CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genzyme Corp.
(Nasdaq: GENZ) 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.
SOURCE Genzyme Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.genzyme.com
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CONTACT:
Erin Emlock of Genzyme Corporation,
+1-617-768-6923
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