CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genzyme Corp. today received the 2007 James D. Watson Helix Award, which recognizes companies that have distinguished themselves by setting a singular standard of leadership in scientific innovation and company growth. The award, sponsored by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the State University of New York at Stony Brook’s Center for Biotechnology, was presented today during BIO’s international convention.
Genzyme was selected for the award in the large cap category based on its many accomplishments during 2006, including the approval of the first-ever treatment for Pompe disease, its strong financial performance and its progress in advancing a variety of innovative potential new therapies.
“We are honored to be recognized for the work that we have done on behalf of patients,” said Henri A. Termeer, chairman and chief executive officer of Genzyme Corp. “This award is particularly meaningful following the approval last year of our treatment for Pompe disease, Myozyme(R). This life-saving therapy is now bringing new hope to patients around the world, and exemplifies our mission to innovate to improve the lives of those with debilitating diseases.”
Last year marked the achievement of several significant milestones for Genzyme. In addition to the Myozyme(R) (alglucosidase alfa) approval, the company recognized its 25th anniversary and launched its Humanitarian Assistance for Neglected Diseases initiative, through which the company is contributing to global health. In 2006, Genzyme made major investments in research programs, clinical trials, infrastructure and product launches. The company increased its manufacturing capacity in Europe and the United States, established a commercial presence in China, and laid important groundwork in India.
Genzyme in 2006 also added a promising late-stage product candidate, Mozobil(TM) (plerixafor), to its pipeline, with the acquisition of AnorMED Inc. As the year ended, Genzyme had approximately 20 pivotal clinical trials either in progress or about to begin, and a product pipeline of unprecedented strength. Furthering its long-standing commitment to science education, the company last year announced the largest philanthropic gift in its history - $2 million to support a new life sciences initiative at the Museum of Science, Boston.
About the Helix Award
The James D. Watson Helix Award is the bioscience industry’s only award for outstanding corporate achievement. Since 1996, the Helix Award has been presented annually to biotechnology companies that have demonstrated corporate excellence. The award recognizes companies that have distinguished themselves by setting a singular standard of leadership in scientific innovation and company growth. The winners are selected by an independent panel of judges. The award was founded by the State University of New York at Stony Brook and its Center for Biotechnology. They, together with the Biotechnology Industry Organization, are its current sponsors.
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) and Myozyme(R) are registered trademarks and Mozobil(TM) is a trademark of Genzyme Corporation or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
Genzyme’s press releases and other company information are available at http://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 Corporation
CONTACT: Erin Emlock of Genzyme Corporation, +1-617-768-6923
Web site: http://www.genzyme.com/
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