Velaglucerase alfa

Velaglucerase alfa (trade name VPRIV), manufactured by Shire plc is a hydrolytic lysosomal glucocerebroside-specific enzyme, which is a recombinant form of glucocerebrosidase indicated as a long-term enzyme replacement therapy for those suffering of Gaucher disease Type 1. It has an identical amino acid sequence to the naturally occurring enzyme. It was approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 26, 2010.

Competitive products

Imiglucerase is Genzyme's version of recombinant glucocerebrosidase. It is marketed globally under the trade name of Cerezyme.

In addition, Protalix and Pfizer are working to bring taliglucerase alpha to market in the U.S. The FDA is due to rule on its approvability in February 2011. The companies are expected also to file for marketing authorization in Europe and around the world.

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