Genzyme founded by Henry Blair and Sheridan Snyder in June.
Integrated Genetics (IG) founded in April by Bob Carpenter and four molecular biologists.

Acquires Whatman Biochemicals Ltd., U.K., diagnostic manufacturing facilities, and marketed products.

Begins to supply the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with glucocerebrosidase under contract.

First major contract with Serono to develop human fertility hormones.

Acquires the fine chemical manufacturing operations of Koch Light Laboratories.

Isolates set of specific DNA probes for salmonella.

Hepatitis B surface antigen expressed in mammalian cells.

In October, Henri Termeer named president of Genzyme.

Partnership with BioInformation Associates, a scientific advisory board.

NIH modifies Genzyme-produced glucocerebrosidase to infuse in a patient.

First production in a mammalian cell system of biologically active human chorionic gonadotropin.

IG initiates cystic fibrosis diagnostics research program.

Ceredase^® (alglucerase injection) clinical trials initiated.

Work begins on a recombinant second-generation product, Cerezyme^® (imiglucerase for injection).

Production and scale-up of TPA for clinical trials at Swiftwater, PA, plant.

Isolates the genes for bovine LH and FSH for use in embryo transfer.

In March, Ceredase is designated an orphan drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration.

Henri Termeer named Genzyme chief executive officer.

Introduced GENE-TRAK, a DNA-probe-based test for salmonella in processed foods.

Isolates, clones, and expresses the gene for a cardiovascular product, human Protein C.

In June, Genzyme becomes a public company with an initial public offering.

Koch Light subsidiary becomes Genzyme Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals.

Genzyme introduces its patented technology for amylase testing for pancreatic disease.

Establishes first of its kind genetic reference laboratory to test for cystic fibrosis and other inherited disorders.

Begins phase 2 clinical trial of TPA in Japan with Toyobo.