Pfizer enters Gaucher disease market
pharmafile | May 3, 2012 | News story | Sales and Marketing | Cerezyme, Elelyso, Gaucher, Genzyme, Pfizer, Shire, Vpriv
Pfizer has gained FDA approval for its new Gaucher disease drug Elelyso.
Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa) is an enzyme replacement therapy that is injected twice- monthly, and is now available in the US for the long-term treatment of adults with type 1 Gaucher disease.
Pfizer said its drug will cost 25% less than Cerezyme, a move the company hopes will help it seize market share from its rivals.
Pfizer will compete with Sanofi/Genzyme’s Cerezyme and Shire’s recently approved Vpriv, both of which are enzyme replacement therapies.
But Elelyso is slightly different from these drugs as it is the first FDA-approved plant cell-based ERT for Gaucher disease – the other two use animal-based ERT.
As it is third to market, Pfizer is hoping its lower price will entice more doctors and patients to use its drug instead of Genzyme’s treatment.
The drug has been created with Pfizer’s partner Protalix, which uses its proprietary manufacturing system to create treatments.
The disease is rare – affecting only around 10,000 people worldwide – but with treatment costing over $200,000 per patient, the Gaucher disease market is highly lucrative.
Shire’s drug brought in $256 million last year as it has capitalised on manufacturing problems at Genzyme, which has slowed production of its drug.
But Cerezyme still managed to bring in $441 million for the last nine months of 2011, despite its problems.
Gaucher disease occurs in people who do not produce enough of an enzyme called glucocerebrosidase. The enzyme deficiency causes fatty materials (lipids) to collect in the spleen, liver, kidneys, and other organs.
Support programme
Pfizer is also launching Gaucher Personal Support (GPS), a specialised support programme for people living with the disease. Through the programme, the firm will provide financial assistance for patients who are uninsured or under-insured in the US.
GPS will also have a dedicated team of healthcare specialists who are available to help Gaucher disease patients and their families with reimbursement assistance, local infusion services, and provide ongoing pharmacy support.
Ben Adams
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