Genzyme Corporation Corporate Giving

Genzyme Corporation, a biotechnology innovator based in Cambridge, MA, established an initiative with Project HOPE to address Gaucher's Disease, a rare genetic disorder caused by an insufficiency of one or more important enzymes in the body.

Individuals with Type 1 Gaucher's disease often experience swollen spleen and liver, bone disease and anemia. The disease can cause pain and death among those it afflicts, mostly children.

The company's partnership with Project HOPE provides patients with Cerezyme, an enzyme therapy that is the standard of care for patients with this condition.

Genzyme contributes Cerezyme and covers administrative costs of the program. Project HOPE is responsible for delivering the drug and monitoring patient compliance and physician and government education. A committee of physician experts determines patient need and provides guidance review.

The partnership, since 1999, reaches patients in Belarus, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Vietnam. In March 2007, Genzyme received recognition from Project HOPE for its cumulative contributions of $100 million for this initiative and its involvement in disaster relief in Indonesia following the South Asian tsunami of December 2004.

Read more about Genzyme's fight against Gaucher's Disease.

Read about the company's Hope in the Desert outreach in Egypt.

Access information on all of Genzyme's corporate responsibility programs.