Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Genzyme’s blood cancer treatment lands European approval

By Mass High Tech staff

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Cambridge biotechnology giant Genzyme Corp. has been granted approval from the European Commission to market its Mozobil treatment of blood cancers. The treatment is expected to provide a new option for patients with lymphoma and multiple myeloma in need of an autologous stem cell transplant.

Currently in orphan drug status in both the U.S. and the European Union, Mozobil is designed to work in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to improve stem cell collection for transplantation in those patients with blood cancers who may have poor cell mobilization. The process of collecting enough stem cells for transplant can take several hours over several days, according to the company.

Genzyme officials noted in a statement that the treatment can reduce costs for transplant centers by improving efficiency and predicted outcomes, as well as reduce the number of patients who require a second mobilization procedure.

Genzyme (Nasdaq: GENZ) launched Mozobil in Mexico in April, and it is currently seeking marketing approval in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Israel and Singapore.

Founded in 1981, Genzyme is a global biotech firm focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, cancer, transplant and immune disease and diagnostic testing.