Free access to Elaprase

By Dylan Bushell-Embling
Tuesday, 02 September, 2008

The Hunter syndrome drug Elaprase, marketed by Genzyme Australasia, will be funded by the federal government under its life saving drugs program.

Hunter syndrome, or Mucopolysaccharidosis II, is a rare inherited enzyme disorder is caused by a deficiency in the iduronate-2-sulfatase enzyme, which is necessary for recycling certain complex carbohydrates.

Symptoms can include joint stiffness, breathing difficulties, heart problems, enlargement of the spleen an liver and skeletal deformities.

Elaprase replaces the missing enzyme needed to break down these complex carbohydrates.

Genzyme will continue providing free access to the treatment to two Hunter syndrome patients until it becomes government-funded on December 1.

Related News

AusBiotech and Proto Axiom partner on investor-focused life sciences programs

AusBiotech and Proto Axiom have announced a partnership to strengthen national coordination...

The University of Sydney formalises cervical cancer elimination partnership

The success of a cervical cancer elimination program has led to the signing of a memorandum of...

Noxopharm says paper reveals science behind its immune system platform

Clinical-stage Australian biotech company Noxopharm Limited says a Nature Immunology...


  • All content Copyright © 2026 Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd