Genzyme Reports Strong Second-Quar...(icipated globaldemand for Myozyme. Produ...)

Genzyme's other treatments for lysosomal storage disorders also continue to experience strong, double-digit growth. Second-quarter Cerezyme(R) (imiglucerase for injection) sales rose 13 percent to $319.4 million, compared with $283.0 million in the previous second quarter. Sales of Fabrazyme(R) (agalsidase beta) grew 21 percent, rising to $126.6 million from $104.3 million. Sales of Aldurazyme(R) (laronidase) increased 33 percent to $38.8 million, compared with $29.1 million in the second quarter last year when the product's sales were recorded under the joint venture with BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

The company also reported preliminary results from a Phase 2 trial of its investigational oral therapy for Gaucher disease Genz-112638. The results were consistent with those observed for patients beginning enzyme replacement therapy, and they highlight the potential of this compound to provide a convenient treatment alternative for patients and a broader range of treatment options for physicians. Genzyme is developing protocols for two Phase 3 trials that it expects to initiate early next year.

Sales of Thyrogen(R) (thyrotropin alfa for injection) remained strong, increasing 34 percent to $39.4 million from $29.5 million. The use of Thyrogen in ablation procedures is contributing to the product's growth in the United States, while its growth in Europe is being driven by increasing diagnosis of thyroid cancer and its international adoption is being driven by expansion into new geographic markets.

Within the Renal business, sales of sevelamer therapies Renagel(R) (sevelamer hydrochloride) and Renvela grew 16 percent to $168.6 million from $144.9 million in the second quarter last year. Genzyme launched Renvela in the United States in March, and the product is now included in more than 85 percent of health plan f
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