Shire announced Wednesday that the FDA granted priority review to velaglucerase alfa for the treatment of Type 1 Gaucher disease, and that a decision on the drug's approval is expected by February 28, 2010.

Velaglucerase alfa is already available to patients with Gaucher disease under a treatment protocol that was accepted by the FDA. The access programme is intended to address a shortage of Genzyme's Cerezyme (imiglucerase).

Reference Articles

FDA will fast-track review of Shire’s Gaucher disease treatment - (Boston Herald)

Shire: FDA grants priority review for Shire's velaglucerase - (Morningstar)

FDA grants priority review for Shire’s velaglucerase alfa for type 1 Gaucher disease - (Shire)

Shire Gaucher drug gets FDA priority review - (The Boston Globe)