Genzyme to Expand Downstream Biologics Manufacturing Capacity

Published on: October 15, 2013

Genzyme will build a facility in Massachusetts to expand purification capacity for Fabrazyme (agalsidase beta).

Genzyme, a Sanofi company, will invest $80 million to build a new downstream processing facility for Fabrazyme (agalsidase beta) to support anticipated growth in global demand over the coming years, the company announced in a press release. The new plant, which will be located adjacent to the new Fabrazyme cell-culture manufacturing site in Framingham, Massachusetts, will significantly expand purification capacity.

“Following last year’s regulatory approvals of our manufacturing facility in Framingham and a new vial-filling line at our plant in Waterford, Ireland, we continue to execute on our global manufacturing strategy, enhancing our capabilities across the entire manufacturing process for Fabrazyme,” said Genzyme President and CEO, David Meeker, MD, in the press release.

Fabrazyme is approved for treatment of Fabry disease, an inherited condition that is characterized by excessive accumulation of the lipid GL-3 in various organs and tissues, which over time can cause renal, cardiac, and cerebrovascular events.