Honor Given by President of the United States for Contributions to Health
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genzyme Corp.
(Nasdaq: GENZ) 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
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 Corp.
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