Genzyme contributes to Cambridge MS research

Genzyme has made a financial contribution to support research initiatives into multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment at the University of Cambridge.

The pharmaceutical company, which has an ongoing collaborative relationship with the university, has offered a gift of around $6 million (3.98 million pounds), which will be used to endow a key clinical academic post.

Among the Genzyme treatments which have been developed by the university include alemtuzumab, an MS drug which has since progressed to the phase III clinical testing stage.

Genzyme senior executive Mark Enyedy, who is responsibile for the company’s MS programme, stated that this latest move will hopefully make a “significant difference” to the lives of MS sufferers.

He said: “By creating this dedicated clinical academic post, we are ensuring continued progress against this disease where there is substantial unmet medical need.”

Last month, the company published encouraging clinical trial data for a new study of its heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia drug mipomersen.