Enzyme therapy in type 1 Gaucher disease: comparative efficacy of mannose-terminated glucocerebrosidase from natural and recombinant sources

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of mannose-terminated glucocerbrosidase prepared from natural (alglucerase; Ceredase, Genzyme Corp., Cambridge, Massachusetts) and recombinant (imiglucerase; Cerezyme, Genzyme Corp.) sources in treating type 1 Gaucher disease.

Design: Double-blind, randomized, parallel trial.

Setting: University medical center and clinical research hospital.

Patients: 15 patients (4 children and 11 adults) randomly assigned to receive Ceredase and 15 patients (3 children and 12 adults) assigned to receive Cerezyme.

Intervention: Ceredase and Cerezyme were infused every 2 weeks for 9 months at a dose of 60 U/kg body weight.

Outcome measures: Hemoglobin levels, platelet counts, and serum acid phosphatase and angiotensin-converting enzyme activities were monitored every 2 weeks during the trial. Hepatic and splenic volumes were assessed at the time of randomization and after 6 and 9 months of enzyme infusion. Formation of IgG antibodies to Ceredase or Cerezyme was monitored every 3 months by radioimmunoprecipitation assay.

Results: No significant differences were found in the rate or extent of improvement in hemoglobin levels, platelet counts, serum acid phosphatase or angiotensin-converting enzyme activities, or hepatic or splenic volumes between either treatment group. The incidence of IgG antibody formation was greater in the Ceredase group (40%) than in the Cerezyme group (20%). No major immunologic adverse events occurred in either group.

Conclusions: Our study shows the therapeutic similarity of Ceredase and Cerezyme. Cerezyme has the advantage of being theoretically unlimited in supply and free of potential pathogenic contaminants.