Drug shortages spur developments in neurometabolic treatments

A prolonged gap in the neurology market following the shutdown of a Genzyme production facility is tempting the pharmaceutical segment to focus on degenerative brain conditions to take advantage of the lucrative nature of orphan drug designations, according to a new report by pharmaceutical experts GBI Research.

The new report found that the space in the market left by neurometabolic disorders giant Genzyme, now part of French drug major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN) may spark long-term medical progress in the field, as competing companies attempt to achieve market dominance.

Market leader Genzyme held a dominating 64% share in the global neurometabolic disorders market. However, a viral contamination at Genzyme’s Allston facility in 2009 led to the discontinuation of the manufacture of Cerezyme (imiglucerase for injection) and Fabrazyme (agalsidase beta), creating shortages of these popular drugs.