Genzyme files Glucocerebrosidase patent infringement

Genzyme announced today that it has filed a lawsuit in the District Court of Tel Aviv alleging that Transkaryotic Therapies Inc. has infringed Genzyme's Israeli patent No. 100,715, which covers certain cell culture processes involved in the manufacture of glucocerebrosidase.

TKT is conducting a clinical trial in Israel of its investigational gene-activated glucocerebrosidase (GA-GCB) for the treatment of Gaucher disease. Genzyme believes that TKT infringes Genzyme's patent by importing into Israel and using in Israel the GA-GCB product manufactured by the processes protected by Genzyme's patent.

A legal action of this type, which seeks standard remedies, is customary in the protection of intellectual property. Genzyme does not expect this action to adversely affect patients enrolled in TKT's ongoing clinical trial. Genzyme's patent covers novel culture processes that have been critical in enabling the company to produce Cerezyme(R) (imiglucerase for injection) on a large scale, which has ensured that the therapy is available to patients in need throughout the world.

One of the world's leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. Founded in 1981, Genzyme has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with annual revenues exceeding $2 billion and nearly 7,000 employees in locations spanning the globe. With many established products and services helping patients in more than 80 countries, Genzyme is a leader in the effort to develop and apply the most advanced technologies in the life sciences. The company's products and services are focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, orthopedics, cancer, transplant and immune diseases, and diagnostic testing. Genzyme's commitment to innovation continues today with a substantial development program focused on these fields, as well as heart disease and other areas of unmet medical need.