WCTF.org Transplant News

Patients With Fatty Liver are at Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Prevalence Estimates Vary Widely, and Approach 25% Among Adults

Risk Factors for Fatty Liver Include Overweight, Type 2 Diabetes, and Sedentary Lifestyle

MILAN, April 24/PRNewswire/ -- Data presented at today's sessions of the 43rd Annual Meeting
of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) further confirm
that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its most severe form,
nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are associated with the metabolic
syndrome and pose an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

NAFLD and NASH are significant health problems that affect
millions of people worldwide, especially in Western countries. NAFLD is a
fatty accumulation in the liver that does not result from excessive use of
alcohol. When this condition progresses, and is associated with inflammation
and liver damage, it is then called NASH, which is thought to occur in 15% to
25% of cases of NAFLD. NASH is clearly associated with the risk of developing
liver cirrhosis, and its complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma,
the most frequent primary tumour of the liver. NASH-related cirrhosis is an
increasingly occurring indication for liver transplantation.

In turn, the metabolic syndrome is a combination of risk
factors, including high blood lipids, abdominal obesity, and a tendency to
diabetes. The association between NAFLD, NASH, and the metabolic syndrome is
a great cause for concern because people with the metabolic syndrome are at
increased risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, including
heart attack and stroke.

According to Dr. Fabio Marra, Associate Professor of Medicine
at the University of Florence, "When I see a patient with a fatty liver, I
have to consider all the other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and
try to intervene aggressively to limit the effects of those other factors,
because accumulating data indicate that the fatty liver may be itself an
additional risk factor."

The precise prevalence of NAFLD and NASH within individual
countries is elusive. Large scale epidemiological studies are still needed,
and definitive laboratory tests to identify patients with NASH are
unavailable. At present, a biopsy of the liver is the only accepted
diagnostic method. Despite these limitations, the best current estimates
suggest that in the general population NAFLD can be found in one-fourth to
one-third of adults in Western countries. One U.S. study of children who died
as a result of accidents found that 13% had NAFLD.

While a number of risk factors have been identified, the
foregoing percentages rise most dramatically among people who are obese. For
example, studies have found NAFLD in 84% to 96% of patients undergoing
bariatric surgery. For these reasons, NAFLD and NASH are seen to be
increasing as poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles become more
widespread.

Although NAFLD and NASH have not to date been included as
components of the metabolic syndrome, increasingly the onset of NAFLD is
being viewed by experts as an early event in the development of insulin
resistance and therefore as an indicator or predictor of future metabolic
syndrome.

Among key unanswered questions: Why do some people with NAFLD
live out their lives unaffected by their condition of having a fatty liver,
while others go on to develop NASH and cirrhosis, or diabetes and/or
cardiovascular disease?

At present, there are no specific therapies for NASH. Among
the chief recommendations offered to patients are to lose weight gradually
(particularly if one is obese) and to increase physical activity, to eat a
healthy diet, and to avoid alcohol.

About EASL

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)
aims to promote investigation into liver disease and improve the treatments
that currently exist for these conditions. The association, through its
annual meetings, seeks to inform and educate both the scientific community as
well as society in general about the increasing occurrence of liver diseases
along with the importance of understanding these conditions in order to treat
and prevent them. Since its creation in 1966, the EASL congress has been
hosted in 20 different European countries. Currently the association has over
1400 members and the annual congress attracts over 6000 delegates from over
65 countries each year.

Source: EASL - European Association for the Study of the Liver

For more information: Carolina Annand / Karine Elkobbi / Melisa Corrigan, carolinaannand@eurorscg.com / karine.elkobbi@eurorscg.com / melisa.corrigan@eurorscg.com; Tel. +33-617-43-03-38 / +33-6-61-17-44-77 / +39-328-411-01-38, Euro RSCG Life

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Profile: Transplant News

WASHINGTON, D.C. and SAN DIEGO, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- President George W. Bush personally recognized Sharp HealthCare today with the 2007 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award at a private event at the White House. Sharp HealthCare is one of only five organizations in the country, and the only one in California, to receive the 2007 Baldrige Award, the nation's highest Presidential honor for quality and organizational performance excellence.

(Photo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080423/LAW553)

Following the President's reception, Sharp representatives received the award from Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez in a ceremony held in conjunction with the Baldrige program's annual Quest for Excellence Conference. The Quest for Excellence Conference provides a forum for Baldrige Award recipients to showcase their exceptional performance practices and share their journeys to excellence with interested businesses and organizations from around the country and the world.

"The Baldrige criteria and our unwavering commitment to quality, satisfaction and continuous improvement have helped us toward our vision to be the best place to work, practice medicine and receive care," said Mike Murphy, President and CEO of Sharp HealthCare, which is one of the largest health care systems in Southern California. "We believe we are changing health care for the better, and the Baldrige evaluation process and recognition have fanned the flames of enthusiasm to continue on our quest."

At the forefront of Sharp's commitment to excellence is The Sharp Experience, a sweeping performance improvement initiative launched in 2001. This initiative has resulted in numerous advances in clinical outcomes, patient safety enhancements and organizational and service improvements. These include best-practice blood sugar control in patients with diabetes; technological innovations for patient safety; sustained improvements from use of Lean Six Sigma; employee turnover rates well below the industry average; physician satisfaction consistently in the top decile nationwide; and significantly improved patient satisfaction across the entire Sharp system.

In addition to receiving the 2007 Baldrige Award, Sharp HealthCare was the first health care system to be named a gold-level award recipient by the California Council for Excellence (CCE) for the California Awards for Performance Excellence (CAPE) program, the state-level affiliate of the Baldrige Award, in 2006.

Sharp HealthCare Named 2007 Baldrige Recipient

Last November, Sharp and the other 2007 Baldrige Award recipients were selected from among 84 applicants. All of the applicants were evaluated rigorously by an independent board of examiners in seven areas: leadership; strategic planning; customer and market focus; measurement, analysis and knowledge management; human resource focus; process management; and results. The evaluation process for the 2007 Baldrige Award recipients included about 1,000 hours of review and an on-site visit by teams of examiners to clarify questions and verify information in the applications.

About Sharp HealthCare

Ranked as the number-one integrated health care system in California by Modern Healthcare, Sharp HealthCare is San Diego's most comprehensive health care delivery system. It is recognized for clinical excellence for services in cardiac, cancer, and multiorgan transplantation, as well as orthopaedics, rehabilitation, behavioral health and women's health. The Sharp system includes four acute-care hospitals, three specialty hospitals, three affiliated medical groups and a health plan. To learn more about Sharp, visit http://www.sharp.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: NewsCom:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080423/LAW553
AP Archive:

http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN19
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Sharp HealthCare

CONTACT: John Cihomsky, +1-858-499-4117, john.cihomsky@sharp.com, or Erica
Carlson, +1-858-499-3052, erica.carlson@sharp.com, both of Sharp HealthCare

Web site:

http://www.sharp.com/
http://www.sharp.com/baldrige
http://baldrige.nist.gov/

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Profile: Transplant News

Online Availability Allows Women to Privately Test for Hair Loss

LITHIA SPRINGS, Ga., April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- NIOXIN(R) Research Laboratories, the leader in professional skincare for the scalp, has entered into an agreement with HairDX, LLC to market the world's first genetic test for predicting female hair loss. NIOXIN(R), known throughout the industry as a force in the thinning hair category, will market this test to consumers through multiple vehicles including professional salons and beauty stores.

Today's launch offers a chance at prevention for women at risk of losing their hair. The easy to understand test provides an accurate and understandable genetic analysis of a woman's likelihood of developing a common type of hair loss called Female Androgenetic Alopecia.

Scientists have identified markers associated with female hair loss and the test uses these markers to provide women with insight into their potential for hair loss. By providing a score called the CAG repeat score, a woman can learn about her likelihood of hair loss. A smaller CAG repeat score is associated with a higher risk for significant hair loss, also known as Ludwig grade II or III hair loss, while a larger repeat score is associated with a lower risk for hair loss.

"Scientists discovered that the percentage of the female population with a CAG repeat length of 15 or less, NOT suffering from a Ludwig grade II or III hair loss was only 2.3%," says Dr. Nathan Vandergraft, a Statistician and Research Scientist at the University of California, Irvine.

"NIOXIN is pleased to join forces with HairDX to be the first to bring this innovative technology to market for the benefit of women around the world who experience hair loss and seek a greater understanding of this issue. This is a highly sensitive concern for women and we take great pride in empowering them with valuable information in a format that ensures confidentiality," says Brian Graham, CEO of NIOXIN(R) Research Laboratories.

This simple and easy to use test costs $149. The customer orders the test kit on the Internet, at www.nioxin.com, and it is shipped to her home. After swabbing the inner cheek for several seconds the customer returns the swab to the HairDX lab. HairDX performs a confidential and anonymous genetic analysis of her CAG repeat score. The results are delivered via a secure and private Web site.

"This test is revolutionary. The cause of female hair loss is often elusive and at times misdiagnosed," said HairDX CEO Andy Goren. "While the cause of female hair loss may not be completely understood genetically, there are strong genetic markers that are associated with the risk of developing Androgenetic Alopecia. HairDX developed a breakthrough patent pending test for those markers."

NIOXIN(R) Research Laboratories has, for 20 years provided consumers and professionals with products that help restore scalp and hair health. The introduction of the Female Hair Loss Test allows the Company to help consumers realize the importance of scalp health in relation to healthy hair. This is very beneficial information for women when considering any kind of preventative treatment.

About NIOXIN(R) Research Laboratories Inc.

NIOXIN(R) is the leading provider of advanced skincare solutions that treat the scalp to improve the appearance of fine and thinning hair. Founded in 1987 by Eva Graham, this privately-held company has been dedicated to providing education and products for consumers through the professional salon industry around the world. Distributed in more than 42 countries on six continents, NIOXIN(R) continues to define the meaning of innovation and leadership for the global market of fine and thinning hair.

Additional information is available at www.nioxin.com or at 800-789-9617.

About HairDX

HairDX was founded by leading researchers and specialists in genetic analysis and hair therapies. The company is dedicated to helping people make the right decisions about hair care, treatment and restoration by providing accurate and accessible personalized scientific information.

Among HairDX founders is William V. Murray former Division President of the Molecular Biology Division of Applied BioSystems, Inc., who formerly served in various executive leadership positions within Medtronic, Andy Goren, former CEO of MobileWise, Inc. and GeePS, Inc., Eran Goren, CEO of enCircle Media, Inc., Professor Doron Lancet, PhD, Head of the Crown Human Genome Center at the Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Dr Elon Pras, Director of the Institute of Human Genetics, Sheba Medical Center in Tel-Hashomer, Israel, Sharon Keene, MD and President and Medical Director of Physician's Hair Institute, in Tucson, Arizona and nationally recognized for her pioneering work in the hair transplant field, Dr. Peter Novak, a Neurologist at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Elliott J. Stein, an intellectual property attorney and co-founder of GeePS, Inc., Mace Wolf, and Darlene Frie. HairDX, LLC is a subsidiary of myGenopedia, Inc.

More information is available at www.hairdx.com and www.hairdx.com/spanish

Source: NIOXIN(R) Research Laboratories Inc.

CONTACT: Nikki Walker of NIOXIN Research Laboratories, +1-678-229-3488,
nikki.walker@nioxin.com; or Rebecca Levy, for NIOXIN PR, +1-212-679-2233,
rlevy@bratskeir.com

Web site: http://www.nioxin.com/
http://www.hairdx.com/
http://www.hairdx.com/spanish

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Profile: Transplant News

Wyeth Withdraws European Application

COLLEGEVILLE, Pa., April 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE:WYE), announced today that it is withdrawing its application for an extension to the European Marketing Authorization for TYGACIL(R) (tigecycline). This extension sought approval of TYGACIL for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Wyeth's action is based on its understanding of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) assessment that the TYGACIL CAP pivotal clinical trials did not include a sufficient number of severely ill CAP patients to alleviate reviewer concerns regarding efficacy in this subpopulation. TYGACIL is currently approved in Europe for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections and complicated skin and soft tissue infections in adults.

"We are disappointed that we were not able to allay the concerns of the CHMP, and are evaluating the appropriate next steps to take in Europe," says Gary L. Stiles, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. "In October 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted the filing of our supplemental New Drug Application for TYGACIL for the treatment of patients with CAP. We believe that the clinical trial data submitted to the FDA, as well as other regulatory authorities around the world, demonstrate the safety and efficacy of TYGACIL for the proposed CAP indication."

The FDA is currently reviewing this application and a decision is expected during the second quarter of 2008. TYGACIL has been approved for use in patients with CAP in the Philippines and Thailand. Regulatory applications are also pending in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland and India.

Indications
TYGACIL(R) (tigecycline) is indicated for the treatment of adults with:
-- Complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by Escherichia
coli, Enterococcus faecalis (vancomycin-susceptible isolates only),
Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible and -resistant
isolates), Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus anginosus group
(includes S. anginosus, S. intermedius, and S. constellatus),
Streptococcus pyogenes, and Bacteroides fragilis
-- Complicated intra-abdominal infections caused by Citrobacter freundii,
Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella
pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis (vancomycin-susceptible isolates
only), Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates only),
Streptococcus anginosus group (includes S. anginosus, S. intermedius,
and S. constellatus), Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides
thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides uniformis, Bacteroides vulgatus,
Clostridium perfringens, and Peptostreptococcus micros

Important Safety Information
-- To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the
effectiveness of TYGACIL and other antibacterial drugs, TYGACIL should
be used only to treat infections proven or strongly suspected to be
caused by susceptible bacteria
-- Anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reactions have been reported with nearly all
antibacterial agents, including tigecycline, and may be life-
threatening
-- TYGACIL is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to
tigecycline
-- TYGACIL should be administered with caution in patients with known
hypersensitivity to tetracycline class antibiotics
-- Glycylcycline class antibiotics are structurally similar to
tetracycline class antibiotics and may have similar adverse effects.
Such effects may include: photosensitivity, pseudotumor cerebri, and
anti-anabolic action (which has led to increased BUN, azotemia,
acidosis, and hyperphosphatemia). As with tetracyclines, pancreatitis
has been reported with the use of TYGACIL
-- The safety and efficacy of TYGACIL in patients with hospital-acquired
pneumonia have not been established
-- In clinical trials, the most common treatment-emergent adverse events
in patients treated with TYGACIL were nausea (29.5%) and vomiting
(19.7%)
-- TYGACIL may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman
-- The safety and effectiveness of TYGACIL in patients below age 18 and
lactating women have not been established
-- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with
use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including TYGACIL, and may
range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis
-- Concurrent use of antibacterial drugs with oral contraceptives may
render oral contraceptives less effective
-- The use of TYGACIL during tooth development may cause permanent
discoloration of the teeth. TYGACIL should not be used during tooth
development unless other drugs are not likely to be effective or are
contraindicated
-- Prothrombin time or other suitable anticoagulant test should be
monitored if TYGACIL is administered with warfarin
-- Monotherapy should be used with caution in patients with clinically
apparent intestinal perforation
-- In patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child Pugh C), the initial
dose of TYGACIL should be 100 mg followed by 25 mg every 12 hours.
Patients should be treated with caution and monitored for treatment
response
-- The following drugs should not be administered simultaneously through
the same Y-site as TYGACIL: amphotericin B and diazepam

Please see Prescribing Information.

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals:

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth has leading products in the areas of women's health care, infectious disease, gastrointestinal health, central nervous system, inflammation, transplantation, hemophilia, oncology, vaccines and nutritional products.

Wyeth is one of the world's largest research-driven pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products, nutritionals and non-prescription medicines that improve the quality of life for people worldwide. The Company's major divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and Fort Dodge Animal Health.

The statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the inherent uncertainty of the timing and success of, and expense associated with, research, development, regulatory approval and commercialization of our products and pipeline products; government cost- containment initiatives; restrictions on third-party payments for our products; substantial competition in our industry, including from branded and generic products; emerging data on our products and pipeline products; the importance of strong performance from our principal products and our anticipated new product introductions; the highly regulated nature of our business; product liability, intellectual property and other litigation risks and environmental liabilities; uncertainty regarding our intellectual property rights and those of others; difficulties associated with, and regulatory compliance with respect to, manufacturing of our products; risks associated with our strategic relationships; economic conditions including interest and currency exchange rate fluctuations; changes in generally accepted accounting principles; trade buying patterns; the impact of legislation and regulatory compliance; risks and uncertainties associated with global operations and sales; and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our current reports on Form 8-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual report on Form 10-K, particularly the discussion under the caption "Item 1A, Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2008. The forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified by these risk factors. We assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals

CONTACT: Media Contacts: Sal Foti, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals,
+1-484-865-3490, or Douglas Petkus, Wyeth, +1-973-660-5218; or Investor
Contact: Justin Victoria, Wyeth, +1-973-660-5340

Web site:

http://www.wyeth.com/

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Profile: Transplant News

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida's elected leaders received a message from thousands of Floridians today -- more than 16,500 petitions urging Governor Charlie Crist and legislative leaders not to eliminate two vital Medicaid programs that serve 40,000 of the state's most vulnerable citizens.

Driven by ambulance and then carried into the state Capitol by gurney, the petitions ask Governor Crist, Senate President Ken Pruitt, and House Speaker Marco Rubio to save the Medically Needy and Medicaid/Aged and Disabled programs by tapping alternative sources of revenue. Petition signers are imploring Governor Crist and legislative leaders to:

-- Approve the use of the Lawton Chiles Endowment fund;
-- Access the Budget Stabilization fund or Rainy Day fund; or
-- Authorize an additional $1 per pack fee on cigarettes.

There has been some discussion lately on the use of the Chiles Endowment or the Rainy Day funds to relieve the budget cuts. Most recently, Governor Crist has stated publicly that the Rainy Day fund should be used.

Hoping to close a nearly $4 billion state budget shortfall, legislators are considering slashing $1.2 billion in health and human services programs this year -- including about $500 million in Medicaid reimbursement cuts to hospitals. That includes cutting nearly $355 million in state and federal funding for the hospital coverage of the Medically Needy and Medicaid/Aged and Disabled programs.

"Cuts to these programs reflect a shortsighted solution to the budget deficit," said Mark O'Bryant, president and CEO of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and vice chair of the Florida Hospital Association Board of Trustees. "With these 16,500 petitions, legislators are seeing just the first wave of Floridians who feel great concern over budget cuts that could prove life-threatening to many of our most vulnerable citizens."

The Florida Hospital Association generated the petitions in just one week after asking the hospital community and its supporters to speak out on the cuts. In addition to the petitions, about 42,000 e-mails were sent to members of the Senate and House Health and Human Services appropriations committees urging them not to cut the two Medicaid programs.

The Medically Needy program serves nearly 20,000 of the state's "working poor" and provides coverage to patients with chronic illnesses, catastrophic injuries, and organ transplants. The Medicaid/Aged and Disabled program -- targeted by the Senate for total elimination -- provides healthcare coverage for about 24,000 low-income elderly and people who are permanently or totally disabled.

"Many poor and sick Floridians hope legislators will think hard about the real life and death consequences of cutting these programs," said Mary Ellen Ross of Delray Beach, executive director of the Florida Transplant Survivors Coalition. Ross has been in the Medically Needy program since 1999, when she received a liver and bone marrow transplant. "If Medically Needy takes the hit lawmakers are proposing, it will cut the only lifeline available to uninsured victims of traumatic accidents and catastrophic illness, along with organ transplant recipients. It could literally mean death to many of these people."

In the petition, supporters asked the Governor and legislative leaders to invest $158 million in state funding into the hospital component of the Medically Needy and Medicaid/Aged and Disabled programs, which will allow Florida to draw down another $196 million in federal funds already earmarked to help the state's poor and sick.

Tony Carvalho, president of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, called the Legislature's plans to eliminate or cut back on these programs a "terrible" mistake. Carvalho noted that the Medically Needy program is a "safety net for all Floridians" because it provides healthcare coverage to citizens who are uninsured or suddenly lose their health insurance, and then suffer a catastrophic injury or serious illness that drains their personal finances.

"None of us can be assured that we will not need this program one day, through no fault of our own," Carvalho said.

"Cutting or reducing these programs will create human tragedy after tragedy, as many of these patients will be placed in life-threatening situations," he said. "On top of that, when you consider that our state stands to forfeit tens of millions in federal matching funds, what this adds up to is not only hurtful, but represents a bad business decision by the State of Florida."

All Floridians will be impacted by the Legislature's Medicaid cuts, Carvalho said. Local communities will be forced to raise local indigent care taxes. More sick people will crowd into emergency rooms, increasing the amount of free care that hospitals are forced to provide and raising the cost of healthcare for everyone else. Additionally, health premiums will increase, making Florida businesses less competitive and adding to the ranks of the state's uninsured, Carvalho said.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Florida Hospital Association; Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida

CONTACT: Rich Rasmussen, Vice President for Strategic Communications,
+1-850-222-9800, rich@fha.org; Tony Carvalho, President, +1-850-201-2096,
tony@fsthc.com

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Profile: Transplant News

Non-GAAP EPS Increased 22 Percent

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genzyme Corporation (NASDAQ:GENZ) today reported results for the first quarter of 2008, which featured excellent revenue growth, continued operating leverage, a significant increase in non-GAAP profit, and strong progress across the company.

First-Quarter Highlights
-- Total revenue for the quarter grew 25 percent to $1.1 billion from
$883.2 million in same period a year ago. This increase was driven by
growth across all product lines, led by strong growth in sales of
treatments for lysosomal storage disorders and renal disease.
Genzyme's top line now includes sales of Aldurazyme(R) (laronidase),
which previously were recorded as joint venture revenue.

-- GAAP net income in the first quarter was $145.3 million, or $0.52 per
diluted share, compared with $158.2 million, or $0.57 per diluted
share. GAAP net income in this year's first quarter reflects an after-
tax charge of $56.5 million for the premium related to Genzyme's
strategic investment in Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc.

-- Non-GAAP net income increased 24 percent to $260.9 million, compared
with $210.7 million in the first quarter a year earlier. Non-GAAP
earnings increased 22 percent to $0.95 per diluted share from $0.78 per
diluted share in the first quarter last year.

-- Non-GAAP operating expenses decreased as a percentage of revenue,
reflecting global operating leverage.

-- Genzyme continued to generate significant cash from operations and to
reinvest in the future of the company. In the first quarter, Genzyme
generated approximately $373 million in cash from net income prior to
one-time events and proceeds from the issuance of common stock. The
company invested approximately $122 million in capital projects to
expand manufacturing capacity to meet current and anticipated product
demand. The company also made a $150 million investment in Isis
Pharmaceuticals associated with the license of mipomersen, a highly
promising product candidate in late-stage development.

-- Genzyme is also using a portion of its operating cash flow to
repurchase shares under a three-year program to reduce the dilutive
effect of equity compensation. The company repurchased 1 million
shares in the first quarter and has repurchased approximately 4.5
million shares since this program began one year ago.

"We had a very strong first quarter to start the year," said Henri A. Termeer, Genzyme's chairman and chief executive officer. "We continue to focus on our commitment to deliver 20 percent non-GAAP earnings growth through 2011, while building the company to ensure that we sustain our growth over the longer term."

Financial Guidance
-- Genzyme expects 2008 non-GAAP earnings of approximately $3.90 per
diluted share, compared with prior guidance of $4.00 per diluted share.
This previously announced adjustment reflects the delay in FDA approval
of 2000L production capacity for Myozyme.

-- GAAP earnings in 2008 are expected to be approximately $2.65 per
diluted share, compared with prior guidance of approximately $2.75 per
diluted share. GAAP figures include anticipated amortization and
stock-compensation expenses and the effect of contingent convertible
debt.

-- Genzyme reaffirmed its commitment to 20 percent growth in compound non-
GAAP earnings per share through 2011. Non-GAAP earnings are projected
to rise to approximately $7.00 per diluted share by 2011.

-- Myozyme sales are expected to be approximately $275-$285 million this
year, compared to prior guidance of $320-$330 million.

-- Non-GAAP earnings per share for the second quarter are expected to be
in the mid $0.90s, reflecting ongoing investments to drive future
growth. These include investments in the U.S. launch of Renvela(R)
(sevelamer carbonate) and the expanded European introduction of
Clolar(R) (clofarabine), as well as investments in late-stage clinical
trials-particularly the phase 3 study of alemtuzumab for multiple
sclerosis. This estimate also reflects the constraints on U.S. Myozyme
sales.

First-Quarter Product Sales
-- Within the Therapeutics business, worldwide demand for Myozyme remains
robust two years into the product's launch. First-quarter sales rose
78 percent despite the delay in U.S. approval for 2000L production
capacity. Sales increased to $67.3 million from $37.9 million in the
period a year ago, driven by the number of new patients starting
therapy. As announced, the FDA will require Genzyme to submit a BLA to
obtain U.S. commercial approval for Myozyme produced at the 2000L
scale. The agency is expected to act on the application by the end of
this year.

-- First-quarter sales of Cerezyme(R) (imiglucerase for injection) rose 15
percent to $304.3 million, compared with $263.8 million in the previous
first quarter.

-- Sales of Fabrazyme(R) (agalsidase beta) grew 16 percent in the quarter,
rising to $116.5 million from $100.7 million in the first quarter last
year. Fabrazyme has captured more than a two thirds share of the
international market for Fabry disease treatment based on compelling
clinical data and an established global regulatory and commercial
organization.

-- Sales of Aldurazyme(R) (laronidase) increased 38 percent to $37.0
million in the first quarter, compared with $26.8 million in the same
quarter a year ago. Genzyme now records sales of Aldurazyme on its top
line and makes tiered payments to BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. on
worldwide product sales under a restructured agreement between the
companies.

-- Sales of Thyrogen(R) (thyrotropin alfa for injection) grew 28 percent
in the first quarter to $33.8 million from $26.3 million, reflecting
ongoing improvement in thyroid cancer detection and well-established
treatment guidelines. The use of Thyrogen in ablation procedures is
also contributing to the product's growth, following the December 2007
U.S. approval for this indication.

-- Within the Renal business, sales of sevelamer therapies Renagel(R)
(sevelamer hydrochloride) and Renvela grew 23 percent to $168.7 million
from $137.4 million in the first quarter last year. In March, Genzyme
launched Renvela in the United States, where the company is engaged in
active discussions with the FDA to expand the product's labeling to
include chronic kidney disease patients with hyperphosphatemia who are
not on dialysis. The three companies that currently market phosphate
binders are working collaboratively to provide the FDA with information
that will help the agency determine the appropriate treatment paradigm
for these patients. Genzyme anticipates that the Renvela label
expansion will take place at the latest by the middle of 2009. Genzyme
has also filed for European approval for Renvela in both the dialysis
and chronic kidney disease indications.

-- Within the Transplant business, first-quarter sales of Thymoglobulin(R)
(Anti-thymocyte Globulin [Rabbit]) and Lymphoglobuline(R) (Anti-
thymocyte Globulin [Equine]) rose 11 percent to $43.7 million from
$39.4 million. Worldwide demand for Thymoglobulin remains strong. The
product's growth over the past several quarters has been hindered by
supply constraints caused by a manufacturing issue during 2007 that
affected product appearance in some lots. Genzyme instituted a
procedure at its French manufacturing plant at the end of last year
that resolved this manufacturing issue. The company continues to
monitor Thymoglobulin lots produced last year and, if necessary, will
recall any lots that are expected to go out of specification prior to
the originally established expiry period. Genzyme expects
Thymoglobulin sales to accelerate in the second-half of this year as
supply levels increase to meet full demand for the product.

-- Within the Biosurgery business, sales of Synvisc(R) (hylan G-F 20) and
Synvisc-ONE(TM) (hylan G-F 20) rose to $56.1 million from $53.6
million, an increase of 5 percent. Synvisc-One received CE Mark
approval in the European Union in December, and Genzyme is preparing to
introduce the product into the marketplace, where it will be the only
treatment of its kind to provide six months of pain relief with a
single injection. The company has already launched the product in the
United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. Genzyme will pursue marketing
approvals for Synvisc-One in Canada, Asia and Latin America based on
the European CE mark approval, and FDA action on a marketing
application in the United States is expected later this year. By
simplifying osteoarthritis pain management and thereby reaching a
broader set of patients, Synvisc-ONE is expected to drive the
significant growth of this product franchise.

-- Sales of Sepra(R) products continued to be strong, rising 32 percent to
$30.6 million in the first quarter from $23.1 million in the same
quarter a year ago. The expanded U.S. sales force for Seprafilm(R)
adhesion barrier is reaching a broader range of physicians and helping
drive the product's growth in gynecologic and colorectal surgery.
Future growth of the product in C-section procedures and trauma
surgeries is expected.

-- First-quarter revenue for the Genetics business increased 12 percent to
$74.3 million from $66.2 million, fueled substantially by a higher
volume of reproductive diagnostic testing. The profitability of the
Genetics business is also increasing through improvements in operating
efficiencies, while Genzyme continues to invest in additional
information technology and infrastructure to strengthen the competitive
advantages the business has created. Genzyme Genetics recently
launched carrier and prenatal diagnostic testing for spinal muscular
atrophy, the most common inherited cause of infant mortality. These
tests are expected to support continued profitable growth in subsequent
quarters.

-- Oncology revenue increased 29 percent in the first quarter to $29.0
million from $22.4 million. This growth primarily 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 through its global commercial
and regulatory organization. Oncology revenue also reflects growing
first-line use of Campath(R) (alemtuzumab) in the treatment of patients
with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Late-State Development Programs

Genzyme continues to make strong progress in advancing programs within its late-stage development pipeline. These programs have significant potential to drive the company's growth beyond 2011.

Mozobil(TM) (plerixafor) for stem-cell transplantation

-- Genzyme plans to file mid year for U.S. and European approval for
Mozobil's use in treating patients with multiple myeloma and patients
with lymphoma. The company expects to launch the product in the United
States early next year upon approval and to rapidly expand the
product's availability around the world. The company anticipates peak
annual sales of the product in the transplant setting of $400 million.
Mozobil is an innovative product intended to enhance the mobilization
of stem cells for transplantation in patients with lymphoma and
multiple myeloma. In two pivotal clinical studies, Mozobil showed the
ability to quickly and predictably prepare cancer patients for a
transplant to treat their disease. Genzyme is also exploring
additional indications for Mozobil, including its potential use in
chemosensitization procedures.

Clolar for adult AML

-- Clolar is approved in the United States and Europe for the treatment of
acute lymphoblastic leukemia in relapsed and refractory pediatric
patients. Genzyme is developing the product for use globally as a
first-line therapy for the treatment of adult acute myeloid leukemia
(AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes, significantly larger indications
that the company estimates will drive peak annual sales of the product
to approximately $600 million. The company intends to submit a
supplemental new drug application in the United States later this year
to include an adult AML indication. This application will be based on
results from the CLASSIC II clinical trial involving older adult AML
patients. Preliminary data from this trial will be presented at the
American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in June.

Genzyme is developing a new filing for the adult AML indication in
Europe. This follows its withdrawal of Bioenvision's marketing
application, which, as expected, an advisory committee deemed
insufficient to support approval. Genzyme expects to make a new
submission as early as the fourth quarter of this year that will
include a more robust data package from Genzyme sponsored studies.

Alemtuzumab for multiple sclerosis

-- Final, three-year efficacy and safety data from the Phase 2 trial
comparing alemtuzumab with Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for the treatment
of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were presented last week
during a scientific platform session at the American Academy of
Neurology meeting by Dr. Alasdair Coles. These results confirm all
trends observed in the one- and two-year interim analyses. The two
ongoing Phase 3 trials further examining the efficacy and safety of
alemtuzumab for the treatment of MS are progressing. These two studies
are currently enrolling patients at sites in the United States, Europe,
Latin America and Australia. Genzyme believes that alemtuzumab has the
potential to be the best therapy in a market for MS drugs that is
projected to reach $8-9 billion annually when the treatment is expected
to be ready for launch in 2011-2012. Alemtuzumab is being developed in
collaboration with Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany.

Genz-112638 for Gaucher disease

-- Genzyme is making excellent progress in developing the small molecule
Genz-112638, a novel oral therapy intended for the treatment of Gaucher
disease. Initial results released one year ago for the first group of
study participants were encouraging. Genzyme expects to release
results by mid year for a larger number of patients, including results
for those patients who have completed the one year trial. Final
results for all trial participants will be available in the first
quarter of 2009. Genzyme is currently developing clinical trial
protocols for two Phase 3 studies of Genz-112638, and the company
anticipates initiating these studies early next year. Genzyme believes
that this oral product may offer a more convenient treatment option for
some patients.

Mipomersen for high-risk cardiovascular disease
Genzyme expects to finalize its license of mipomersen from Isis
Pharmaceuticals in the second quarter and subsequently communicate a
development plan for the product. Mipomersen is a lipid-lowering agent
being developed primarily for patients at significant cardiovascular
risk who are unable to achieve target cholesterol levels with statins
alone or who are intolerant of statins. The product offers an
innovative approach to addressing a serious unmet medical need, and
Genzyme believes it could prove to be the most effective lipid-lowering
agent for high risk cardiovascular disease patients for whom
conventional therapies are not sufficient. The product may provide
significant benefit over the standard of care and targets a well-defined
and severely ill patient population. Mipomersen is currently being
studied in a Phase 3 clinical trial involving patients with homozygous
familial hypercholesterolemia.

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Genzyme's financial outlook and business plans and strategies, including without limitation: its Q2 2008, YE 2008 and YE 20011 earnings guidance; its anticipated CAGR through 2011; its expectations for approval of Myozyme produced at the 2000L capacity and the timing thereof; its plans to seek regulatory approvals of existing products for use in new indications, including Renvela for CKD, the timetables therefore and the impact of such approvals on the company; its plans and estimated timetables for new and next- generation product filings, regulatory actions and launches, including for Mozobil, Clolar, alemtuzumab-MS, mipomersen, Genz-112638 and Synvisc-ONE and the assessment of the market potential of such products; its projected Myozyme revenues for 2008; and its anticipated growth drivers for certain products and businesses, including Genetics and Thymoglobulin. 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 successfully complete preclinical and clinical development of its products and product candidates, including Mozobil, Clolar, alemtuzumab-MS, mipomersen, and Genz-112638; Genzyme's ability to expand the use of current and next-generation products in existing and new indications, including Renvela and Synvisc-ONE; 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 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 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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 first 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 April 30, 2008.

Upcoming Events

Genzyme will host a conference call on July 23, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern to discuss financial results for the second 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 July 30, 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.

Media Contact: Investor Contact:
Bo Piela Patrick Flanigan
(617) 768-6579 (617) 768-6563

GENZYME CORPORATION (GENZ)
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, Three Months Ended
except per share amounts) March 31,
2008 2007

Total revenues $1,100,061 $883,183

Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of products and services sold (1) 272,313 202,463
Selling, general and administrative (1) 318,386 269,021
Research and development (1,2) 262,797 166,120
Amortization of intangibles 55,658 50,017
Total operating costs and expenses 909,154 687,621
Operating income (loss) 190,907 195,562

Other income (expenses):
Equity in income of equity method
investments 188 5,612
Minority interest 463 3,912
Gain (loss) on investments in
equity securities (3) 775 12,788
Other (160) (525)
Investment income 14,870 16,219
Interest expense (1,655) (4,188)
Total other income (expenses) 14,481 33,818
Income (loss) before income taxes (1) 205,388 229,380
(Provision for) benefit from income
taxes (1) (60,117) (71,193)
Net income (loss) (1) $145,271 $158,187

Net income (loss) per share:
Basic $0.54 $0.60

Diluted (1,4) $0.52 $0.57

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 267,276 263,476

Diluted (1,4) 285,208 279,924

(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
March 31,
2008 2007
Cost of products and services sold $(6,514) $(5,896)
Selling, general and administrative
expense (22,889) (22,499)
Research and development expense (12,585) (12,312)
Total pre-tax charges for stock-
based compensation expense (41,988) (40,707)
Tax benefit 12,537 12,432
Stock-based compensation expense,
net of tax $(29,451) $(28,275)

Diluted earnings per share and diluted weighted average shares outstanding
for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were computed according
to the provisions of FAS 123R.

(2) Includes a charge of $(69,900)K recorded in February 2008 representing
the premium paid to purchase five million shares of Isis
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. common stock.

(3) For the three months ended March 31, 2007, includes a pre-tax gain of
$10,848K related to the sale of our entire investment in the common
stock of Therapeutic Human Polyclonals, Inc. in March 2007, which had
a zero cost basis.

(4) 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 March 31, 2008 and 2007, have
been added back to net income and 9,686K shares have been added to
diluted weighted average shares outstanding for both of these periods
for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share.

GENZYME CORPORATION (GENZ)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, December 31,
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands) 2008 2007

Cash and all marketable securities $1,447,983 $1,460,394
Other current assets 1,818,541 1,661,740
Property, plant and equipment, net 2,118,960 1,968,402
Intangibles, net (1) 3,386,451 2,959,480
Other assets (2) 311,581 251,725
Total assets $9,083,516 $8,301,741

Current liabilities $1,475,663 $1,502,406
Noncurrent liabilities (1) 658,936 186,398
Stockholders' equity 6,948,917 6,612,937
Total liabilities and stockholders'
equity $9,083,516 $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 March 31, 2008, intangibles, net, includes $480,500K for the fair
value of the joint venture's manufacturing and commercialization
rights to Aldurazyme, offset by $(6,006)K of related accumulated
amortization. Noncurrent liabilities includes $474,494K 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 March 31, 2008 were not significant.

(2) As of March 31, 2008, Other assets includes $80,100K for the fair
value of the five million shares of Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. common
stock that we purchased in February 2008.

GENZYME CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP EARNINGS
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Dilution
Due to Premium on
Common Stock Strategic Equity
NON-GAAP Equivalents Investment

Income Statement
Classification:

Total revenues $1,100,061

Cost of products
and services sold $(265,799)

Selling, general and
administrative $(295,497)

Research and development $(180,312) $(69,900)

Amortization of
intangibles $-

Equity in income (loss)
of equity method
investments $188

Minority interest $463

Gains (losses) on
investments in equity
securities $775

Other $(160)

Investment income $14,870

Interest expense $(1,655)

Summary:

Income (loss) before
income taxes $372,934 $- $(69,900)

(Provision for) benefit
from income taxes $(112,039) $- $13,428

Net income (loss) $260,895 $- $(56,472)

Net income (loss)
per share:
Basic $0.98 $- $(0.21)

Diluted (1) $0.95 $(0.03) $(0.20)

Weighted average
shares outstanding:
Basic 267,276

Diluted (1) 275,522 9,686

FAS 123R GAAP As
Amortization Expense Reported

Income Statement
Classification:

Total revenues $1,100,061

Cost of products
and services sold $(6,514) $(272,313)

Selling, general
and administrative $(22,889) $(318,386)

Research and development $(12,585) $(262,797)

Amortization of
intangibles $(55,658) $(55,658)

Equity in income (loss)
of equity method investments $188

Minority interest $463

Gains (losses) on investments
in equity securities $775

Other $(160)

Investment income $14,870

Interest expense $(1,655)

Summary:

Income (loss) before income
taxes $(55,658) $(41,988) $205,388

(Provision for) benefit
from income taxes $25,957 $12,537 $(60,117)

Net income (loss) $(29,701) $(29,451) $145,271

Net income (loss) per share:
Basic $(0.11) $(0.12) $0.54

Diluted (1) $(0.10) $(0.10) $0.52

Weighted average shares
outstanding:
Basic 267,276

Diluted (1) 285,208

(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 for purposes of
computing GAAP As-Reported diluted earnings per share.

GENZYME 2008 GUIDANCE

April 21, 2008 Guidance
DESCRIPTION Ranges
Renagel / Renvela $690 $700
Total Renal 800 815

Cerezyme 1,215 1,240
Fabrazyme 495 505
Myozyme 275 285
Aldurazyme 135 145
Total Therapeutics 2,325 2,385

Total Transplant 210 220

Synvisc 270 280
Total Biosurgery 490 505

Total Diag/Genetics 475 485

Total Other 260 270
TOTAL REVENUE $4,450 $4,650

**GROSS MARGIN approx. 77%

**SG&A approx. 27%
**R&D approx. 17%
Net Interest / Other approx. 60

TAX RATE - GAAP approx. 30%
*TAX RATE - NON-GAAP approx. 31%

GENZ GAAP EPS approx. $2.65
AMORTIZATION approx. $0.55
FAS123 EXPENSE approx. $0.60
CONTINGENT CONVERTIBLE DEBT approx. $0.10
**GENZ NON-GAAP EPS $3.90

***WTD AVERAGE SHARES O/S approx. 274

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES approx. $500

This financial guidance, which is provided as part of a press release
dated April 21, 2008, is subject to all of the qualifications and
limitations described therein. Actual results may differ from these
forward-looking statements due to the numerous factors described in the
press release.

* Non-GAAP tax rate excludes the impact of amortization, one-time events,
FAS123R expense and EITF 04-8.
**Non-GAAP excludes the impact of amortization, one-time events, FAS123R
expense and EITF 04-8.
***WTD Average Shares Outstanding excludes the impact of EITF 04-8.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Genzyme Corp.

CONTACT: Media, Bo Piela, +1-617-768-6579, or Investors, Patrick
Flanigan, +1-617-768-6563, both of Genzyme Corporation

Web site:

http://www.genzyme.com/

Company News On-Call:

http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/113803.html

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Profile: Transplant News

29 Million EU Citizens (6%) Have Liver Diseases, 5th Most Common Cause of Death

Yearly, Liver Cancer Alone Takes 40,000 Lives; Alcohol Abuse Takes 13,000

Number With Fatty Liver Disease Stable or Growing; Viral Hepatitis Declines

MILAN, April 23/PRNewswire/ -- More than 6,000 physicians and scientists from around the
world gathered today in this historic Italian city to attend the opening
sessions of the 43rd Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study
of the Liver (EASL), which runs until April 27th. Not surprisingly, several
of the first presentations focused on trends in the prevalence of each of the
major liver diseases, including continuing declines in new cases of hepatitis
B and C, but stability or increases in fatty liver disease due either to
excessive consumption of alcohol or non-alcoholic causes (NAFLD -
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).

Hepatologists (liver disease specialists) study and treat a
variety of acute and chronic conditions affecting this largest internal organ
of the body. The acute category includes diseases that typically result from
inflammation or infection due to injurious agents such as viruses, alcohol,
and drugs. The most prominent conditions - each of which may arise in an
acute form but then progress to a chronic state -- are alcoholic liver
disease; hepatitis B, C, and D; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD);
and NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, the most severe subset of NAFLD).

The transition from an acute to a chronic state occurs when
the patient fails to recover and the acute infection or disease produces
ongoing damage to the liver. Cirrhosis - which refers to the death of liver
cells, altered cell regeneration, deposition of fibrous scar tissue, and
ultimately the impairment of liver function - represents the final stage of
many chronic liver diseases. Cirrhosis can only partially be reversed, but
treatments can stop or slow its progression. When uncontrollable
complications of cirrhosis occur, or when damage precludes sufficient liver
function, a liver transplant becomes necessary. Cirrhosis is the major risk
factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a primary
cancer of liver cells, which may also require transplantation.

Estimates suggest 10 million carriers of viral hepatitis in
Europe, of which over 8 million are infected with HCV. Although statistics
vary widely by country, HCV accounts for a large (or in some countries,
majority) proportion of all cases of cirrhosis and HCC. Although precise
figures are not available, alcoholic liver disease is a growing problem in
both Western and Eastern Europe, in part because of changing lifestyles and
the increasing numbers of women and adolescents who drink to excess (a
problem that in the past was largely a phenomenon of adult males). The
Dionysos study, conducted in Northern Italy, reported that 4% of the
population had alcoholic liver disease of varying severity. Alcoholic liver
disease is the second most common indication for liver transplantation, after
HCV. NAFLD and NASH denote fatty infiltration of the liver that are not due
to excessive alcohol, and are related instead to insulin resistance, type 2
diabetes, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome. These abnormalities are now
receiving considerable attention not only because they may progress to liver
cirrhosis, but also as additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The best current estimates suggest that in the general population NAFLD can
be found in 3% to 24% of adults.

Despite improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, the
overall costs of liver disease remain very high because of an increase
prevalence of selected conditions, and the common progression to a chronic
state possibly leading to life-threatening complications.

About EASL

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)
aims to promote investigation into liver disease and improve the treatments
that currently exist for these conditions. The association, through its
annual meetings, seeks to inform and educate both the scientific community as
well as society in general about the increasing occurrence of liver diseases
along with the importance of understanding these conditions in order to treat
and prevent them. Since its creation in 1966, the EASL congress has been
hosted in 20 different European countries. Currently the association has over
1400 members and the annual congress attracts over 6000 delegates from over
65 countries each year.

Source: EASL - European Association for the Study of the Liver

For more information: Carolina Annand / Karine Elkobbi / Melisa Corrigan, carolinaannand@eurorscg.com / karine.elkobbi@eurorscg.com /, melisa.corrigan@eurorscg.com, Tel. +33-617-43-03-38 / +33-6-61-17-44-77 / +39-328-411-01-38, Euro RSCG Life

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Profile: Transplant News