CHESHIRE, Conn. (AP) — Biotechnology company Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Wednesday an advisory panel in Europe recommended commissioning of the company’s Smithfield, R.I. manufacturing facility. The company is hoping to use the facility as a second source of supply for the blood disorder treatment Soliris. The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency issued a positive recommendation and the European agency will take that into consideration. Alexion expects a decision in early 2010. Meanwhile, the company expects to meet with the Food and Drug Administration to discuss steps to approval.
