Marketing authorisation for Elaprase

The European Commission granted a marketing authorisation valid throughout the European Union for Elaprase. Elaprase is used to treat patients with Hunter syndrome. It is designed for long-term use. Hunter syndrome, which is also known as mucopolysaccharidosis II, is a rare, inherited disease that primarily affects male patients. Patients with Hunter syndrome do not produce an enzyme called iduronate-2-sulfatase. This enzyme is needed to break down substances in the body called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Since patients with Hunter syndrome cannot break these substances down, the GAGs gradually build up in most of the organs in the body and damage them. This causes a wide range of symptoms, particularly difficulty breathing and difficulty walking. Without treatment, these symptoms become more severe over time. For more information click here.