Cambridge, MA-based Genzyme (NASDAQ:[[ticker:GENZ]]) has won FDA approval to sell its Pompe disease drug alglucosidase alpha (Lumizyme) made in 4,000-liter batches at its plant in Geel, Belgium, the company reported this morning. The FDA approved the drug for treating patients who are at least 8 years old with Pompe, a rare genetic disease that robs people of their ability to make an enzyme that breaks down sugars that build up and enlarge heart and muscle tissues. Genzyme’s drug replaces the lacking enzyme. The disease, which can be fatal, causes symptoms such as lung infections and respiratory failure, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Author: Ryan McBride
Ryan is an award-winning business journalist who contributes to our life sciences and technology coverage. He was previously a staff writer for Mass High Tech, a Boston business and technology newspaper, where he and his colleagues won a national business journalism award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers in 2008. In recent years, he has made regular TV appearances on New England Cable News.
Prior to MHT, Ryan covered the life sciences, technology, and energy sectors for Providence Business News. He graduated with honors from the University of Rhode Island in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. When he’s not chasing down news, Ryan enjoys mountain biking and skiing in his home state of Vermont.
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