CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genzyme Corp. announced today that it has been chosen to receive the National Medal of Technology, the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States for technological innovation. Genzyme is being recognized "for pioneering a unique business that has led to dramatic improvements in the health of thousands of patients with rare diseases and harnessing the promise of biotechnology to develop innovative new therapies."
Since its founding in 1981, Genzyme has overcome formidable challenges to successfully develop four first-ever treatments for rare diseases - Cerezyme(R) (imiglucerase for injection) for Gaucher disease, Fabrazyme(R) (agalsidase beta) for Fabry disease, Aldurazyme(R) (laronidase), developed with partner BioMarin Pharmaceutical for MPS I, and Myozyme(R) (alglucosidase alfa) for Pompe disease. Genzyme continues to conduct extensive scientific and clinical research to create new treatment options for patients affected by these and other rare diseases, and has diversified into new medical areas, such as kidney disease, cancer, transplantation, orthopaedics, and others. Genzyme's pioneering efforts also include the first commercial cell therapy products, one of the largest and most advanced gene therapy programs, and the innovative application of biomaterials to a range of medical conditions.
"This recognition is a strong tribute to the thousands of Genzyme employees who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people affected by serious diseases," said Henri A. Termeer, chairman and chief executive officer of Genzyme Corp. "From the start we have focused our energies on creating breakthrough therapies that have a dramatic impact on patients' lives, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to continuing to innovate on behalf of patients."
The National Medal of Technology honors individuals and companies who have contributed to the nation's economic, environmental and social well-being through the development and commercialization of technology products, processes and concepts. Genzyme's continued commitment to patients has led it to develop more than a dozen major marketed products, and a rich pipeline of potential future products.
In addition to creating breakthrough medical treatments, Genzyme has also taken an innovative approach in its efforts to increase patient access to therapies, in its commitment to environmental responsibility, and in the way it serves global markets. Genzyme has a range of programs to help ensure that patients - regardless of where they live, their insurance status, or their ability to pay - have access to the medical treatments they need. The company's headquarters, Genzyme Center, received the U.S. Green Building Council's highest rating - platinum - for its environmentally innovative design. Genzyme is building a new Science Center in Framingham, Mass. and a new manufacturing facility in Lyon, France, both of which will incorporate environmentally innovative features.
About the National Medal of Technology
The National Medal of Technology, bestowed by the President since 1985 as the nation's highest award for innovation, was mandated by Congress in 1980 to recognize the significant contributions that America's leading innovators have made to the nation's economic strength and standard of living. A distinguished, independent committee appointed by the Secretary of Commerce evaluates the merits of all candidates nominated through an open, competitive solicitation process. Committee recommendations are forwarded to the Secretary, who makes recommendations to the President for a final decision. The Commerce Department's Technology Administration administers the National Medal of Technology program. Additional information is available at http://www.technology.gov/medal/.
About Genzyme
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. Since 1981, the company has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with more than 9,000 employees in locations spanning the globe and 2006 revenues of $3.2 billion. Genzyme has been selected by FORTUNE as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for" in the United States.
With many established products and services helping patients in nearly 90 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, orthopaedics, cancer, transplant, and diagnostic testing. Genzyme's commitment to innovation continues today with a substantial development program focused on these fields, as well as immune disease, infectious disease, and other areas of unmet medical need.
Genzyme(R), Cerezyme(R), Fabrazyme(R), Aldurazyme(R) and Myozyme(R) are registered trademarks trademarks of Genzyme Corporation. All rights reserved.
Genzyme's press releases and other company information are available at www.genzyme.com and by calling Genzyme's investor information line at 1-800-905-4369 within the United States or 1-703-797-1866 outside the United States.
Genzyme Corp.CONTACT: Erin Emlock of Genzyme Corp., +1-617-768-6923
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