CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 23, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ ----Genzyme Corporation (Nasdaq: GENZ) today reported strong sales and profit growth in the second quarter, along with significant progress in its commercial and clinical programs.

Revenue increased 25 percent to approximately $1.171 billion from $933.4 million in last year's second quarter. The increase was driven by growth across all areas of the business.

GAAP net income was $69.6 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, compared with $83.8 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, in the second quarter a year ago. GAAP net income reflects the fee for the license to mipomersen, a highly promising cholesterol-lowering drug in late-stage development.

Non-GAAP net income increased to $268.5 million from $238.7 million in last year's second quarter. Non-GAAP earnings increased to $0.98 per diluted share from $0.88.

Genzyme continues to reinvest cash from operations to build a foundation for long-term growth. In the second quarter, the company generated approximately $329 million in cash from net income prior to one-time events and proceeds from the issuance of common stock. The company made a $175 million payment to Isis Pharmaceuticals to secure the rights to mipomersen, significantly strengthening its late-stage pipeline. Genzyme also invested approximately $130 million in capital projects, predominantly focused on expanding manufacturing capacity to meet current and anticipated product demand. To reduce the dilutive effect of equity compensation, the company used a portion of its cash to repurchase 1 million shares under its three-year stock buyback program.

"It was a strong and highly productive quarter," said Henri A. Termeer, Genzyme's chairman and chief executive officer. "We delivered solid financial results, set in place a number of catalysts that will drive near-term growth, and continued to build the company to grow beyond 2011."

Over the next 12 months, Genzyme anticipates six potential approvals for new products or broader indications for existing products. These catalysts will provide significant near term momentum:

-- Genzyme expects FDA approval by the end of this year for alglucosidase alfa (Myozyme(R)) produced at the 2000L bioreactor scale, following the submission of a BLA on May 30. European approval of Myozyme produced at the 4000L scale is expected in the first half of next year.

-- The company anticipates that the labeling for Renvela(R) (sevelamer carbonate) will be expanded by mid-2009 to include the treatment of chronic kidney disease patients with elevated phosphorus levels who are not on dialysis. Genzyme, along with two other companies, submitted a position paper to the FDA in May regarding this expanded use of phosphate binders.

-- Genzyme also expects that the labeling for Clolar(R) (clofarabine) will be expanded by the middle of next year to include its use in treating adult patients with acute myelogenous leukemia. The company plans to file supplemental marketing applications this year to broaden Clolar's indication.

-- Genzyme expects to launch Mozobil(TM) (plerixafor) in the United States and Europe during the first half of next year, following regulatory approval. The company submitted marketing applications for the product last month. Mozobil is intended to enable patients with certain types of cancers to successfully receive a stem-cell transplantation.

-- FDA action on Genzyme's marketing application for Synvisc-ONE(R) (hylan G-F 20) is anticipated this year. The company submitted a response to the agency in June that included additional analysis and data requested in a November 2007 letter.

Genzyme continues to expect non-GAAP earnings for this year of approximately $3.90 per diluted share. GAAP earnings in 2008 are expected to be approximately $2.20 per diluted share. The GAAP estimate now reflects Genzyme's equity investment in Isis Pharmaceuticals, the mipomersen licensing fee, along with anticipated amortization, stock-compensation expenses and the effect of contingent convertible debt.

Second-Quarter Product Sales

Within the Therapeutics business, Myozyme revenue rose 65 percent compared with last year's second quarter, despite the constraint on U.S. sales resulting from the delay in approval of 2000L-scale production. Revenue increased to $77.2 million from $46.7 million in the same period a year ago. The FDA is expected to convene an advisory committee meeting in October to discuss the BLA for alglucosidase alfa produced at the 2000L-scale, as required for all new drug and biologics license applications under the FDA Amendments Act enacted last year. FDA approval of 2000L-scale production is needed to provide broader access to product for adult patients in the United States.

The launch of Myozyme has been more rapid than the launch of any of Genzyme's other treatments for lysosomal storage disorders, driven by faster than expected adoption by physicians and patients and consistent support from health authorities in more than 40 countries. To meet the global demand for Myozyme, Genzyme is working to secure approval of production at its 4000L bioreactor scale manufacturing plant in Belgium, which would significantly expand capacity. The company is conducting process validation runs for Myozyme produced at the 4000L-scale, which it expects to complete this year and subsequently file for EMEA approval. The company expects that European authorities will approve Myozyme production at the facility during the first half of 2009. Approval of 4000L-scale production in Belgium will be necessary to meet the anticipated global demand for Myozyme. Product supply in 2009 is expected to be particularly tight until the Belgium plant is approved.

Genzyme's other treatments for lysosomal storage disorders also continue to experience strong, double-digit growth. Second-quarter Cerezyme(R) (imiglucerase for injection) sales rose 13 percent to $319.4 million, compared with $283.0 million in the previous second quarter. Sales of Fabrazyme(R) (agalsidase beta) grew 21 percent, rising to $126.6 million from $104.3 million. Sales of Aldurazyme(R) (laronidase) increased 33 percent to $38.8 million, compared with $29.1 million in the second quarter last year when the product's sales were recorded under the joint venture with BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

The company also reported preliminary results from a Phase 2 trial of its investigational oral therapy for Gaucher disease Genz-112638. The results were consistent with those observed for patients beginning enzyme replacement therapy, and they highlight the potential of this compound to provide a convenient treatment alternative for patients and a broader range of treatment options for physicians. Genzyme is developing protocols for two Phase 3 trials that it expects to initiate early next year.

Sales of Thyrogen(R) (thyrotropin alfa for injection) remained strong, increasing 34 percent to $39.4 million from $29.5 million. The use of Thyrogen in ablation procedures is contributing to the product's growth in the United States, while its growth in Europe is being driven by increasing diagnosis of thyroid cancer and its international adoption is being driven by expansion into new geographic markets.

Within the Renal business, sales of sevelamer therapies Renagel(R) (sevelamer hydrochloride) and Renvela grew 16 percent to $168.6 million from $144.9 million in the second quarter last year. Genzyme launched Renvela in the United States in March, and the product is now included in more than 85 percent of health plan formularies. Formulary access equal to that of Renagel is expected by the end of the third quarter, ahead of Genzyme's expectations.

Within the Transplant business, second-quarter sales of Thymoglobulin(R) (Anti-thymocyte Globulin [Rabbit]) and Lymphoglobuline(R) (Anti-thymocyte Globulin [Equine]) rose 10 percent to $45.6 million from $41.4 million in the second quarter last year. Worldwide demand for Thymoglobulin continues to grow, and Genzyme is working to build inventory to meet anticipated demand following resolution of a manufacturing issue during 2007 that affected product appearance in some lots. The company has begun construction of a new manufacturing plant for Thymoglobulin in France to support the long-term growth of the product.

Genzyme continues to prepare for the U.S. and European launch of Mozobil next year, and it is also planning to seek regulatory approvals globally. The company anticipates peak annual sales of Mozobil in the transplant setting of $400 million. More than 900 patients have already received the product through a compassionate use program in the United States, and similar compassionate use programs have recently begun in Europe. Genzyme continues to invest in studies exploring additional potential applications for Mozobil, including its use in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Within the Biosurgery business, sales of Synvisc(R) (hylan G-F 20) and Synvisc-ONE rose to $70.9 million from $64.9 million, an increase of 9 percent. The growth was driven by the increasing strength of Synvisc in the U.S. market and the initiation of direct sales of the product in Latin America. Genzyme is introducing Synvisc-ONE in a growing number of European and Southeast Asian countries. The product is designed to simplify osteoarthritis pain management and thereby reach a broader set of patients.

Also within the Biosurgery business, sales of Sepra(R) products have remained consistently strong over recent quarters. Sales rose 39 percent in this year's second quarter to $34.8 million from $25.1 million in the same quarter a year ago. This growth is being driven by the expanded U.S. sales force for Seprafilm(R) adhesion barrier, which is helping to expand the product's use in gynecologic and colorectal surgery and C-section procedures.

Second-quarter revenue for the Genetics business increased 7 percent to $78.5 million from $73.7 million. This growth was driven in part by the continuing demand for prenatal screening for genetic conditions. Additionally, Genzyme experienced increased demand for its KRAS mutation testing for colorectal cancer, as recent studies have shown that identifying KRAS mutations can assist oncologists in selecting treatment for patients with colorectal cancer. This increasing recognition of the value of diagnostics in personalized medicine will continue to fuel organic growth in the Genetics business.

Oncology revenue rose in the second quarter to $33.3 million from $17.4 million based on increasing sales of Clolar and Campath(R) (alemtuzumab). The increase also reflects the addition of European sales of Clolar, which Genzyme began recording following its acquisition of Bioenvision Inc. late last year. Genzyme is working to introduce Clolar worldwide as well as expand its indications. The product is currently approved in the United States and Europe as a third-line treatment for pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Genzyme is developing Clolar for use globally as a first-line therapy for adult AML and myelodysplastic syndromes, significantly larger indications that the company estimates will drive peak annual sales of the product to approximately $600 million. Last month, Genzyme reported encouraging results from its pivotal CLASSIC II trial evaluating the use of Clolar to treat older adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Oncology revenue also reflects growing first-line use of Campath in the treatment of patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Genzyme took a number of major steps during the second quarter to create opportunities for growth beyond 2011 by significantly strengthening its pipeline and expanding its global infrastructure:

-- The company secured exclusive worldwide rights to mipomersen, an innovative cholesterol-lowering drug in Phase 3 development that has the potential to change the standard of care for severely ill patients whose needs cannot be addressed by current therapies.

-- Genzyme also formed a collaboration this month with PTC Therapeutics to develop and commercialize PTC124, a novel oral therapy under development initially for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. The product has broad potential in a range of other inherited disorders.

-- Genzyme continued to enroll patients in two ongoing Phase 3 trials of alemtuzumab for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Final, three-year efficacy and safety data from the Phase 2 trial comparing alemtuzumab with Rebif(R) (interferon beta-1a) for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were presented during the quarter as part of a scientific platform session at the American Academy of Neurology. The company is awaiting publication of these results.

-- Genzyme announced plans for a research and development center in China and also began building a commercial organization in India, initiatives that reflect the company's commitment to establishing a long-term presence in both countries.

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Genzyme's financial outlook and business plans and strategies, including without limitation: its 2008 earnings guidance; its expectations for approval of Myozyme produced at the 2000L and 4000L-scale capacities, the timing thereof and its assessment of product supply; its plans to seek regulatory approvals of existing products for use in new indications, including Renvela for CKD and Clolar for adult AML, the timetables therefore and the impact of such approvals on the company; its plans and estimated timetables for new and next- generation product filings, approvals and launches, including for Mozobil, Genz-112638, and Synvisc-ONE, its estimates of the sales potential of Clolar and Mozobil; its anticipated growth drivers for certain products and businesses, including Genetics; and its expectations for Renvela formulary access. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forecasted. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: Genzyme's ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for products and manufacturing facilities, including Myozyme produced at the 2000L scale in the US and at the 4000L scale in Europe and the timing of receipt of such approvals; Genzyme's ability to successfully complete preclinical and clinical development of its products and product candidates, including Mozobil and Genz-112638; Genzyme's ability to expand the use of current and next-generation products in existing and new indications, including Renvela, Clolar and Synvisc-ONE; Genzyme's ability to manufacture its products, including Thymoglobulin and its LSD therapies in a timely and cost effective manner and in sufficient quantities to meet demand; and the risks and uncertainties described in Genzyme's SEC reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including the factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in Genzyme's 2008 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. Genzyme cautions investors not to place substantial reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. These statements speak only as of today's date and Genzyme undertakes no obligation to update or revise the statements.

Genzyme(R), Myozyme(R), Fabrazyme(R), Cerezyme(R), Thyrogen(R), Renagel(R), Renvela(R), Thymoglobulin(R), Synvisc(R), Campath(R) and Clolar(R) are registered trademarks of and Mozobil(TM) and Synvisc-ONE(TM) are unregistered trademarks of Genzyme or its subsidiaries. Aldurazyme(R) is a registered trademark of BioMarin/Genzyme LLC. All rights reserved.

About Genzyme

One of the world's leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. Since 1981, the company has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with more than 10,000 employees in locations spanning the globe and 2007 revenues of $3.8 billion. In 2007, Genzyme was chosen to receive the National Medal of Technology, the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States for technological innovation.

With many established products and services helping patients in nearly 90 countries, Genzyme is a leader in the effort to develop and apply the most advanced technologies in the life sciences. The company's products and services are focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, orthopaedics, cancer, transplant, and diagnostic testing. Genzyme's commitment to innovation continues today with a substantial development program focused on these fields, as well as immune disease, cardiovascular disease, and other areas of unmet medical need.

Conference Call Information

Genzyme will host a conference call today at 11:00 a.m. Eastern to discuss results for the second quarter of 2008. To participate in the call, please dial 1-773-799-3828 and refer to passcode "Genzyme." A replay of this call will be available by dialing 402-998-1342. This call will also be Webcast live on the investor events section of www.genzyme.com. Replays of the call and the Webcast will be available until midnight July 30, 2008.

Upcoming Events

Genzyme will host a conference call on October 22, 2008 at 11: 00 a.m. Eastern to discuss financial results for the third quarter of 2008. To participate in the call, please dial 773-799-3828 and refer to pass code "Genzyme." A replay of this call will be available by dialing 402-998-1342. This call will also be Webcast live on the investor events section of www.genzyme.com. Replays of the call and the Webcast will be available until midnight on October 29, 2008.

Genzyme's press releases and other company information are available at www.genzyme.com and by calling Genzyme's investor information line at 1-800- 905-4369 within the United States or 1-678-999-4572 outside the United States.

 GENZYME CORPORATION
   (GENZ) Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended
   Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 Total revenues $1,171,134 $933,419 $2,271,195 $1,816,602 Operating
   costs and expenses: Cost of products and services sold(1) 300,330 217,598 572,643 420,061 Selling, general and administrative(1,2)
   347,305 339,480 665,691 608,501 Research and development (1,3,4) 381,861 198,442 644,658 364,562 Amortization of intangibles
   55,605 49,465 111,263 99,482 Total operating costs and expenses 1,085,101 804,985 1,994,255 1,492,606 Operating income 86,033
   128,434 276,940 323,996 Other income (expenses): Equity in income of equity method investments - 5,945 188 11,557 Minority
   interest 563 15 1,026 3,927 Gain on investments in equity securities, net(5,6) 9,153 143 9,928 12,931 Other 19 (278) (141)
   (803) Investment income 13,352 17,246 28,222 33,465 Interest expense (1,149) (3,621) (2,804) (7,809) Total other income (expenses)
   21,938 19,450 36,419 53,268 Income before income taxes(1) 107,971 147,884 313,359 377,264 Provision for income taxes(1) (38,407)
   (64,090) (98,524) (135,283) Net income(1) $69,564 $83,794 $214,835 $241,981 Net income per share: Basic $0.26 $0.32 $0.80
   $0.92 Diluted(1,7) $0.25 $0.31 $0.77 $0.88 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 266,904 263,911 267,127 263,693 Diluted(1,7)
   284,262 280,564 285,028 280,244 (1) In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Statement
   of Financial Accounting Standards No., or FAS, 123R, "Share-Based Payment, an amendment of FASB Statement Nos. 123 and 95,"
   we recorded pre-tax charges for stock-based compensation expense and related tax benefits of: Three Months Ended Six Months
   Ended June 30, June 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 Cost of products and services sold $(6,311) $(6,865) $(12,825) $(12,761) Selling,
   general and administrative expense (31,904) (35,248) (54,793) (57,747) Research and development expense (16,092) (19,143)
   (28,677) (31,455) Total pre-tax charges for stock-based compensation expense (54,307) (61,256) (96,295) (101,963) Tax benefit
   16,834 18,703 29,371 31,135 Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $(37,473) $(42,553) $(66,924) $(70,828) Diluted earnings
   per share and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were computed
   according to the provisions of FAS 123R. (2) Includes a pre-tax charge of $(64,000)K recorded in June 2007 to settle the litigation
   related to the consolidation of our former tracking stocks. (3) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, includes
   a pre-tax charge of $(25,000)K for an upfront milestone payment paid to Ceregene Inc. in June 2007 for the development and
   commercialization of certain gene therapy products. (4) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, includes a pre-tax
   charge of $(175,000)K for a license fee paid to Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Isis") in June for the exclusive worldwide rights
   of mipomersen. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, also includes a pre-tax charge of $(69,900)K representing the premium
   paid to purchase five million shares of Isis common stock in February 2008. (5) For the six months ended June 30, 2007, includes
   a pre-tax gain of $10,848K recorded on the sale of our entire investment in the common stock of Therapeutic Human Polyclonals
   Inc. in March 2007, which had a zero cost basis. (6) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, includes a net pre-tax
   gain of $9,015K recorded in the second quarter of 2008, consisting of a pre-tax gain of $10,304K resulting from the liquidation
   of our investment in the common stock of Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., offset in part by a pre-tax impairment charge of $(1,289)K
   related to our investment in the common stock of GTC Biotherapeutics, Inc. (7) All periods reflect the adoption of Emerging
   Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-8, "The Effect of Contingently Convertible Debt on Diluted Earnings Per Share," or EITF 04-8.
   As a result of the adoption of EITF 04-8, the 9,686K shares issuable upon conversion of our $690.0 million in principal of
   1.25% convertible senior notes, which were issued in December 2003, are now included in diluted weighted average shares outstanding
   for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share, unless the effect would be anti-dilutive. In accordance with EITF 04-8,
   interest and debt fees related to these notes of $1.9 million, net of tax, for both the three months ended June 30, 2008 and
   2007, and $3.8 million, net of tax, for both the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 have been added back to net income
   and 9,686K shares have been added to diluted weighted average shares outstanding for each of those periods for purposes of
   computing diluted earnings per share. GENZYME CORPORATION (GENZ) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited, amounts
   in thousands) June 30, December 31, 2008 2007 Cash and all marketable securities $1,254,494 $1,460,394 Other current assets
   1,868,455 1,661,740 Property, plant and equipment, net 2,212,044 1,968,402 Intangibles, net (1) 3,394,232 2,959,480 Other
   noncurrent assets (2) 453,627 251,725 Total assets $9,182,852 $8,301,741 Current liabilities $1,492,143 $1,502,406 Noncurrent
   liabilities (1) 649,305 186,398 Stockholders' equity 7,041,404 6,612,937 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $9,182,852
   $8,301,741 (1) Effective January 1, 2008, in connection with the restructuring of BioMarin/Genzyme LLC, our joint venture
   with BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., we licensed certain rights to commercialize Aldurazyme from the joint venture and, in accordance
   with the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46R, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities," began consolidating the
   results of the joint venture at fair value. As of June 30, 2008, intangibles, net, includes $480,500K for the fair value of
   the joint venture's manufacturing and commercialization rights to Aldurazyme, offset by $(12,012)K of related accumulated
   amortization. Our noncurrent liabilities includes $468,488K of additional net liabilities related to the fair value of these
   rights. Excluding these rights, the fair values of the assets and liabilities of the joint venture as of June 30, 2008 were
   not significant. (2) As of June 30, 2008, other noncurrent assets includes $80,100K for the fair value of the five million
   shares of Isis common stock that we purchased in February 2008. GENZYME CORPORATION RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP EARNINGS
   For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) Dilution Gain on Due to Investment
   Common Stock in Equity NON-GAAP Equivalents Securities Income Statement Classification: Total revenues $1,171,134 Cost of
   products and services sold $(294,019) Selling, general and administrative $(315,401) Research and development $(190,769) Amortization
   of intangibles $- Purchase of in-process research and development $- Equity in income (loss) of equity method investments
   $- Minority interest $563 Gains (losses) on investments in equity securities $138 $9,015 Other $19 Investment income $13,352
   Interest expense $(1,149) Summary: Income (loss) before income taxes $383,868 $- $9,015 (Provision for) benefit from income
   taxes $(115,322) $- $(3,283) Net income (loss) $268,546 $- $5,732 Net income (loss) per share: Basic $1.01 $- $0.02 Diluted
   (1) $0.98 $(0.03) $0.02 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 266,904 Diluted (1) 274,576 9,686 License FAS 123R GAAP
   Fee Amortization Expense As Reported Income Statement Classification: Total revenues $1,171,134 Cost of products and services
   sold $(6,311) $(300,330) Selling, general and administrative $(31,904) $(347,305) Research and development $(175,000) $(16,092)
   $(381,861) Amortization of intangibles $(55,605) $(55,605) Purchase of in-process research and development $- Equity in income
   (loss) of equity method investments $- Minority interest $563 Gains (losses) on investments in equity securities $9,153 Other
   $19 Investment income $13,352 Interest expense $(1,149) Summary: Income (loss) before income taxes $(175,000) $(55,605) $(54,307)
   $107,971 (Provision for) benefit from income taxes $33,749 $29,615 $16,834 $(38,407) Net income (loss) $(141,251) $(25,990)
   $(37,473) $69,564 Net income (loss) per share: Basic $(0.53) $(0.10) $(0.14) $0.26 Diluted (1) $(0.50) $(0.09) $(0.13) $0.25
   Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 266,904 Diluted (1) 284,262 (1) GAAP As-Reported diluted earnings per share and
   diluted weighted average shares outstanding reflect the adoption of EITF 04-8. In accordance with the provisions of EITF 04-8,
   interest and debt fees related to our 1.25% convertible senior notes of $1,886K, net of tax, have been added back to net income
   and approximately 9,686K shares have been added to diluted weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of computing GAAP
   As-Reported diluted earnings per share. 

SOURCE Genzyme Corporation

http://www.genzyme.com 

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