About Cerezyme

Cerezyme is an FDA-approved enzyme replacement therapy indicated for the treatment of Type I Gaucher disease. Since its approval in 1994, more than 5,600 patients in 90 countries have been treated with Cerezyme.

  • In clinical trials, Cerezyme improved anemia, thrombocytopenia, reduced spleen, and liver size and decreased cachexia.
  • Additionally, it has been observed in Gaucher Registry data that Cerezyme therapy helped reduce or reverse many of the signs and symptoms of Type 1 Gaucher disease, including anemia, low platelet count, bone pain, and enlarged spleen and liver1.
  • For over 17 years, Cerezyme has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for Type 1 Gaucher disease in adults and children2,3,4.
  • Cerezyme is supported by Genzyme's ongoing commitment to physician and patient education, and research and development to support Gaucher patients and those who treat them.

Indication & Usage

Cerezyme® (imiglucerase for injection) is indicated for long-term enzyme replacement therapy for pediatric and adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Type 1 Gaucher disease that results in one or more of the following conditions:

  1. anemia
  2. thrombocytopenia
  3. bone disease
  4. hepatomegaly or splenomegaly

Important Safety Information

Approximately 15% of patients have developed IgG antibodies, and these patients have a higher risk of hypersensitivity reaction. Therefore periodic monitoring is suggested; caution should be exercised in patients with antibodies or prior symptoms of hypersensitivity. Symptoms suggestive of hypersensitivity occurred in 6.6% of patients, and include anaphylactoid reaction, pruritus, flushing, urticaria, angioedema, chest discomfort, dyspnea, coughing, cyanosis and hypotension.

Reactions related to Cerezyme administration have been reported in less than 15% of patients. Each of the following events occurred in less than 2% of the total patient population. Reported adverse events include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, headache, fever, dizziness, chills, backache, and tachycardia. Adverse events associated with the route of administration include discomfort, pruritus, burning, swelling or sterile abscess at the site at the site of injection.

To report suspected adverse reactions, contact Genzyme at 800-745-4447, option 2 or FDA at 800-FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch

Please see Full Prescribing Information (PDF).

References

  1. Pastores GM, Weinreb NJ, Aerts H, et al. Therapeutic goals in the treatment of Gaucher disease. Semin Hematol 2004:41(suppl 5);4-14.
  2. Grabowski GA, Leslie N, Wenstrup R. Enzyme therapy for Gaucher disease: the first 5 years. Blood Rev 1998;12:115–33.
  3. Weinreb NJ, Charrow J, Andersson HC, et al. Effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy in 1028 patients with type 1 Gaucher disease after 2 to 5 years of treatment: a report from the Gaucher registry. Am J Med. 2002;113:112-119.
  4. Andersson H, Kaplan P, Kacena, et al. Eight-Year Clinical Outcomes of Long-Term Enzyme Replacement Therapy for 884 Children With Gaucher Disease Type 1. Pediatrics 2008;122;1182
It has been observed in Registry data that Cerezyme therapy improved bone pain as early as 3 months, decreased bone crisis within 12 months, and improved bone mineral density after 24 months.