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Shire plc, the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced that it has received the 2010 Partners in Progress Corporate Award from NORD.
Shire was recognized for its efforts to accelerate the development of VPRIV, a human cell line derived enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for the treatment of Type 1 Gaucher disease, and provide the therapy to patients ahead of commercial approval through early access programs. The award was presented yesterday, May 18, 2010, at NORD’s Annual Gala in Washington, D.C.
This award marks the second time in the last three years that Shire has been recognized by NORD for its contributions and ongoing commitment to improving the lives of those affected by rare diseases. In 2007, the company received a Corporate Leadership Award for the development of an ERT for Hunter syndrome.
“Gaucher disease is a debilitating condition and the past several months have been very challenging for patients and their families,” said Peter L. Saltonstall, President and CEO, NORD. “Shire provided a very important treatment option at a time when it was greatly needed. We applaud their responsiveness during this difficult situation.”
Each year NORD honors organizations that have made a positive contribution to further the needs of the patient community, and have inspired the public to do so as well. Shire received the NORD Corporate Award for VPRIV because of its work to make the drug available to patients impacted by the ongoing disruption in supply of the only other marketed ERT for Type 1 Gaucher disease.
VPRIV was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 26, 2010, as a long-term treatment for adult and pediatric patients with Type 1 Gaucher disease. It has also been granted accelerated assessment by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in the European Union (EU). Shire expects to launch VPRIV in the EU in the second half of 2010, and in other countries beginning in 2011.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by NORD,” said Sylvie Gregoire, President of Shire HGT. “This award embodies the spirit of our organization, every employee at Shire is dedicated to developing and bringing forward new products, services and support offerings which can make a positive impact on patients daily lives. We look forward to collaborating with NORD on many other important initiatives in the future.”
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