Pompe disease drug wins EU approval

On April 3, 2006, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) granted marketing approval for the drug Myozyme (alglucosidase alfa) for treatment of Pompe disease in the European Union. Manufactured by Genzyme Corp., Myozyme will be used for long-term enzyme replacement therapy in Pompe disease and is the first treatment ever approved for the disorder. Genzyme states that it will introduce Myozyme in Europe on a country-by-country basis, as pricing and reimbursement approvals are obtained.