Alexion breaks ground on Smithfield plan expansion

ALEXION Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Smithfield hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday for an expansion that is expected to double the size of its plant over the next five years. The project is expected to cost $200 million. Pictured are the different phases of the project. / COURTESY ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
ALEXION Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Smithfield hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday for an expansion that is expected to double the size of its plant over the next five years. The project is expected to cost $200 million. Pictured are the different phases of the project. / COURTESY ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

SMITHFIELD – Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. this morning hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for an expansion that is expected to double the size of its plant over the next five years.
The $200 million project includes a first-phase of $84 million, which will include an expansion of its biologics facilities, intended to enhance the manufacture of its drug, Soliris, as well as other pipeline products.
The expansion is expected to create 400 construction jobs, according to Alexion officials.
The facility, when all phases are complete, will reach 193,000 square feet, more than doubling its size.
The full build out will include offices, laboratory, cafeteria, warehouse clinical and commercial production space, as well as new parking and utilities.
The spaces under the expanded facilities will be designed to meet all U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, as well as that of the European Medicines Agency.
In a statement, Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said the expansion is the result of a collaboration among government and company officials.
“Today is an example of what happens when state government and Rhode Island businesses work together,” she said.
Soliris is approved in nearly 50 countries and is the only treatment for patients with a rare and life-threatening blood disorder, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. The drug is also approved in 40 countries as treatment for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, a chronic and genetic disease that can progressively damage vital organs, according to Alexion’s website.

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