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Overview of Genzyme Corporation Genzyme is one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies. Its more than 10,000 employees work in countries throughout the world and are united by a common goal: to make a major positive impact on the lives of people with debilitating diseases. Since its founding in 1981, Genzyme has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with 2007 revenues of $3.8 billion. Over the past two decades Genzyme has introduced a number of breakthrough treatments in several areas of medicine, which have provided hope to patients who previously had no viable treatment options. Genzyme products are helping patients in nearly 90 countries. Today, Genzyme continues to be driven by its commitment to patients. The company is working to develop new medicines, improve its existing therapies, secure approvals for its products around the world, and ensure that patients have access to these treatments. Genzyme, which has its headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was chosen in 2007 to receive the National Medal of Technology, the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States for technological innovation. Genzyme focuses on six broad areas of medicine: Lysosomal Storage Disorders These inherited diseases, which typically affect fewer than 10,000 people worldwide, are caused by enzyme deficiencies. Genzyme markets four enzyme replacement products to treat these diseases, which can be life-threatening. Cerezyme® (imiglucerase for injection) – for Type 1 Gaucher disease. Fabrazyme® (agalsidase beta) – for Fabry disease. Aldurazyme® (laronidase) – for Mucopolysaccharidosis I. Myozyme® (alglucosidase alfa) – for Pompe disease. Renal Disease Renagel® (sevelamer hydrochloride) is Genzyme’s calcium-free, metal-free phosphate binder that reduces phosphorous levels in chronic kidney disease patients who are on dialysis. Renvela® (sevelamer carbonate) is a next-generation version of Renagel, currently approved in the U.S. for use in dialysis patients. Genzyme is pursuing worldwide approvals and seeking to expand Renvela's indication to include patients with earlier stages of chronic kidney disease. Hectorol® (doxercalciferol) is a vitamin D2 treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease patients. Orthopaedics / Biosurgical Specialties Carticel® (autologous cultured chondrocytes) is a cell-based therapy to help repair damaged knee cartilage currently marketed in the U.S. MACI® (Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) is a cell-based therapy to help repair damaged knee cartilage currently marketed in Europe and Australia. Seprafilm® is designed to prevent painful and potentially debilitating adhesions following surgical procedures. Epicel® (cultured epidermal autografts) is a cell-based therapy for treating patients with severe, life-threatening burns. Transplant and Immune Diseases Genzyme has several products in development for immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and pulmonary fibrosis. Oncology Clolar® / Evoltra® (clofarabine), is approved in the U.S. and Europe for the treatment of children with refractory or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Thyrogen® (thyrotropin alfa for injection), is used in thyroid cancer follow-up, allowing patients to be screened without having to suspend thyroid hormone therapy. It is also approved in the U.S. and Europe for use in remnant ablation, a procedure patients commonly undergo when being treated for thyroid cancer. Genetics / Diagnostics Genzyme is one of the largest providers of diagnostic testing services in the world, with expertise in reproductive and oncology testing. Genzyme is also a major supplier of point-of-care diagnostic products, with a focus on infectious diseases, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Genzyme's research and development efforts are focused on the areas of medicine where it markets commercial products. The company also conducts research in cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and other areas of unmet medical need. In 2007, Genzyme invested approximately $640 million in this work, or about 17 percent of its revenues. Corporate responsibility is a priority at Genzyme. The company’s commitment to patients extends beyond the development of new treatments and the services needed to deliver them. Genzyme has a strong presence in developing countries, where it provides free medicine to patients and helps to build sustainable health care systems. The company in 2006 launched an initiative to support the development of treatments for neglected diseases that affect hundred of millions of people in the developing world. Genzyme’s headquarters is one of the most environmentally responsible office buildings in the world, and the company is a leader in waste-reduction and recycling efforts. |
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