in any Company cash-based incentive 
plans or programs applicable to the Company’s Senior Officers (collectively, the “Senior Officer 
Plans”), including, without limitation, any severance plan, change in control plan, or cash bonus 
plan, and (B) the Employee will not be eligible to participate in any Company compensation or 
employee benefit plan, program, or agreement or policy (collectively with the Senior Officer 
Plans, “Plans”), except as otherwise required by applicable regulations.

(c) 

The Employee shall be eligible to receive stock-based awards under the equity 

incentive plan or program maintained by the Company as in effect from time to time (such plan, 
as so in effect, the “Equity Plan”) in the discretion of the Board or the Committee.  Any such 
stock-based award will be subject to the terms of the Equity Plan, the terms of the award 
agreement evidencing such stock-based award, and such other restrictions and limitations as are 
generally applicable to shares of the Company’s common stock or Company employees or 
otherwise imposed by law.   

(d) 

The Company shall pay or reimburse the Employee for all reasonable, customary 

and necessary business expenses actually incurred or paid by the Employee during the Term in 
the performance of services under this Agreement, subject to travel and other policies and such 

2

reasonable substantiation and documentation as may be required by the Company from time to 
time, subject to Section 19(g) of this Agreement. During the Term, the Company agrees to pay 
the Employee an allowance of $5,000 per month, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, 
for lodging, transportation and similar expenses, subject to Section 19(g) of this Agreement.

(e) 

During the Term, the Employee shall be eligible to participate in all employee 

benefit plans from time to time in effect for employees of the Company generally, except to the 
extent such plans are duplicative of benefits otherwise provided under this Agreement (e.g., a 
severance pay plan). Participation in such employee benefit plans will be subject to the terms of 
the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company policies, as the same may be in 
effect from time to time, and any other restrictions or limitations imposed by law.

(f) 

During the Term, the Employee shall be eligible for paid vacation of four weeks 

and two personal days per calendar year taken in accordance with applicable Company policy.

4. 

Confidentiality.

As part of the consideration for the compensation and benefits to be paid to the Employee 

hereunder, and as additional incentive for the Company to enter into this Agreement, the 
Employee agrees to execute prior to the Effective Date, and to abide by, the Proprietary 
Information and Inventions Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A. Notwithstanding any other 
provision of this Agreement, the Employee shall continue to be bound by the terms of such 
Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement which shall survive the termination of this 
Agreement in accordance with its terms.

5. 

Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disparagement.

(a) 

During the Term, the Employee shall not (1) provide any services, directly or 

indirectly, to any other business or commercial entity without the consent of the Company, which 
may be withheld in the Company’s sole discretion, or (2) participate in the formation of any 
business or commercial entity without the consent of the Company, which may be withheld in 
the Company’s sole discretion; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section 5(a) 
shall be deemed to prohibit the Employee from acquiring, solely as an investment, shares of 
capital stock (or other interests) of any corporation (or other entity) not exceeding 2% of such 
corporation’s (or other entity’s) then outstanding shares of capital stock and provided, further, 
that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit the Employee’s Permitted Activities 
pursuant to Section 1(b).

(b) 

Upon (i) the termination of the Employee’s employment by the Company for any 

reason other than pursuant to Section 6(a) or Section 6(b), (ii) the Company’s decision not to 
renew the Term under Section 2 hereof (“Non-Renewal”) or (iii) a termination of the Employee’s 
employment by the Employee for any reason, following such termination of employment and 
during the Restricted Period, the Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, 
partner, investor, consultant, agent, employee, co-venturer, or otherwise, compete with the 
Company or any of its affiliates, or undertake any planning for any business competitive with the 
Company or any of its affiliates. Specifically, but without limiting the foregoing, during the 

3

Restricted Period the Employee will not: (1) provide any services directly or indirectly, whether 
as an employee or independent contractor or otherwise, whether with or without compensation, 
to any other business or commercial entity in the United States that is competitive with all or any 
portion of the business of the Company or its affiliates; (2) participate in the formation of any 
business or commercial entity in the United States that is competitive with all or any portion of 
the business of the Company or its affiliates, (3) directly or indirectly seek to employ, any person 
employed by the Company or any of its affiliates anywhere in the world, or otherwise encourage 
or entice any such person to leave such employment; (4) solicit or encourage any independent 
contractor providing services to the Company or any of its affiliates anywhere in the world to 
terminate or diminish its relationship with the Company or its affiliates; or (5) solicit or 
encourage any customer, consultant, or vendor of the Company or its affiliates, anywhere in the 
world, to terminate or diminish its relationship with the Company or its affiliates; provided, 
however, that nothing contained in this Section 5(b) shall be deemed to prohibit the Employee 
from acquiring, solely as an investment, shares of capital stock (or other interests) of any 
corporation (or other entity) not exceeding 2% of such corporation’s (or other entity’s) then 
outstanding shares of capital stock and provided, further, that nothing contained herein shall be 
deemed to limit Employee’s Permitted Activities pursuant to Section 1(b). This Section 5(b) shall 
be subject to written waivers that may be obtained by the Employee from the Company.

(c) 

At no time during the Term or thereafter, regardless of the reason for termination, 

will the Employee knowingly make any written or verbal untrue statement that disparages the 
Company, its affiliates, its business, its management, or its products in communications with any 
customer, client or the public. The Employee will, furthermore, not otherwise do or say anything 
that could disrupt the good morale of employees of the Company or any of its affiliates, or that 
harms the interests or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates.

(d) 

Nothing in this Agreement or the Proprietary Information and Inventions 
Agreement limits, restricts, or in any other way affects the Employee’s ability to disclose 
possible violations of law to any governmental agency or entity or to any official or staff person 
of a governmental agency or entity; nor does any provision in this Agreement or the Proprietary 
Information and Inventions Agreement require the Employee to seek prior authorization or notify 
the Company before making any such disclosure. 

(e) 

The Employee acknowledges that he has read and considered all the terms and 
conditions of this Agreement, including the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to Sections 5
(a), 5(b), and 5(c) above. The Employee agrees without reservation that these restraints are 
necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its affiliates, and are 
reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time, and geographic area. If the Employee 
commits a breach, or threatens to commit a breach, of any of the provisions of this Section 5, the 
Company shall have the right and remedy to have the provisions of this Agreement specifically 
enforced by any court having equity jurisdiction, it being acknowledged and agreed that any such 
breach or threatened breach will cause irreparable injury to the Company and that money 
damages may not provide an adequate remedy to the Company. The Employee therefore agrees 
that the Company, in addition to any other remedies available to it, shall be entitled to 
preliminary and permanent injunctive relief against any breach or threatened breach by the 

4

Employee of any of the provisions of this Section 5, without having to post bond. So that the 
Company may enjoy the full benefit of the covenants contained above, the Employee agrees that 
the Restricted Period shall be tolled, and shall not run, during the period of any breach by the 
Employee of such covenants.

(f) 

If any of the covenants contained in this Section 5, or any part thereof, is hereafter 
construed to be invalid or unenforceable, the same shall not affect the remainder of the covenant 
or covenants, which shall be given full effect without regard to the invalid portions.

(g) 

If any of the covenants contained in this Section 5, or any part thereof, is held to 
be unenforceable because of the duration or scope of such provision or the area covered thereby, 
the parties agree that the court making such determination shall have the power to reduce the 
duration and/or area of such provision, and that the parties intend for the court to modify the 
duration and/or area of such provision to the maximum extent permitted by law. The parties 
agree that in its reduced form, such provision shall then be enforceable.

(h) 

In the event that the courts of any one or more of such states shall hold any such 

covenant wholly unenforceable by reason of the breadth of such scope or otherwise, it is the 
intention of the parties hereto that such determination not bar or in any way affect the Company’s 
right to the relief provided above in the courts of any other states within the geographical scope 
of such other covenants, as to breaches of such covenants in such other respective jurisdictions, 
the above covenants as they relate to each state being, for this purpose, severable into diverse and 
independent covenants.

6. 

Termination by the Company.

The Company may terminate the employment of the Employee as follows during the 

Term if any one or more of the following shall occur: 

(a) 

Death. If the Employee shall die during the Term, the Employee’s employment 

hereunder shall automatically terminate.

(b) 

Disability. If the Employee shall become physically or mentally disabled so that 

the Employee is unable substantially to perform his services hereunder for (1) a period of 120 
consecutive days, or (2) for shorter periods aggregating to 180 days during any twelve-month 
period, the Company may terminate the Employee’s employment hereunder upon written notice 
given by the Company to the Employee.

(c) 

For Cause. If the Employee acts, or fails to act, in a manner that provides Cause 

for termination, the Company may at any time terminate the Employee’s employment hereunder 
upon written notice given by the Company to the Employee. For purposes of this Agreement, the 
term “Cause” means (1) the Employee’s indictment for, or conviction of, a felony or other crime 
involving moral turpitude, or any crime or serious offense involving money or other property 
which constitutes a felony in the jurisdiction involved, (2) the Employee’s willful and continual 
neglect or failure to discharge duties (including fiduciary duties), responsibilities and obligations 
with respect to the Company hereunder; provided such neglect or failure, if susceptible of cure, 

5

remains uncured for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice describing the same is given 
to the Employee; provided further that isolated and insubstantial neglect or failures shall not 
constitute Cause hereunder, (3) the Employee’s material breach of this Agreement or any other 
material agreement with the Company, (4) the Employee’s violation of Section 5 hereof or the 
Employee’s breach of any confidentiality provisions contained in the Proprietary Information 
and Inventions Agreement, or (5) any act of fraud or embezzlement by the Employee involving 
the Company or any of its affiliates.

(d)  Without Cause. The Company may at any time terminate the Employee’s 
employment hereunder without Cause upon written notice given by the Company to the 
Employee.

7. 

Termination by the Employee.

(a) 

Other than for Constructive Termination. The Employee may terminate his 

employment hereunder at any time, for any reason and for no reason, upon not less than thirty 
(30) days’ prior written notice to the Company. 

(b) 

Constructive Termination. The Employee may terminate his employment 

hereunder upon written notice to the Company in the event of a material breach by the Company 
of the terms of this Agreement or other material agreement with the Employee if such breach 
continues uncured for thirty (30) days after the Employee first gives written notice of such 
breach to the Company within sixty (60) days after such condition first comes into existence and 
the Employee terminates this Agreement not later than thirty (30) days after the Company fails to 
remedy such condition.

8. 

Termination by Employee for Good Reason Following a Change in Control. 

In addition to Section 7(b) above, during the period commencing on the Change in 

Control (as defined in Section 14) and ending on the last date of the Term, the Employee may 
terminate this Agreement upon expiration of ninety (90) days’ prior written notice if “Good 
Reason” exists for the Employee’s termination. For this purpose, termination by the Employee 
for “Good Reason” shall mean a termination by the Employee of his employment hereunder 
following the initial occurrence, without his prior written consent, of any of the following events, 
unless the Company or its successor fully cures all grounds for such termination within thirty 
(30) days after receipt of the Employee’s written notice (it being understood that a termination of 
employment hereunder shall only be for Good Reason if the Employee terminates his 
employment not later than thirty (30) days after the Company so fails to cure such grounds):

(a) 

any material adverse change in the Employee's authority, duties, titles or offices 

(including reporting responsibility), from those existing immediately prior to the Change in 
Control; 

(b) 

the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption in writing of its obligation to 
perform this Agreement by any successor to all or substantially all of the assets of the Company 
upon a merger, consolidation, sale or similar transaction.

6

9. 

Severance and Benefit Continuation.

(a) 

Termination for Cause, Voluntary Termination (Other than for Constructive 

Termination). In the event of a termination of the Employee’s employment by the Company for 
Cause pursuant to Section 6(c) hereof, or by the Employee pursuant to Section 7(a) hereof, no 
severance or other termination pay or benefits shall be due to the Employee and the only 
obligation of the Company shall be to pay the Employee any accrued but unpaid Salary as of the 
date of termination and any accrued but unpaid vacation as of the date of termination (the 
“Accrued Obligations”), which amounts shall be paid to the Employee within thirty (30) days of 
the date of termination. In the event of a termination of the Employee’s employment pursuant to 
Section 7(a), the Company may elect to waive the period of notice required by Section 7(a), or 
any portion thereof, and, if the Company so elects, the Company will pay the Employee his 
Salary for the period so waived. Upon a termination covered by this Section 9(a), the Employee 
shall have the same opportunity to continue group health benefits at the Employee’s expense in 
accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) as is 
available generally to other employees terminating employment with the Company. Any 
outstanding equity awards previously granted to the Employee under the Equity Plan shall be 
treated in accordance with the terms of the Equity Plan and any individual award agreements 
under which such equity awards were granted.  

(b) 

Termination for Death or Disability or Non-Renewal by the Company. In the 

event of termination of the Employee’s employment pursuant to Section 6(a) or Section 6(b) by 
reason of the death or disability of the Employee, or by reason of the Company’s non-renewal of 
the Term under Section 2 hereof, the Company shall provide the Health Continuation Benefits 
(as defined in Section 9(c)(ii)). In the event of a termination of the Employee’s employment due 
to death, the Company shall also pay to the Employee’s estate an amount equal to thirty (30) 
days of Salary within thirty (30) days of the date of termination. All Time-Vesting Equity Awards 
(as defined in Section 9(c)(iii)) previously granted to the Employee shall become immediately 
vested and shall remain exercisable for such periods as provided under the terms of the Equity 
Plan and any individual award agreements under which such awards were granted. All other 
equity awards previously granted to the Employee will vest as determined in good faith by the 
Board based on the percentage of goals and objectives achieved by the Employee and the 
Company.

(c) 

Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Voluntary Termination Following 

Constructive Termination or With Good Reason. If (1) the Company terminates the Employee’s 
employment pursuant to Section 6(d) hereof or (2) the Employee terminates his employment 
pursuant to Section 7(b) or Section 8 hereof, then, in addition to the Accrued Obligations:

(i) 

the Company shall pay the Employee an amount equal to (A) the amount 

of each bi-weekly pro rata Salary installment payment described in Section 3(a) multiplied by 
(B) the remaining number of pro rata installments, if any, that the Employee would be otherwise 
entitled to under this Agreement from the date of Separation from Service (as defined below) 
until the end of the Term. Subject to Section 9(f), such amounts will be paid to the Employee 
within sixty (60) days after such Separation from Service in a cash lump sum; 

7

(ii) 

if the Employee timely elects to continue his participation and that of his 

eligible dependents in the Company’s group medical, dental and vision plans under COBRA, the 
Company shall pay the Employee a lump-sum amount that, after all applicable taxes and 
withholdings are deducted, is the economic equivalent of the monthly health premiums paid by 
the Company on behalf of the Employee and his eligible dependents immediately prior to the 
date of his Separation from Service for the remainder of the Term (determined, for this purpose, 
as if no Separation of Service occurred and no extension of the Term occurred following 
Employee’s Separation from Service) (the “Health Continuation Benefits”); provided that all 
such payments shall comply with the reimbursement rules of Treasury Regulations Sections 
1.409A-1(b)(9)(v) or 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv);

(iii) 

all equity awards for which the vesting schedule is based solely on the 
passage of time and continuation of employment (“Time-Vesting Equity Awards”) previously 
granted to the Employee shall fully and immediately vest and become exercisable immediately 
prior to such termination of employment, and shall remain exercisable for such periods as 
provided under the terms of the Equity Plan and any individual award agreements under which 
such equity awards were granted; and

(iv) 

all equity awards, other than the Time-Vesting Equity Awards, previously 
earned by and granted to the Employee shall fully and immediately vest and become exercisable 
immediately prior to such termination of employment, and shall remain exercisable for such 
periods as provided under the terms of the Equity Plan and any individual award agreements 
under which such equity awards were granted.

(d) 

The payments provided in Section 9(c) are intended as enhanced severance for a 
termination by the Company or by the Employee in the circumstances provided and are subject 
to the Employee’s continued compliance with the provisions of Section 5 hereof.  As a condition 
to receiving such payments, the Employee shall first execute and deliver a general release of all 
claims against the Company, its affiliates, agents and employees (other than any claims or rights 
pursuant to this Agreement or pursuant to equity or employee benefit plans), in a form and 
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”).  Any such payments and 
benefits shall be paid in a lump sum sixty (60) days after the Employee’s Separation from 
Service, subject to Section 9(f) below.  The Employee must execute and return the Release on or 
before the date specified by the Company in the prescribed form (the “Release Deadline”).   The 
Release Deadline will in no event be later than fifty (50) days after the Employee’s Separation 
from Service.  If the Employee fails to return the Release on or before the Release Deadline, or if 
the Release is revoked by the Employee, then the Employee will not be entitled to the payments 
described in Section 9(c). 

(e) 

Termination of Employment and Separation from Service. All references in the 
Agreement to termination of employment, a termination, retirement, cessation of employment, 
separation from service, and correlative terms, that result in the payment or vesting of any 
amounts or benefits that constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of 
Section 409A shall be construed to require a Separation from Service, and the date of such 
termination in any such case shall be construed to mean the date of the Separation from Service.

8

(f) 

Payment to a “Specified Employee”. To the extent any payment hereunder that is 

payable by reason of termination of the Employee’s employment constitutes “nonqualified 
deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A and would otherwise have been required to be 
paid during the six (6)-month period following such termination of employment, it shall instead 
(unless at the relevant time the Employee is no longer a Specified Employee) be delayed and 
paid, without interest, in a lump sum on the date that is six (6) months and one (1) day after the 
Employee’s termination (or, if earlier, the date of the Employee’s death).

(g) 

In the event that the Employee’s employment with the Company terminates for 

any reason, except as otherwise expressly provided by the Company, the Employee’s 
employment with, or other service to, all affiliates of the Company by which he is then employed 
or otherwise engaged in service shall automatically and immediately terminate.

10. 

Cooperation.

At any time following his termination of employment for any reason, the Employee will 
provide such information as the Company may reasonably request with respect to any Company-
related transaction or other matter in which the Employee was involved in any way while 
employed by the Company. The Employee further agrees to assist and cooperate with the 
Company in connection with the defense, prosecution, government investigation, or internal 
investigation of any claim or matter that may be made against, concerning, or by, the Company 
or its affiliates. Such assistance and cooperation shall include timely, comprehensive, and truthful 
disclosure of all relevant facts known to the Company, including through in-person interview(s) 
with the Company’s internal Legal Department or outside counsel for the Company. The 
Employee shall be entitled to reimbursement for all properly documented expenses incurred in 
connection with rendering services under this Section 10, including, but not limited to, 
reimbursement for all reasonable travel, lodging, and meal expenses.

11. 

Indemnification.

The Company shall indemnify the Employee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable 
law and its then-current articles of incorporation and by-laws. The Employee agrees to promptly 
notify the Company of any actual or threatened claim arising out of or as a result of his 
employment with the Company. The Company shall provide, at its expense, Directors and 
Officers insurance for the Employee in amounts reasonably satisfactory to the Employee, to the 
extent such insurance is available at reasonable rates, which determination shall be made by the 
Board of Directors. 

12. 

Excise Tax.

If any payment or benefit that Employee would receive following a Change in Control of 

the Company or otherwise (“Payment”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the 
meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax 
imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then such Payment shall be reduced to 
the Reduced Amount. The “Reduced Amount” shall be either (a) the largest portion of the 
Payment that would result in no portion of the Payment being subject to the Excise Tax or (b) the 

9

largest portion, up to and including the total amount, of the Payment, whichever of the amounts 
determined under (a) and (b), after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local 
employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable 
marginal rate), results in the Employee’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of 
the Payment notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Payment may be subject to the 
Excise Tax. If a reduction in payments or benefits constituting “parachute payments” is 
necessary so that the Payment equals the Reduced Amount, reduction shall occur in the 
following order: reduction of cash payments; cancellation of accelerated vesting of outstanding 
awards under the Equity Plan; and reduction of employee benefits.  In the event that acceleration 
of vesting of outstanding awards under the Equity Plan is to be reduced, such acceleration of 
vesting shall be undertaken in the reverse order of the date of grant of the Employee’s 
outstanding equity awards. 

The accounting firm engaged by the Company for general audit purposes as of the day 

prior to the effective date of the Change in Control of the Company shall perform the foregoing 
calculations. If the accounting firm so engaged by the Company is serving as accountant or 
auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change in Control, then the Company 
shall appoint another, nationally recognized accounting firm to make the determinations required 
hereunder. The Company shall bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such 
accounting firm required to be made hereunder. 

The accounting firm engaged to make the determinations hereunder shall provide its 

calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to the Employee and the 
Company within a commercially reasonable period of time after the date on which the 
Employee’s right to a Payment is triggered (if requested at that time by the Employee or the 
Company).  Any good faith determinations of the accounting firm made hereunder shall be final, 
binding and conclusive upon the Employee and the Company.

13. 

No Mitigation.

The Employee shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for 

hereunder by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment 
provided for hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by the Employee as the result of 
employment by another employer after the date of termination of employment by the Company 
(other than as described above in Section 9(c)(ii)).

14. 

Definitions.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meaning:

(a) 

“Affiliate” means and includes any person, corporation or other entity controlling, 

controlled by or under common control with the corporation in question.

(b) 

“Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events: 

10

(i)  Any Person, other than the Company, its affiliates (as defined in Rule 12b-2 
under the Exchange Act) or any Company employee benefit plan (including any trustee 
of such plan acting as trustee), is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, 
of securities of the Company representing more than 40% of the combined voting power 
of the then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors 
(“Voting Securities”) of the Company, or 

(ii) 

Individuals who constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the 
“Incumbent Directors”) as of the beginning of any twenty-four month period (not 
including any period prior to the date of this Agreement), cease for any reason to 
constitute at least a majority of the Directors.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any 
individual becoming a Director subsequent to the beginning of such period, whose 
election or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a 
vote of at least two-thirds of the Directors then comprising the Incumbent Directors, shall 
be considered an Incumbent Director; or

(iii)  Consummation by the Company of a recapitalization, reorganization, merger, 

consolidation or other similar transaction (a “Business Combination”), with respect to 
which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial 
Owners of the Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination (the 
“Incumbent Shareholders”) do not, following consummation of all transactions intended 
to constitute part of such Business Combination, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 
50% or more of the Voting Securities of the corporation, business trust or other entity 
resulting from or being the surviving entity in such Business Combination (the 
“Surviving Entity”), in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of such 
Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination; or 

(iv)  Consummation of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company, or the 
sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, other than 
to a corporation, business trust or other entity with respect to which, following 
consummation of all transactions intended to constitute part of such sale or disposition, 
more than 50% of the combined Voting Securities is then owned beneficially, directly or 
indirectly, by the Incumbent Shareholders in substantially the same proportion as their 
ownership of the Voting Securities immediately prior to such sale or disposition.  

For purposes of this definition 14(b), the following terms shall have the meanings set 

forth below:

(A) 

“Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 

under the Exchange Act;

(B) 
as amended; and

“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 

(C) 

“Person” shall have the meaning as used in Sections 13(d) and 14

(d) of the Exchange Act.

11

(c) 

 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(d) 

“Restricted Period” shall mean twelve (12) months following the date of 

Separation from Service.

(e) 

“Separation from Service” shall mean a “separation from service” (as that term is 

defined at Section 1.409A-1(h) of the Treasury Regulations under Section 409A) from the 
Company and from all other corporations and trades or businesses, if any, that would be treated 
as a single “service recipient” with the Company under Section 1.409A-1(h)(3) of such Treasury 
Regulations. The Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors 
may, but need not, elect in writing, subject to the applicable limitations under Section 409A, any 
of the special elective rules prescribed in Section 1.409A-1(h) of the Treasury Regulations for 
purposes of determining whether a “separation from service” has occurred. Any such written 
election shall be deemed part of the Agreement.

(f) 

“Specified Employee” shall mean an individual determined by the Board of 

Directors, Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors or their delegate to be a specified 
employee as defined in subsection (a)(2)(B)(i) of Section 409A. The Committee may, but need 
not, elect in writing, subject to the applicable limitations under Section 409A, any of the special 
elective rules prescribed in Section 1.409A-1(i) of the Treasury Regulations for purposes of 
determining “specified employee” status. Any such written election shall be deemed part of the 
Agreement.

15. 

Representations by Employee.

The Employee represents and warrants that he has full right, power and authority to 

execute the terms of this Agreement; this Agreement has been duly executed by the Employee 
and such execution and the performance of this Agreement by the Employee does not result in 
any conflict, breach or violation of or default under any other agreement or any judgment, order 
or decree to which the Employee is a party or by which he is bound. The Employee 
acknowledges and agrees that any material breach of the representations set forth in this Section 
15 will constitute Cause under Section 6.

16. 

Arbitration.

Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach 
thereof, or arising out of Employee’s employment and the termination of such employment, shall 
be settled by arbitration in Connecticut, in accordance with the employment dispute rules then 
existing of the American Arbitration Association, before a single arbitrator appointed in 
accordance with such rules. The arbitrator shall have authority to grant any form of appropriate 
relief, whether legal or equitable in nature. Judgment on the award may be entered in any court 
having jurisdiction. The parties shall be free to pursue any remedy before the arbitrator that they 
shall be otherwise permitted to pursue in a court of competent jurisdiction. As a material part of 
this agreement to arbitrate claims, the Employee and the Company expressly waive all rights to a 
jury trial in court on all statutory or other claims. The award of the arbitrator shall be final and 
binding. The costs of the American Arbitration Association and the arbitrator will be borne 

12

equally by the Company and the Employee. Nothing contained herein, however, shall limit the 
right of the Company or any of its affiliates to seek equitable or other relief from any court of 
competent jurisdiction for violation of any provision of Sections 4 and 5 above.

17. 

Recoupment.

The Employee hereby acknowledges and agrees that the all payment of incentive-based 

compensation payable to the Employee by the Company or its affiliates (whether under this 
Agreement or otherwise) shall be subject to any applicable clawback or recoupment policy of the 
Company, as such policy may be amended and in effect from time to time, and shall be subject to 
recoupment as otherwise required by applicable law or applicable stock exchange listing 
standards, including, without limitation, Section 10D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended. 

18. 

Notices.

All notices, requests, consents and other communications required or permitted to be 

given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if sent by 
private overnight mail service (delivery confirmed by such service), registered or certified mail 
(return receipt requested and received), telecopy (confirmed receipt by return fax from the 
receiving party) or delivered personally, as follows (or to such other address as either party shall 
designate by notice in writing to the other in accordance herewith):

If to the Company:

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
100 College Street
New Haven, Connecticut 06510
Telephone: (203) 272-2596
Fax: (203) 271-8198
Attn: General Counsel

If to the Employee: to the Employee’s Address on file with the Company.

19. 

General.

(a) 

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance 

with the laws of the State of Connecticut applicable to agreements made and to be performed 
entirely in Connecticut by Connecticut residents.

(b) 

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties 

relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements and 
understandings, written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof, except for the Proprietary 
Information and Inventions Agreement and the Indemnification Agreement. No representation, 
promise or inducement has been made by either party that is not embodied in this Agreement, 

13

 
and neither party shall be bound by or liable for any alleged representation, promise or 
inducement not so set forth.

(c) 

This Agreement may be amended, modified, superseded, canceled, renewed or 

extended, and the terms or covenants hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument 
executed by the parties hereto, or in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance. The 
failure of a party at any time or times to require performance of any provision hereof shall in no 
manner affect the right at a later time to enforce the same. No waiver by a party of the breach of 
any term or covenant contained in this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, or any one 
or more or continuing waivers of any such breach, shall constitute a waiver of the breach of any 
other term or covenant contained in this Agreement.

(d) 

This Agreement shall be binding upon the legal representatives, heirs, 

distributees, successors and assigns of the parties hereto. The Company may not assign its rights 
and obligation under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Employee, except to 
a successor of substantially all the Company’s business which expressly assumes the Company’s 
obligations hereunder in writing. In the event of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of 
the Company, the Company shall use its best efforts to cause the purchaser to expressly assume 
this Agreement. The Employee may not assign, transfer, alienate or encumber any rights or 
obligations under this Agreement, except by will or operation of law, provided that the Employee 
may designate beneficiaries to receive any payments permitted under the terms of the Company’s 
benefit plans.

(e) 

If any portion or provision of this Agreement shall to any extent be declared 

illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the remainder of this 
Agreement, or the application of such portion or provision in circumstances other than those as 
to which it is so declared illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each portion 
and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by 
law.

(f) 

Provisions of this Agreement shall survive any termination of employment if so 
provided herein or if necessary or desirable fully to accomplish the purposes of other surviving 
provisions, including without limitation, the obligations of the Employee under Section 5 hereof. 
Upon termination of the Employee’s employment hereunder by either the Employee or the 
Company as permitted hereby, all rights, duties and obligations of the Employee and the 
Company to each other pursuant to this Agreement shall cease, except for the provisions hereof 
that contemplate performance after termination, including without limitation the obligations of 
the Employee under Section 5 hereof.

(g) 

This Agreement is intended to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 

409A and shall be construed accordingly. Each payment made under this Agreement shall be 
treated as a separate payment and the right to a series of installment payments under this 
Agreement is to be treated as a right to a series of separate payments. In no event shall the 
Company have any liability relating to the failure or alleged failure of any payment or benefit 
under this Agreement to comply with, or be exempt from, the requirements of Section 409A. Any 
taxable reimbursement due under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid no later than 

14

December 31 of the year after the year in which the expense is incurred and shall comply with 
Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv).

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first 

above written. 

ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

By: _/s/ Clare Carmichael__________________________
Name: Clare A. Carmichael
Title: EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer

EMPLOYEE

__/s/ David Anderson______________________________
David J. Anderson

15

SUBSIDIARIES OF ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 

Exhibit 21.1 

Alexion Delaware Holding LLC is organized in the State of Delaware 

Alexion Services Latin America, Inc. is organized in the state of Delaware

Alexion Pharma Argentina SRL is organized in Argentina 

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Australasia PTY LTD is organized in Australia 

Alexion Pharma Belgium Sprl is organized in Belgium 

Alexion Services Europe Sprl is organized in Belgium

Alexion Bermuda L.P. is organized in Bermuda

Alexion Bermuda II L.P. is organized in Bermuda 

Alexion Bermuda Holding ULC is organized in Bermuda

Alexion Farmacêutica Brasil Importação e Distribuição de Produtos e Serviços de Administração de Vendas Ltda. (doing 
business as Alexion Brasil) is organized in Brazil 

Alexion Farmacêutica América Latina Serviços de Administração de Vendas Ltda. (doing business as Alexion Latina America) 
is organized in Brazil 

Alexion Pharma Canada Corp. is organized in Canada

Alexion (Shanghai) Company Limited is organized in Shanghai 

Alexion Pharma Colombia SAS is organized in Colombia 

Alexion Pharma Czech s.r.o is organized in the Czech Republic

Alexion Pharma Middle East FZ-LL is organized in Dubai

Alexion Europe SAS is organized in France 

Alexion Pharma France is organized in France 

Alexion R&D France SAS is organized in France

Alexion Pharma Germany GmbH is organized in Germany 

Alexion Business Services Private Limited is organized in India

Alexion Pharma International Operations Unlimited Company is organized in Ireland

Alexion Pharma Holding Unlimited Company is organized in Ireland

Alexion Pharma Israel Ltd. is organized in Israel 

Alexion Pharma Italy Sarl is organized in Italy 

Alexion Pharma GK is organized in Japan 

Alexion Pharma Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. is organized in Mexico 

Alexion Holding B.V. is organized in the Netherlands 

Alexion Pharma Netherlands B.V. is organized in the Netherlands

Alexion Pharma LLC is organized in Delaware

Alexion Holding LLC is organized in Delaware

Alexion Bermuda Limited is organized in Bermuda

Synageva BioPharma SAS is organized in France

Synageva BioPharma B.V. is organized in the Netherlands

Synageva BioPharma Limited is organized in the United Kingdom

Savoy Therapeutics Corp. is organized Delaware

Synageva BioPharma S.L. is organized in Spain

Synageva BioPharma Luxembourg S.a.r.l. is organized in Luxembourg

Synageva BioPharma Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. is organized in Mexico

Alexion Pharma OOO is organized in Russia

Alexion Pharma Spain S.L. is organized in Spain 

Alexion Pharma Nordics AB is organized in Sweden

Alexion Pharma GmbH is organized in Switzerland 

Alexion Ilaç Ticaret Limited Þirketi is organized in Turkey 

Alexion Pharma UK is organized in the United Kingdom

Alexion Pharma Austria GmbH is organized in Austria

Alexion Pharma Taiwan LTD is organized in Taiwan

Alexion Pharma Korea LLC is organized in South Korea

I, David R. Brennan, certify that: 

Exhibit 31.1 

1 

2 

3 

4 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 of Alexion 
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements 
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, 
and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls 
and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial 
reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the 
period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial 

reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) 

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this 
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of 
the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred 
during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an 
annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's 
internal control over financial reporting; and

5 

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 
control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of 
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 

financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and

(b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: February 16, 2017

/s/    DAVID R. BRENNAN
Interim Chief Executive Officer

 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.2 

I, David J. Anderson, certify that: 

1 

2 

3 

4 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 of Alexion 
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements 
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, 
and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting 
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the 
period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial 

reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) 

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this 
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of 
the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred 
during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an 
annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's 
internal control over financial reporting; and

5 

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control 
over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or 
persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 

financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and

(b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: February 16, 2017

/s/     DAVID J. ANDERSON       

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 
 
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

Exhibit 32.1 

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year 
ended December 31, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, David R. Brennan , Interim 
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002, that: 

(1) 

(2) 

the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934; and

the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and 
results of operations of the Company.

Dated: February 16, 2017

/s/     DAVID R. BRENNAN
Interim Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be 

retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. 

 
 
 
New Haven, CT, USA 
Global Headquarters

Zürich, Switzerland 
EMEA Regional Headquarters

Tokyo, Japan 
Japan Headquarters

Sydney, Australia 
Asia-Pacific Regional Headquarters

Miami, FL, USA 
Latin America Regional Headquarters

alexion.com

167