News Release

2006-48
June 14, 2006
For immediate release

Federal government to participate in study of Fabry disease

OTTAWA - Health Minister Tony Clement announced today that the federal government will participate with provincial and territorial governments and two drug companies in a three-year study on Fabry disease treatments. As part of this study Canadian patients with Fabry disease, a rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A, will gain access to enzyme replacement therapy. The disease is most prevalent in Nova Scotia.

Patients who qualify for the independent post-market study will receive treatment with either Fabrazyme, developed by Genzyme Corporation, or Replagal, developed by Shire Human Genetic Therapies. Both drug developers are participating in the project.

While the study focuses on Fabry disease, its aim is to help address the challenges of assessing the effectiveness of all rare disease drugs and making evidence-based decisions on public reimbursement for these drugs.

The study responds to a commitment made by Health Ministers in October 2005.

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Media Inquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Erik Waddell
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709